No, this isn't a post about any internal sickness related to receiving the flu shot... this is about the physical effects.
I got my flu shot last Thursday in the right shoulder. The needle went in at the top of my shoulder, just below the acromion. The shot itself did not hurt at all, but within about 4 hours, DANG! My shoulder was incredibly sore, slightly swollen, and hurt like heck to raise my arm above my head. I tried to swim the next day and only managed 200 yards before resorting to an all-kick workout. By yesterday (Tuesday) the shoulder was feeling pretty much back to normal.
Yes, it's possible I'm the wimpiest whiniest patient ever to grace the earth (my poor 2 year old typically gets 4 immunization shots all at once when she visits the doctor and might roll her eyes at this post could she read), but still. Has this ever happened to anyone?
So... Just wanted to send out a warning that anyone getting the flu shot might want to get it AFTER their big fall meet (if you're planning on a SCM meet) or when you're in a training lull or maybe ask to get the shot in the leg/somewhere other than the shoulder.
Parents
Former Member
All I can say is keep moving your arm, as much as it hurts. The worst thing you can do is baby it. At last my friend told me that...she's a nurse praticioner. I think she knows what she's talking about.
I remember we were forced to get them in college. Team requirement. So my teammates and I got them after practice one evening. I ate dinner and lounged around most of the night, so I didn't notice the soreness/stiffness.
Next morning, back at the pool. I felt like my left arm had been lifting weights all night. I never felt soreness like that before. Almost none of us could hold our arms up to even stretch them. It was HORRIBLE!! Worst feeling ever. Then we had to go swim for 2 hrs. Haha.
It lasted 2-3 days. It sucked, but I managed to avoid the flu for the years I got it.
All I can say is keep moving your arm, as much as it hurts. The worst thing you can do is baby it. At last my friend told me that...she's a nurse praticioner. I think she knows what she's talking about.
I remember we were forced to get them in college. Team requirement. So my teammates and I got them after practice one evening. I ate dinner and lounged around most of the night, so I didn't notice the soreness/stiffness.
Next morning, back at the pool. I felt like my left arm had been lifting weights all night. I never felt soreness like that before. Almost none of us could hold our arms up to even stretch them. It was HORRIBLE!! Worst feeling ever. Then we had to go swim for 2 hrs. Haha.
It lasted 2-3 days. It sucked, but I managed to avoid the flu for the years I got it.
