Flu shots are generally safe and effective in protecting against the flu, but side effects can occur, including a high fever.
What Causes a High Fever After a Flu Shot?
A high fever after a flu shot is most commonly caused by the body’s immune response to the vaccine. The vaccine triggers the immune system to produce antibodies against the flu virus, and this process can sometimes cause a fever.
How Common is a High Fever After a Flu Shot?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a high fever (over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) is a rare side effect of the flu shot. Only about 1 in 100 children experience a high fever after getting a flu shot.
What are the Symptoms of a High Fever After a Flu Shot?
The symptoms of a high fever after a flu shot can include:
- Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
How to Treat a High Fever After a Flu Shot
If your toddler has a high fever after a flu shot, there are a few things you can do to treat it:
- Give your child plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, or Pedialyte.
- Dress your child in light, loose clothing.
- Use a cool washcloth to wipe your child’s forehead, chest, and back.
- Give your child a lukewarm bath.
- Do not give your child aspirin or ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your doctor if your child’s fever is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, if it lasts for more than 24 hours, or if your child is not responding to treatment.
How to Prevent a High Fever After a Flu Shot
There is no surefire way to prevent a high fever after a flu shot, but there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk:
- Make sure your child is well-rested and healthy before getting the flu shot.
- Give your child a small dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the flu shot.
- Apply a cold compress to your child’s forehead before and after the flu shot.
Conclusion
A high fever after a flu shot is a rare but possible side effect. If your toddler experiences a high fever after getting a flu shot, there are a few things you can do to treat it. It is important to call your doctor if your child’s fever is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit, if it lasts for more than 24 hours, or if your child is not responding to treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a high fever and a fever?
A fever is a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. A high fever is a body temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
How long does a high fever after a flu shot typically last?
A high fever after a flu shot typically lasts for 12-24 hours.
Can a high fever after a flu shot cause seizures?
In rare cases, a high fever after a flu shot can cause seizures. This is more likely to happen in children who have a history of seizures.
What should I do if my child has a high fever after a flu shot?
If your child has a high fever after a flu shot, you should call your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine if your child needs any treatment.
Tables
Table 1: Symptoms of a High Fever After a Flu Shot
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher | A high fever is a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. |
| Chills | Chills are a feeling of coldness that can occur when your body is trying to raise its temperature. |
| Sweating | Sweating is a way that your body cools down. |
| Headache | A headache is a pain in the head. |
| Body aches | Body aches are pains in the muscles or joints. |
| Fatigue | Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. |
| Nausea | Nausea is a feeling of queasiness or an upset stomach. |
| Vomiting | Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. |
| Diarrhea | Diarrhea is the frequent passing of loose or watery stools. |
Table 2: How to Treat a High Fever After a Flu Shot
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Give your child plenty of fluids | Fluids help to prevent dehydration. |
| Dress your child in light, loose clothing | Light, loose clothing helps to keep your child cool. |
| Use a cool washcloth to wipe your child’s forehead, chest, and back | A cool washcloth can help to lower your child’s temperature. |
| Give your child a lukewarm bath | A lukewarm bath can help to lower your child’s temperature. |
| Do not give your child aspirin or ibuprofen unless directed by a doctor | Aspirin and ibuprofen can increase the risk of bleeding in children with a high fever. |
Table 3: When to Call the Doctor
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Your child’s fever is over 104 degrees Fahrenheit | Call your doctor immediately. |
| Your child’s fever lasts for more than 24 hours | Call your doctor. |
| Your child is not responding to treatment | Call your doctor. |
Table 4: How to Prevent a High Fever After a Flu Shot
| Prevention Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Make sure your child is well-rested and healthy before getting the flu shot | A well-rested and healthy child is less likely to have a high fever after a flu shot. |
| Give your child a small dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the flu shot | Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to reduce the risk of a high fever after a flu shot. |
| Apply a cold compress to your child’s forehead before and after the flu shot | A cold compress can help to lower your child’s temperature and reduce the risk of a high fever. |
