Is it normal to get a huge lump on your arm after getting a flu shot?

76% Normal
13 Comments

Two days ago I went to the doctor and he said he highly recommended that I get a flu shot. I heard that flu shots weren't good for you, but since HE was an actual doctor I figured he might know best. I received the shot and now I have a huge red lump on my arm. It hurts and I don't know what to do! :(

Should I go to the doctor again or wait it out? Is this even normal? I tried to google some information but I didn't find anything good.

Voting Results
76% Normal
Based on 435 votes (330 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 13 )
  • Bannef
    12 years ago

    I don't think so? Easy enough to check, and you don't even need a doctor (although definitely see one if it gets worst!) just pop into your nearest pharmacy and ask the pharmacist - all the Walgreens and CVSs near me are still giving the shot.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • Innocent_Bystander
    9 years ago

    I have gotten the flu vaccine for 10+ years ~ this year I got an intradermal vaccination for the first time, I've never had a reaction on my arm before, but this year I did. From the CDC website : "Common reactions to the intradermal flu shot included redness, swelling, toughness, pain, and itching at the injection site. With the exception of pain, these side effects were more common with the intradermal shot than they are with regular flu shots. Other side effects included headache, muscle ache, and tiredness. These symptoms usually go away within 3 to 7 days."

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • wistfulmaiden
    9 years ago

    Honestly Id never get a flu shot. You trust the government to inject you with who knows what?
    Call your doctor and ask about the lump. Maybe theres some additive youre having a reaction to.
    Ive never had a flu shot and Im still alive. A lot of people get sick from a flu shot. There are hundreds of flu virus variations anyway and theres no proof they work. Im all for real vaccines like measles mumps smallpox but flu shots are not exactly 100% guaranteed or safe.
    In the 70s a bunch of people got a swine flu vaccine and all of them got sick meanwhile there was hardly any outbreak of swine flu.
    Sorry if Im rambling here Ill stop now I hope you get it all sorted out.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • jakerslake
    12 years ago

    the reason some people disagree with vaccines because of what they are, i.e., a virus. some are uncomfortable with the idea of being infected with a weak or dead virus to tell your body how to kill it . people are scared; because in rare cases people have actually died from vaccines or their effects. That is why people Freak out when the goverment mentions making vaccines mandatory, even though a few,people will die, mandatory vaccines are they only way to completely eradicate a virus

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • wistfulmaiden
      9 years ago

      I don't disagree with proven vaccines like measles mumps etc...smallpox...but I don't think flu shots really do much good because there are hundreds of flu variations and I know a lot of people who got sick from flu shots. As in get a shot today, two days later get the flu.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
        -
      • HN30
        9 years ago

        I'm not getting in a vaccine debate, but a flu shot does not protect you immediately upon getting the vaccination. It can take a few months to be fully effective in some people, which is why, even though flu season just started, they recommend you get shots as early as August.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
        0
        0
  • Ono
    12 years ago

    Totally normal to get a hot lump on the arm after a flu vaccine.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • lc1988
    12 years ago

    It means your body is reacting to the virus bits injected. Although it seems a bit strong, it is normal. My arm hurt like hell when I got mine for about a week and it wasn't just where it was injected, it was pain shooting through the arm to where I could barely lift anything with that arm. I agree with whoever said take benadryl...you could have had an allergic reaction to the preservative used in the vaccine as well. Either, you're going to be fine!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    Your skin was pierced and your body is naturally reacting to it. Watch what happens the next time you get a small scratch, the skin plumps up around it.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      12 years ago

      I agree, but I have had several shots in the past. I never seen a lump like this. I guess I didn't describe it detailed enough, but it's the size of a pear.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • ygrowup
    12 years ago

    Some have slight reaction, if it gets worse seek a doctor, Benadryl and aspirin help

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Anonymous Post Author
      12 years ago

      Thanks, I will definitely try that!

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • zchristian
    12 years ago

    Flu shots bad? never heard about that. I had one against swine flu my arm hurted like [ Insert swearing here ] in 7 days it felt like my arm was bleeding when putting on clothes but no big red lump...

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0