Causes and treatment of cough after flu shot

Daria Shirochina

Practitioner. She graduated with honors from Vitebsk State Medical University in 2012 with a degree in general medicine. She was awarded a certificate of honor for her achievements in her work.

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Flu is one of the common infections during the cold season. The disease can be dangerous and reach epidemic levels. Vaccines have been developed to prevent infection and reduce the development of complications of infection. Often after a flu shot, a cough, runny nose and other signs of a viral infection appear. Knowing how to avoid the development of complications after vaccination, you can ensure good health and reliable protection.

Normal reaction to the flu shot

Any vaccination can be accompanied by serious complications for the body. Some cannot be prevented because they are individual in nature.

Local reactions to vaccination include manifestations that appear in the area where the vaccine was administered. They occur on the first day after the procedure, as a rule, they are redness and tissue infiltration, and possible pain. Local reactions can last for 2–3 days and do not cause significant concern in humans.

Common body reactions to the use of a vaccine include:

• An increase in body temperature to 37.5 °C is an adequate response to the introduction of a foreign protein into the body. Low-grade fever is necessary for the development of protective immune cells against the influenza virus.
• Cough after vaccination. A slight cough, sore throat and runny nose are allowed.

If general reactions to the drug do not disappear 4–5 days after immunization, another disease may have developed due to a weakening of the body’s defenses. In this case, you should see a doctor immediately.

What to worry about after vaccination

Taking a vaccine that provides a high probability of protection against the virus will not cause influenza, but children may complain of discomfort after the injection. Conventionally, the side effects of the vaccination procedure can be divided into two groups.

Local consequences

Redness and slight swelling at the injection site is a normal reaction to the vaccine. The reason for the appearance of a compacted lump is in the special components of the drug, which create a semblance of a focus of infection at the site of administration of the vaccinating substance. Without localization of the lesion, it will be difficult for immune cells to detect hostile agents.

General effects

In addition to fever, children may complain of a dry cough and weakness. If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, the child can be given an antipyretic. In case of low-grade fever, this should not be done so as not to activate the evacuation of the influenza pathogen from the body.

Parents often ask whether bathing their baby after vaccination will cause complications. Water will not harm the child, but the body, weakened by the introduction of the virus, is defenseless against the attack of other viruses. In order not to catch a cold and protect the injection site from mechanical damage, it is better to postpone bathing after vaccination.

Contraindications to vaccination

The use of immunoprophylaxis against influenza is associated with a certain risk for humans. Therefore, it is important to know and avoid contraindications to vaccinations.

Table - Restrictions on vaccination

In case of temporary contraindications, the vaccine is administered two weeks after complete clinical and laboratory recovery from acute infections. For chronic diseases, the procedure is carried out in the remission phase.

Differences between COVID-19 coronavirus, cold and flu

As is known, the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 is transmitted primarily through airborne droplets. It is characterized by the presence of clinical symptoms of ARVI (you can read the detailed educational program from Sevzdrav at the link -).

Important!

COVID-19 is sometimes asymptomatic, but this does not make the carrier of the virus any less infectious. Especially in such cases, people with chronic diseases suffer.

Visual infographics from Rospotrebnadzor:

Can a cough occur after vaccination?

A slight cough after vaccination should not instill fear, but if on the third or fourth day a dry, intense cough occurs, then they speak of a complication that has arisen. This condition is usually accompanied by fever, weakness, chills, sweating, muscle and bone pain. In addition to coughing, other serious complications are also possible: anaphylactic shock, convulsions, partial hearing loss, vasculitis.

In such circumstances you should know:

• the influenza vaccine does not protect against other infectious pathologies;
• the disease can be caused by a strain of influenza whose components were not present in the vaccine;
• in parallel, it is necessary to follow other rules for preventing infection with colds;
• the appearance of a cough may be a consequence of infection with some pathogen earlier, and the vaccination only contributed to a decrease in immunity and a clear clinical picture;
• the occurrence of clinical symptoms of a cold after a few weeks cannot be associated with the use of the vaccine;
• the use of an immunodrug in violation of the administration method increases the risk of developing undesirable consequences.

In such situations, it is possible to develop diseases similar to complications after the flu - sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, myocarditis and meningitis.

Cough elimination

The appearance of a severe cough from vaccination requires urgent medical attention for the patient.

First of all, the following must be observed:

• It is recommended to rest and spend more time lying in bed;
• It is important to drink plenty of warm drinks (up to 2 liters per day), compotes from fresh berries and dried fruits, still mineral water, milk and fermented milk products are preferred;
• you need a nutritious diet with enough meat, vegetables and fruits;
• The room should be cleaned with ventilation every 1.5–2 hours and air humidification;
• it is necessary to get rid of harmful habits during the period of illness - smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages;
• exclude hypothermia and stressful situations.

Etiological, pathogenetic and symptomatic drug therapy for cough is prescribed:

• With the development of influenza infection, the prescription of antiviral drugs is indicated - Grippferon, Kipferon, Kagocel, Tsitovir, Remantadine, Tamiflu.
• When a cough is provoked by a bacterial infection, the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial drugs is indicated: cephalosporins (Cefazolin, Cefuroxime), macrolides (Clarithromycin, Roxithromycin), fluoroquinolones (Ofloxacin, Levofloxacin), aminoglycosides (Amikacin).
• For viscous sputum, expectorant medications are used - Mucaltin, Ambroxol, Fluditek, Lazolvan. It is preferable for children to use herbal products (syrups Gedelix, Stoptussin, Gerbion, Bronchicum).
• Antipyretic medications for fever - Paracetamol, Upsarin Upsa, Ibuprofen, Nurofen. Children are prescribed Panadol, Efferalgan, Cefekon in rectal suppositories.

Non-drug methods

They can also be used in the treatment of cough after vaccination. The easiest way is to breathe over steam from a pan of boiled water with the addition of chamomile, coltsfoot, sage or linden. Use a nebulizer effectively.

Physiotherapeutic techniques used for cough:

• thermal treatments with paraffin, mud therapy and clay;
• inductothermy in the interscapular zone;
• UHF and UV chest methods;
• magnetic therapy;
• medicinal electrophoresis.

The patient’s condition will be improved by performing breathing exercises, which prevent the development of congestion in the lungs and promote the rapid evacuation of sputum. To do this, inhale, hold your breath for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. It is recommended to repeat the exercise 4-5 times a day for 5-6 minutes.

Putting a person in a drainage position when coughing will help clear the airways of mucus. To do this, the head end of the body must be positioned below the foot end.

Massage therapy will also complement traditional cough therapy after a flu shot.

Basic recommendations for the prevention of influenza and ARVI for the population

It is especially important to take preventive measures now, during the new coronavirus pandemic.

The self-isolation regime has been lifted, but the pandemic has not disappeared anywhere! We all need to think about our health and the health of those around us.

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell or have a fever or cough.
• Avoid crowded places or reduce the time spent in crowded places.
• Try not to touch your mouth and nose.
• Practice hand hygiene - wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially when touching your mouth and nose.
• Increase the flow of fresh air into living spaces by opening windows as often as possible.
• Use masks when in contact with a sick person.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and being physically active.

Preventive immunization of the population (vaccination) is the best prevention of influenza. In turn, the main danger of refusing vaccination is the possibility of contracting the flu through contact with a sick person. In addition, a person who has not been vaccinated is potentially dangerous to others, as he is a likely carrier of an infectious disease.

In detail: why vaccination is needed and where to get a flu shot in Sevastopol.

Recommendations for people with ARVI symptoms

• If you feel unwell, stay at home and follow your doctor’s recommendations, if possible keep a distance (1 meter) from healthy people.
• Rest and take plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a handkerchief or other suitable materials. Dispose of this material immediately after use or wash it. Wash your hands immediately after contact with respiratory secretions!
• You must wear a mask if you are in the common area of ​​your home near other people.
• Tell your family and friends about the disease.

Important! Medical masks

Recommendations for the use of protective medical masks:

• Wearing medical masks is mandatory for persons who have close contact with a sick patient.
• Carefully put the mask on so that it covers your mouth and nose, and tie it tightly so that there are as few gaps between your face and the mask as possible.
• When using a mask, try not to touch it.
• After touching a used mask, such as when removing it, wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Replace your mask with a new, clean, dry mask as soon as your mask becomes damp.
• Masks intended for one-time use should not be reused.
• Throw away disposable masks after each use and discard them immediately after removal.

How to prevent side effects

First of all, preventive measures concern medical personnel. Only specially trained nurses and doctors are allowed to vaccinate in the treatment room of a clinic, school, first aid station, or health center. The immunodrug is transported and stored in compliance with all conditions.

It is important to correctly assess the indications and contraindications for prescribing an anti-flu drug. If the procedure is planned for a child, parents have the right to write a refusal to vaccinate for personal reasons.

If vaccination is still carried out, it is necessary to prepare for the procedure to avoid coughing and runny nose:

• a urine and peripheral blood test is prescribed to exclude an inflammatory process in the body;
• if there is a history of anaphylaxis (an acute allergic reaction to something with the development of shock, angioedema or urticaria), consultation with an allergist or immunologist is recommended;
• for prevention, it is recommended to take antihistamines three days before vaccination;
• before and after vaccination, you should protect yourself from hypothermia, do not go hungry, and avoid long walks;
• young children are prohibited from using new complementary foods and foods in the coming days before and after immunization;
• after the direct administration of the drug, you should not go home for 30–40 minutes; it is better to stay under the vaccination cabinet during this time in order to call doctors for help at any time;
• it is necessary to monitor changes in the condition during the first 3–4 days after vaccination; the parent needs to monitor the child and measure his body temperature.

Only competent and careful adherence to the rules of preparation, conduct and observation after immunoprophylaxis will relieve unwanted reactions and complications of vaccination.

Flu vaccination

Vaccination remains the best method for preventing influenza and its potentially serious complications, including those that can lead to hospitalization and death. The flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children, with potentially serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child from the disease and its potentially serious complications. This season's flu vaccine is estimated to be 61% effective in children. For adults, the effectiveness does not exceed 49%. All health care personnel should receive an annual seasonal influenza vaccine, an important step in preventing the disease.