What Causes Tingling in Your Arm and Hand After a Flu Shot?

Have you ever gotten a flu shot and then had your arm or hand go numb or develop a tingling sensation? It’s actually a pretty common side effect of the vaccine.

Most of the time, this feeling is nothing to worry about and will go away on its own within a few hours. However, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a more serious reaction.

In this article, we’ll discuss what causes this tingling sensation and when you should be concerned. So, if you’re ready, let’s get into it.

What is a Flu Shot?

Flu shots are typically given as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm. They can also be given as a nasal spray, which is a live attenuated vaccine.

Flu shots are typically given once a year, in the fall. However, if you’re at a high risk for complications from the flu, you may be advised to get a second dose in the spring.

Indications

Flu shots are recommended for everyone over the age of 6 months. However, they’re particularly important for people who are at a high risk for complications from the flu, such as:

• People with chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease
• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5 years old
• Adults 65 years of age and older
• People who live with or care for people at high risk for complications from the flu

Side Effects

Most people who get a flu shot don’t have any serious side effects. The most common side effect is soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Other common side effects include:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Headache
• Nausea

These side effects usually start within a day or two of getting the vaccine and go away within a few days.

Tingling in Arm and Hand After Flu Shot

The tingling sensation you may feel in your arm or hand after getting a flu shot is caused by the vaccine itself.

When the needle enters your muscle, it can cause a brief, sharp pain. This pain is usually followed by a dull ache that can last for a day or two.

The tingling sensation is caused by the vaccine’s reaction to the nerve endings in your muscle. This is a normal side effect and usually goes away on its own within a few hours.

In rare cases, the tingling may be accompanied by numbness, weakness, or paralysis of the affected arm or hand. This is known as a brachial plexus injury and is often caused by the needle going too deep into the muscle.

A brachial plexus injury is usually temporary and will resolve on its own within a few weeks. However, in rare cases, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.

Can You Suffer an Injury Following the Flu Vaccine?

Yes, it is possible to suffer an injury following the flu vaccine. The most common injuries are minor and include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, body aches, headache, and nausea.

These side effects usually start within a day or two of getting the vaccine and go away within a few days.

Although rare, there are also some more serious injuries that can occur after getting a flu shot. Some examples include:

• Bronchial neuritis
• SIRVA
• Median or ulnar nerve injury
• Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Each of these injuries is caused by the vaccine’s reaction to the nerve endings in your muscle. If you experience any numbness, weakness, or paralysis of your arm or hand after getting a flu shot, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

When to See a Doctor

You should also see a doctor if you have any other side effects that are severe or don’t go away after a few days.

Final Thoughts

The tingling sensation you may feel in your arm or hand after getting a flu shot is caused by the vaccine itself and is nothing to worry about.

However, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a more serious reaction. If you have any other side effects that are severe or don’t go away, you should see a doctor. Thanks for reading and, as always, breathe easy, my friend.