Daughter has headache, chills after flu shot—what to do?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 20-year-old, very healthy, active, and fit daughter had the flu shot two weeks ago. Today she woke up this morning with lethargy, chills, shivering, cough, headache, and body aches. She is sleeping on and off and eating a little. It is unusual for her to get anything.

She has no medications or health issues, although she fainted after the flu shot, which may have been the needle itself. She was ok after that. Her temperature has been 104 degrees Fahrenheit, dropped to 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit after Nurofen, and is 98.96 degrees Fahrenheit again. Medicine is wearing off after 2 pm.

Kindly assist.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

An attack of the flu is unlikely to come. However, it is possible to have some other viral infection leading to symptoms like fever, cold, running nose, chills, and temperature. In such a situation, it is better to use a drug like Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) 10 mg per kg per dose three to four times a day to control fever and headache, which may be present. Plus an antihistamine like Cetirizine.

I hope I have answered your queries.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.