Flu shots do not contain a live virus, so they cannot cause the flu. Nida said that although the flu shot cannot cause the actual disease, it can result in some soreness and a general sense of just not feeling good, called malaise. Some wonder if the danger of flu is worth this possible side effect. Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, chills, sore throat and muscle aches. The illness usually lasts from two to seven days.
People can relieve flu symptoms by resting in bed and drinking plenty of liquids.
Anyone who develops difficulty breathing, or experiences severe pain with breathing, has high fever, or whose illness lasts more than several days, should contact a physician. Health officials caution parents not to give their children aspirin or medications containing aspirin to relieve flu or other virus symptoms. Medical evidence has shown a link between the use of aspirin and Reye syndrome, a potentially fatal illness. Two antiviral drugs amantadine and rimantadine are effective in preventing and treating Influenza A infection. These drugs are available by prescription.