How does a hospital patient who is NPO react to a Flu shot?

[Samian Q]

Sorry, the way my question got worded doesn't make sense. What I'd meant to ask was this:

I've given people flu shots IM before, and obviously at the end I'd tell them "Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, and move that arm around a bit, to help reduce any soreness."

But if the patient's in the med-surg unit of a hospital and is NPO, how is she supposed to get more fluids in her after a flu shot?

[ctolbert10]

I work on a med surg floor and usually everyone has an iv, picc, or cvl. Almost every patient is on fluids except for those with CHF or RF due to the fact of possible volume overload. We have orders in place when the patient is admitted to administer flu shots upon discharge and usually they are given then unless the patient requests it earlier. Hope this helps!

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

If a hospitalized patient is NPO, they should have an IV and would most likely be on IVF. Or, if they're NPO because of dysphagia/aspiration, they probably have a tube.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

What's your rationale for telling a flu-shot recipient to take extra fluids? Seriously. Why? Is it just habit, something somebody told you to say, or do you know there is a physiological reason for it?

[Samian Q]

I was always told to say "Drink plenty of fluids" to decrease the achiness that comes after you get the shot. And idk the physiology behind it all.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I was always told to say "Drink plenty of fluids" to decrease the achiness that comes after you get the shot. And idk the physiology behind it all.

I am curious.......Who told you that?

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

When I worked in LTC, the IC nurse there told people that after their flu shot they should drink extra fluids to "help your kidneys flush out the flu shot." Lol. I'm not sure if she mean the antigens in the vaccine or the 0.5 mL of fluid in which it was suspended.

Either way, I'm pretty sure the fluids won't decrease the ache (doesn't for me anyways).

[merlee]

I did a bunch of flu clinics, and never told anyone to drink anything extra. Don't know how it relates.

Please explain!

[gatoraims RN]

Maybe there is no scientific rational behind it. It could have been based off the misconception that the flu vaccines causes the flu. To help prevent the flu or while you are suffering from the flu you are to keep hydrated. So if the thought is that the vaccine may cause the flu or give you a small dose of the flu people think you should get plenty of fluids to help "prevent" it. Just a guess.

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

I've never told anyone to drink plenty of fluids after the flu shot. As for in the hospital, our flu vaccines are given right before DC home.

[lavender59]

Flu vaccine can lower our immune system thereby predisposing the body to illness such as flu. Drinking plenty of water helps flush the build up of thick mucus that carries the pathogens. It is a preventive measure in case someone catches cold/flu symptoms after receiving a vaccine.