New Graduate, received the flu shot, now reaction

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Specializes in nada.

Hi everyone,

I'm a recent new graduate working on an orthopedics floors. My hospital just jumped on the bandwagon with the "get the flu shot or wear a mask" rule for the flu season. I decided to get the shot at my job because I got it last year and the only thing that bothered me was a sore arm. Well this time I got the shot and two days later I began to itch around the right side of my stomach towards the middle of my back intensely. I did not know what it was and attributed it to wearing a brand new tshirt for work that day. However as the next days progressed the itching became more and on one side of my abdomen/back. As I was showering today I noticed I had a cluster of itchy/painful red bumps on my lower back torso that radiates towards my umbilicus and by then I knew exactly what it was the freaking Shingles. I told my mom and she said a lady at her job called out after getting the flu shot because of the shingles. I'm scared to say anything because I don't have any sick days accumulated being a new nurse and I don't want to lose my job for being out but I have to work this week. I really don't know what to do and how should I handle this because right now I don't have any money to be able to seek care for treatments. I havent even gotten my first nurse check yet. And today which makes approximately one week since the shot my throat feels a tad scratchy and nose feel runny. I mean I know the CDC says muscle soreness is normal, but could other issues like mine be possible or are they just not reported by the CDC. This makes me never want to get the flu shot again. I was feeling fine before this.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

Why do you think the shingles outbreak is a result of the flu shot?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

There is no connection between flu and shingles. If you have the shingles you need to notify your employer.

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Specializes in nada.

Because many people report being sick from the flu shot. Im looking at the timing i got the flu shot from the timing i became sick. I'm not saying I got the shingles from the flu shot but I think it may have weakened my immune system to allow the shingles to appear. I've never had the Shingles prior to this. I'm 23 yrs old.

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.

Shingles is a communicable disease and you should not be on the floor with an active case. Go to the doctor and call in sick!

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Your age has nothing to do with getting shingles. It is not a live virus in the vaccination. You cannot get sick from it. Shingles are highly contagious and you need to let your employer know if you have been diagnosed with them. You are putting people at risk.

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Specializes in nada.

i am looking for an urgent care facility now

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Best of luck. I hope you feel better soon.

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