Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
I was happy to receive the flu shot this year, as I feel like it's "doing my part" to stop the spread of the influenza virus. Plus, any inoculation that can either prevent, or lessen the symptoms, of flu is motivation to me!
I've received the flu shot annually, for the past 10 years. I have the typical soreness at site, possibly a little tired that evening. But that's it.
This year...my shoulder muscle (at the site of the injection) is still painful, so much that I can't move my arm forward at shoulder-level, or lift my arm up over my head, without a sharp pain in that one muscle. If my arm is still, it does not hurt. It is affecting my sleep, as I am confined to sleeping on only my right side (it is my left arm that hurts).
Are there any other reports of this flu shot symptom? Did I just not move my arm enough after the shot (kind of "favored it"), or is there something else wrong??
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment735 Comments
OMG I thought I was going crazy. My arm has been hurting for 2 months now. Like someone is punching me in my left arm. If I don't use cold packs and advil at night I can't sleep and I literally have to lift my left arm at night if I am changing position. And don't even ask about getting my blouse on and off. The pain if the arm turns a certain way is brutal. Thanks everyone for the posts. I did report this condition today to Walgreens where I got the shot.
December 11, 2014 - 3:15pmThis Comment
EXACTLY the same as mine!
December 15, 2014 - 2:33pmThis Comment
I have been experiencing arm pain for a month since having had my flu shot in early November. I read all the entries on this site, related to most of them, and fell into a panic! I went to see my doctor today on this and she did some basic strength tests (having me pull or push against her hands), push my head against her hands, etc. and she believes I have biceps tendinopathy, not nerve damage. Basically, I to try and control the pain better (ibuprofen, cold and heat) and to keep using my arm. I hope this works for me and I hope this offers an alternate explanation for some of you.
December 11, 2014 - 12:28pmThis Comment
Hi. I'm researching the link between flu shots and upper arm pain for a possible story. Can you please contact me if you would like to talk about your experience. Thanks very much.
December 8, 2014 - 2:12pmThis Comment
I posted Nov 30 & Dec 9th. Before & after my drs appt. [email protected] contact me anytime.
December 17, 2014 - 8:05pmThis Comment
I was in the hospital for "fish poisoning" for 3 days with antibiotic drips over Thanksgiving I also got a flu shot. When they asked how my pain was on the scale 1-10 I would tell them 5(in my hand) but in my arm where I got the flu shot in was 8 to 9. The pain went away for the most part but now it's back. I've had flu shots before but have never had pain anything like this. I actually thought the needle might have broken off but reading this I think it might be from the shot.
December 14, 2014 - 2:53amThis Comment
I had my flu shot 3 weeks ago and I have a pain in my arm that feels like Hercules punched me in it!!!!! I can't sleep and like others have mentioned, I have to pick it up with the other hand to reposition it trying to get comfortable. It makes my day as miserable as my night.
December 12, 2014 - 7:47amThis Comment
I had a flu shot on Oct 6 and have significant pain in my deltoid muscle. Have a hard time lifting my arm laterally. I have contacted the clinic where this was done and they are going to send me to see a neurologist and physical therapist at their cost. I am not one to go to doctors or complain, but the pain is nonstop.
December 10, 2014 - 7:23pmHow does one contact you?
This Comment
I have very wore arm pain in the arm where I received this years flu shot for over a month. The pain sometimes is really bad and it is difficult for me to move my arm
December 10, 2014 - 5:35pmThis Comment
I got the flu shot last yr in my left arm and I've had soreness ever since.can'tmove my arm lift my arm over my head or extend it cant sleepon it either.this yr I got the flu shot in my right arm and now its starting to bother me also. My doctor took xrays said i had bruised tissue...put me on predisone it help my arm.but now on done with predisone the pain is back. Nomore flu shots for me...
December 8, 2014 - 7:05amThis Comment