What Causes Cough After Having Flu And Pneumonia Vaccination?

Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Dec 2014 Answered on

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Two days ago I received four vaccinations (flu, pneumonia, zoster & Tdap) at one time along with a prescription for sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim-oral for a urinary tract infection. Could this cause tightness in chest and a slight dry cough? Should I stop the antibiotic for a couple of days until the vaccine side effects cease?

Answered by Dr. Noble Zachariah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Known side effects

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to HCM
Cough is a well known side effect of influenza vaccination and chest tightness and even wheezing may occur with Live attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV).
If you have a history of asthma, ibuprofen can cause tightness and difficulty in breathing.
If you have a proven urinary infection, there is no harm in continuing the antibiotic as it does not interact adversely with the vaccines.

Wish you quick relief
Dr Noble Zachariah

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar