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What Causes Migraines After Flu Vaccinations And Sometimes Aura, Nausea And Vomiting?

Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015

Question: I have migraines that are mostly trigger related. The last 3 times I have gotten the flu vaccine, I have gotten a migraine and each time they were worse. The last one lasted 2 days despite medicine and was accompanied by aura nausea, vomiting, and numbness on my right side. My family medicine doctor contacted the CDC and asked if this was a contraindication and they responded with a very short No. Should I be concerned that she now thinks it is fine for me to take this knowing it will give me a migraine? Should someone deliberately take something that will cause a severe migraine?

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
There is no such side effect reported

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,

Welcome to HealthcareMagic.

Thank you so much for writing your post here.I understand your concern.After reading your query , I would like to say that there is no such side effects reported after taking flu vaccines.

If you do not suffer from chest infections,then you can avoid taking the vaccine.But if you are prone to respiratory issues,you can start taking prophylaxis for Migraine and after few days you can take flu shot.

Hope this helps.Please do not be concerned because there is no link of flu shot and migraine.
Feel free to ask more.I would be happy to help.
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (51 minutes later)

Then how do you explain the fact I have had this reaction after getting the only 2 flu vaccines I have ever had. Same day, worsening each time? I realize it might not be a "recognized" reaction but headache IS a side effect. It boils down to do you think it is ok to take something that is a known migraine trigger? I really do not want to take Maxalt before as I have mild hypertension and do not want to have to take this unless absolutely necessary. I am otherwise healthy and have never had the flu.

Answered by Dr. Moumita Chakraborty,MD (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Do not take Flu shot

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mam,

Thank you for writing back!

I understand what you are saying. Migraine causes are generally unclear till now, there are different theories on it but no solid conclusion on how anything becomes a trigger. General triggers in migraine are light, aura, sudden hormonal changes, stress, medications, change of sleep patterns and so on.

Since you feel that flu shot is a trigger to your migraine and that taking flu shot is not mandatory, then I would suggest you to avoid it. This would be the best thing to do right now. Try to stay warm and always use hand washing methods before eating,this will help in prevent getting flu.

Hope this helps. If you have no further clarifications,please rate this answer and close this discussion.
Thank You!
Dr.Moumita Chakraborty

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E