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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Painful, Red And Itchy Arm, Received Flu Shot, Took Benedryl, Diagnosed Cellulitis, Prescribed Antibiotic. Suggestion?

I received a flu shot by my Doctor on Thursday. My arm was sore for a few days but on Saturday, I had severe pain and noticed that my arm was a deep red and hot to the touch right around the area that my flu shot was given. It was also very itchy. I took some benedryl with no relief and then went to ER. They said I had cellulitis and it was probably caused by the flu shot. I was on IV for 24 hrs and then they sent me home with antibiotics for 10 day regimen. Should I assume the needle was dirty or that they did not clean my skin? Could I have received a bad flu vaccine and shouldn't this be reported to the CDC. I plan to call my Doctor in the morning.
Fri, 18 Oct 2013
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Cellulitis is subcutaneous infection most commonly caused by bacteria called streptococci. These bacteria gain access into subcutaneous tissue through minor abrasion or trauma caused to skin. In your case, the injection site has got inflamed and infected. Streptococcal infection is treatable and I suggest you complete the full course of therapy of 10 days.
Complete asepsis is followed during vaccination, so there is less chances to have led to the infection. As disposable needles are used, there is less chance of infection due to a dirty needle also.
The efficacy of vaccine is not related to the skin infection.
Thanks.
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Painful, Red And Itchy Arm, Received Flu Shot, Took Benedryl, Diagnosed Cellulitis, Prescribed Antibiotic. Suggestion?

Hi, Welcome to HCM. Cellulitis is subcutaneous infection most commonly caused by bacteria called streptococci. These bacteria gain access into subcutaneous tissue through minor abrasion or trauma caused to skin. In your case, the injection site has got inflamed and infected. Streptococcal infection is treatable and I suggest you complete the full course of therapy of 10 days. Complete asepsis is followed during vaccination, so there is less chances to have led to the infection. As disposable needles are used, there is less chance of infection due to a dirty needle also. The efficacy of vaccine is not related to the skin infection. Thanks.