Can you get sick after an IV drip? Understanding the risks and recovery

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

While IV therapy is a common medical procedure, it is still an invasive process that carries risks of side effects and complications. Answering the question, "Can you get sick after an IV drip?" requires understanding the difference between common, mild reactions and more serious issues that demand medical attention.

Quick Summary

It is possible to feel unwell after an IV drip, as mild side effects like fatigue, nausea, or dizziness are common as your body adjusts to the fluids or medication. While usually temporary, more serious complications like infection, phlebitis, or fluid leakage are rare possibilities that require monitoring and proper medical oversight.

Key Points

Mild Effects Are Common: It's normal to feel minor fatigue, nausea, or have a headache shortly after an IV drip as your body adjusts.
Local Reactions Can Occur: Minor bruising, pain, or swelling at the insertion site are common and usually resolve within a day or two.
Watch for Serious Complications: Rare but serious risks include phlebitis (vein inflammation), infiltration (fluid leaking), and infection, which require medical attention.
Recognize Signs of Infection: A fever, chills, pus, or red streaks from the IV site are red flags indicating a potential systemic infection.
Seek Qualified Providers: Ensure IV therapy is performed by trained medical professionals using proper sterile techniques to minimize risks.
Know When to Call for Help: Contact a doctor immediately if you experience severe pain, worsening swelling, a high fever, or any signs of systemic infection.

The Common, Mild Side Effects of IV Therapy

Most people who receive an intravenous (IV) drip experience a smooth, complication-free procedure. However, a small percentage may notice mild, temporary side effects as their body adjusts to the infusion. These effects are generally not a cause for alarm and typically resolve on their own within a day or two. Some of the most frequently reported mild side effects include:

Fatigue and Dizziness: Feeling tired or a little lightheaded is a common experience, often a result of your body adjusting to the changes in fluid volume or mineral balance. Some medications and minerals, like magnesium, can also have a relaxing effect that causes drowsiness.
Nausea or Upset Stomach: Certain therapies can affect the digestive system, leading to mild nausea. The rate of infusion can also play a role; if fluids or vitamins enter the bloodstream too quickly, it can cause a temporary feeling of nausea.
Headache: Mild headaches can occur after IV therapy, sometimes linked to shifts in blood pressure or a temporary electrolyte imbalance, especially if the infusion was given for dehydration.
Insertion Site Reactions: The needle's entry point can be a source of temporary discomfort. Symptoms can include minor pain, bruising, or mild swelling around the injection site, which should subside quickly.

More Serious Complications and Signs of Infection

While uncommon, more significant complications can occur. It is crucial to be aware of the signs of a potential problem, especially infection, so you can seek medical care promptly.

Phlebitis

Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein where the IV was inserted and is one of the more common complications. It can be caused by the IV catheter itself irritating the vein, or by the substance being infused. Symptoms include tenderness, pain, swelling, warmth, and redness along the vein.

Infiltration and Extravasation

This occurs when the IV fluid leaks from the vein into the surrounding tissue.

Infiltration happens with non-irritating fluids, causing swelling, a tight feeling, and coolness around the site.
Extravasation involves irritating medications, which can lead to blistering, tissue damage, or severe pain.

Systemic Infection or Sepsis

Infection is a rare but serious risk, most often linked to improper sterile technique during insertion. Bacteria can be introduced at the needle site, enter the bloodstream, and lead to a blood infection. In severe cases, this can result in sepsis. Signs of a systemic infection include:

Fever, chills, or sweats
Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness at the IV site
Pus or blood draining from the site
Red streaks extending from the site

Fluid Overload

If too much fluid is administered too quickly, the body can experience fluid overload. This is particularly concerning for individuals with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions. Symptoms may include headaches, high blood pressure, and shortness of breath.

Comparison of Mild vs. Serious IV Side Effects


Feature	Mild Side Effects	Serious Complications
Onset	Typically during or shortly after infusion.	Can develop hours or days after.
Symptoms	Fatigue, mild headache, temporary nausea, site bruising.	Fever, chills, pus/discharge, severe pain, blistering, shortness of breath.
Location	Localized to insertion site (bruising) or general (fatigue).	Localized (phlebitis, infiltration) or systemic (infection).
Duration	Usually resolves within 1-2 days.	Can persist or worsen; requires medical treatment.
Severity	Minimal discomfort.	Can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Feeling Sick

Several factors can influence the likelihood of experiencing adverse effects after an IV drip:

Substance Infused: The composition of the drip matters. Infusions containing high concentrations of certain vitamins or minerals can be more irritating to the veins or cause temporary systemic effects if infused too quickly.
Infusion Rate: A rapid infusion can overwhelm the body, leading to symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or fluid overload. A trained professional will adjust the rate based on the patient's health and the substance being administered.
Individual Sensitivity: A person's unique medical history, allergies, and underlying health conditions can affect how they react to the IV solution. Some people are more sensitive than others.
Sanitation and Technique: Using unsterile equipment or poor aseptic technique dramatically increases the risk of infection. Professional, medically-supervised settings are essential to minimize this risk.

Reducing the Risk and Ensuring a Safe Recovery

Following proper procedures and care instructions can help prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery.

Use a Qualified Provider: Ensure your IV therapy is administered by a trained and experienced healthcare professional, such as a registered nurse or a paramedic.
Ensure Aseptic Technique: Watch for your provider to practice good hand hygiene and use sterile equipment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide comprehensive guidelines on preventing intravascular catheter-related infections to ensure patient safety.
Monitor the Site: After the IV is removed, keep an eye on the insertion site for several days. Look for any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus.
Follow Aftercare Instructions: Keep the bandage on for the recommended time, usually 24 hours. Keep the site clean and dry.
Stay Hydrated Orally: Continuing to drink water and other fluids can aid in your body's recovery and maintain hydration levels.

Conclusion: When to Seek Medical Attention

While mild symptoms are a normal part of the process for some people, certain warning signs should never be ignored. If you experience a fever, chills, persistent or worsening pain at the IV site, or see pus, it is imperative to contact a healthcare provider immediately. Recognizing the difference between a minor reaction and a serious complication is the key to ensuring a safe and effective IV therapy experience.

For more detailed, official guidance on infection prevention during vascular access, you can refer to the CDC Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-related Infections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, though it is a rare occurrence. A fever after an IV drip is a potential sign of a serious complication, such as a bloodstream infection, and you should contact a doctor immediately.

Most mild side effects, such as fatigue or a headache, typically subside within 24 to 48 hours. If symptoms persist or worsen beyond this timeframe, or if you develop new, concerning symptoms, contact a healthcare professional.

Yes, feeling tired or fatigued after an IV drip is quite normal. Your body may be adjusting to the new fluid volume or to the minerals in the solution, and some ingredients, like magnesium, can promote relaxation.

Phlebitis is the inflammation of the vein where the IV catheter was inserted. It causes pain, swelling, and redness along the vein. It is a known risk and is usually treated by removing the IV and applying a warm compress.

You should call a doctor if you experience a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, pus draining from the site, red streaks spreading from the site, or severe, persistent pain and swelling that worsens after 24 hours.

Yes, a bloodstream infection (sepsis) is a rare but serious complication of IV therapy, usually caused by poor sterile technique. This is why it is critical to receive IV treatment in a clean, professional medical setting.

Yes, though it is uncommon, some people can have an allergic reaction to components in the IV solution. Signs include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and require immediate medical attention.