By Pamela Cruz. Peninsula 360 Press [P360P].
The potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are minimal relative to its benefits.
While vaccination is well underway in San Mateo County, there are still some who have not received it, and in some cases it may be due to fear of the reactions it can cause.
COVID-19 vaccine protects you from getting SARS.CoV-2. Possible side effects are normal signs that your body is making antibodies (protection against the disease).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in some cases these side effects can affect your ability to perform daily activities, but they should go away in a few days, and some people have none at all.
Common side effects
In the arm where you received the injection: pain, redness and swelling.
In the rest of your body: tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, and nausea.
Tips to alleviate side effects
Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin or antihistamines, for any pain and discomfort you may experience after getting vaccinated. You can take them if you don't have any specific contraindications.
However, it is not recommended to consume them before vaccination as a preventive measure.
To reduce pain and discomfort in the arm, it is only advisable to apply a clean, cool, damp cloth to the area and to use or exercise the arm.
To reduce the discomfort caused by fever, the CDC suggests drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly.
You may experience more intense side effects after a second dose than you did after the first dose, but these are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away in a few days.
When to call the doctor?
If the redness or tenderness at the injection site gets worse after 24 hours.
Also, if side effects worry you or don't seem to go away after a few days.
If you receive a COVID-19 vaccine and think you might be having a serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911.
