Do side effects of Covid-19 vaccines lead to complications?
FEAR is nothing but, False Evidence Appearing Real. There are two assumptions about why people are not taking the vaccines yet; one because they don’t trust the government, two because they’re carried away by rumors.
Source: mohfw.gov.in
The two assumptions revolve around the factor called Fear. Although there are many misinterpretations about the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines being severe and complicated, there is no evidence that supports this statement. There has been a whole different debate about the impact of Covaxin vs. Covishield lately. Both the vaccines are similar and work completely fine against viral infection. They cannot be compared in terms of their effectiveness; however, these have been tested and approved by the government.
The Research and development teams have ensured to conduct multiple tests and trials before launching for usage. Despite the negative perspective about vaccines being created and approved under emergency use, the efficacy, accuracy, and quality have been proven to fight against COVID-19. With the rising number of cases, herd immunity seems to be the best option to control the virus outbreak. Vaccine Herd immunity can be achieved only when more people get vaccinated without fearing the side effects.
Recent data clearly states that very few people have been vaccinated, and the risk of spread is still high. According to the statistics, India has administered the largest vaccination drive. On the contrary, two graphs obtained and studied by a source indicate that only 0.21% of the population have received the first dose, and only 0.02% of the population have been fully vaccinated. India indeed has a long way to go amidst the fear among people regarding the side effects. With India being the second most populated country with almost 1.39 Billion people, at this rate, it would take another one year to get everyone vaccinated.
With the new deadly wave in India, the government has decided to bring back the restrictions. Had everyone been a little more careful and taken the vaccination, the situation could have been controlled better. However, a sense of realization is beginning to strike the Indians, that the rise in cases and deaths are not because of the side effects of vaccines, but due to ‘The Politics of Selective COVID-19 Policing’, keeping in mind the recent activities of the nation.
Just like how the symptoms of COVID-19 vary in each individual, every person’s immune system also reacts differently to the vaccine; based on age, sex, nutrition, existing immunity, genetics, and environmental factors. Studies have found some of the common side effects that people experienced after vaccination.
● Headache
● Mild fever
● Chills
● Fatigue
● Muscle and joint pain
● Nausea
● Pain at the injection site
● Diarrhea
● Tiredness
Source: mohfw.gov.in
It is absurd to not be expecting any side effects from the vaccines because it literally creates a shield inside your body for protection. To be more logical, these mild symptoms occur due to the increase in blood flow for more immune cells to circulate, raising the body temperature to kill the virus. These symptoms indicate that the long term effects vaccine is creating antibodies in the immune system for protection against the virus. The side effects are completely normal and will only last for a day or two.
There has been misinformation about the vaccines creating long-term side effects that make people sick with the COVID-19. However, none of the vaccines contain live viruses and, therefore, cannot technically cause COVID.
Here are a few quick tips that can help ease the pain and discomfort after vaccination;
- Pain at the injection site is usually normal and may cause redness or swelling. Try to apply a cold or warm wet cloth over the area
- Consult with the doctor if you can take aspirin, paracetamol, or any other over-the-counter medicine to ease body pain, fever, or headache.
- Try to stretch your sore arm to ensure that it doesn’t stay the same for too long.
- Drinking lots of fluids and eating healthy food can help ease any discomfort
- Take complete rest and do not indulge in daily activities for a day or two till you completely recover
Remember that the side effects of the second dose of vaccines may be more intense than the first dose. This is because, the first dose teaches your body to react to the virus, while the second dose strengthens protection to prevent COVID from entering. But these are completely normal signs of experiencing the side effects, and it should go away in a few days. Don’t let the fear hold you back from doing good! Get vaccinated at the earliest to fight against this dreadful virus.
Reference:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021). Possible side effects of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
2. World Health Organization (WHO) (2021). Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines
