Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine: How to Deal With Them

The coronavirus vaccine is becoming more available to the public throughout the country. As expected, some individuals who have received the vaccine have experienced mild to moderate side effects after their first or second dose, while others have had no harmful side effects at all.

It is essential to learn more about the possible COVID vaccine side effects reported and what you should do if your condition worsens or the issue does not subside within a reasonable amount of time.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of the COVID Vaccine?

The most common side effects reported by people after they received the COVID vaccine include the following:

● Pain at the injection site

● Fever

● Body aches

● Headache

These side effects occur frequently and show that your body is generating an immune response to the shot. These effects should go away within one or two days after the vaccine was administered.

Are Swollen Lymph Nodes a Common Side Effect of COVID Vaccine?

Swollen lymph nodes are also a common side effect that tends to go away within a couple of days. However, they have been known to last as long as ten days. Women who have had the vaccine may see swollen lymph nodes during a mammogram screening up to a month after their vaccination. If you are due for a screening around the time of your vaccination, it may be best to reschedule it until four to six weeks after your second vaccine is administered.

How Can I Identify COVID Vaccine Side Effects and Deal with Them?

When your vaccine is administered, you will receive documents that explain more about the potential side effects and what you can expect. If you are unsure, you can contact us here at Bass Urgent Care for more information.

Here are a few tips to alleviate the symptoms associated with these side effects.

● Reduce redness at the injection site by applying a cool, damp cloth or an ice pack to the area. That will also help to cut down on soreness and swelling.

● Taking a cool bath can be soothing and help reduce the pain and swelling associated with the shot.

● Stay hydrated by drinking liquids often for at least two days after getting the vaccine.

● Take over-the-counter pain relievers if the pain at the injection site persists.

If your side effects become more severe than expected or they last for 72 hours or longer, you should contact your doctor or the team here at Bass Urgent Care for assistance.

The Difference Between COVID Vaccine Side Effects and COVID Symptoms

The coronavirus vaccine is designed to help keep you from getting sick if you contract the virus. It will not kill the virus or prevent you from spreading it to others. Therefore, if you have had your vaccine and never had COVID-19 beforehand, it is essential to know the difference between COVID-19 symptoms and the vaccine side effects.

The following symptoms are common with COVID-19 and are not associated with the vaccine or considered side effects.

● A new loss of taste or smell

● Coughing

● Shortness of breath

● Sore throat

● Congestion

● Runny Nose

● Conjunctivitis (red eye)

● Nausea

● Vomiting

● Diarrhea

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should stay home and schedule an appointment for a COVID test.

Do You Have Questions or Concerns About Getting the COVID Vaccine?

If you are concerned about getting the COVID-19 vaccine because you’ve heard about the side effects or other issues, get in touch with us at BASS Primary Care today by calling (925) 962-9120. Our medical staff can provide you with the most up-to-date information on vaccines and further important details about COVID-19 you should know.

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