NJ
A 61-year-old male asked:
Hi doctors..i'm very nervous..two of my friends have had mild to moderate but very concerning reactions to the covid vaccine..chills, severe lassitude, don't want to move..if i get a reaction.. this or something else,..(worse) what would you suggest?
5 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in
Dr. Deborah Ungerleideranswered
Pediatrics 38 years experience
Sounds like fairly typical reactions to the Covid-19 vaccine. They generally resolve within 24 to 48 hours. The reactions are actually a sign that the vaccine is mounting the appropriate antibody response which will help to protect you. Certainly if you have a reaction that is lasting, you should contact your doctor. The reaction is more common after the 2nd dose, but many people have no reaction.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Nov 01, 2021
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
I agree with Dr. Ungerleider. There is no need to become overly anxious about this. It would be much better to have some time-limited side effects from the COVID 19 vaccine than disease symptoms that can be more severe and potentially life-threatening. If you develop fever or feel ill - rest, hydrate and wait to return to work until fever resides. Severe vaccine reactions are rare.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Sep 01, 2021
Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Take acetaminophen for any aches/pains/fever. No more than 4 g/day. No alcohol.
Mild reactions to vaccine are a small price for prevention of serious illness or death!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Christine Homanswered
Pediatrics 32 years experience
Most reactions are short lived, and can be managed like a mild case of the flu - rest, fluids, Tylenol. People who don't have any reactions worry that the vaccine didn't "take" but both outcomes lead to protection from hospitalization, ventilator and death. It is reasonable to be nervous. It should not stop you from being vaccinated. After all, your friends are now protected. FOMO!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Sep 02, 2021
Dr. Vasanth Stalinanswered
General Surgery 24 years experience
Just 5% of the participants in a study reported side effects after their first inoculation, although 43% said that they experienced side effects after the second one. Even if you do experience some mild to moderate side effects, they are usually self-limiting and resolve in a short period of time. That's a small price to pay for keeping away from severe illness. Rest and Tylenol are your friends!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Nov 01, 2021
Last updated Nov 1, 2021
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.