Durham, NC – As North Carolina continues to receive additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine, more and more residents are being vaccinated. Health experts say that potential side effects are normal when any vaccine is given.
“When we inject the body with a vaccine, we effectively inject an irritant into the body. The body creates an immune response, and when the body fights, it makes you feel bad,” said Dr. Christopher Chao, a family physician at WakeMed Hospital.
Chao said he had a tough experience with the second dose of Pfizer vaccine.
“It took about 72 hours to get back to normal. I had nausea and low fever for about 48 hours. It wasn’t very pleasant. My wife had the second vaccine and [experienced] fatigue and pain, and that was all, “he described.
Chao added that the side effects vary from person to person. Some have none, while others may experience pain in the arm or even “low-grade fever, chills, fatigue, headache, nausea, some vomiting, dizziness, body aches and even swollen lymph nodes at the injection site.”
“These are normal side effects. It’s your body that says, ‘Hey, there’s something in me.’ I do not like. We will create a response, “Chao said.” The reactions you see are the body’s normal reaction when they encounter an antigen and make that defense for the future. “
Chao said it was too early to know the side effects of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine.
Durham resident Benjamin Reed said he received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine around noon, returned to work, played basketball after work and felt well. But things changed later that night.
“When I went to bed that night, I had excruciating pain and pain in my joints,” Reed said. “I was in bed, but I thought I was throwing and I turned on the concrete all night.”
Reed added that despite having “the worst headache of his life,” the side effects did not last long.
“By morning, the aches and pains were gone,” he said. “I would definitely recommend taking your next day off from work. I think you should intend to do that.”
Carla Kelly, who received her first dose of Moderna vaccine last month, says she intends to do so.
“I’m not really worried,” Kelly said. “I’m just more aware that I might be tired because that’s the most common thing I’ve heard after the second shot. [is that] a lot of people were tired. I’m just getting ready. ”
Her next shot is scheduled for Friday, so she’ll have the weekend back, if need be.
“Don’t be afraid. It’s another blow. Yes, my arm was more painful than expected, but other than that, I’d say there’s nothing to be afraid of,” Kelly said.
Those suffering from coughs, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell or any side effects lasting more than 72 hours should seek medical attention. Health experts said the other side effects, if any, should go away in a few days.