Verified By Apollo Pulmonologist April 20, 2021
6766Are you feeling persistent pain and heaviness in your arm after the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? Well, you’re not alone. Many people have reported experiencing a reaction at the injection site on the arm. That is why experts have coined the term ‘COVID arm’ to describe it.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), redness and swelling can be an expected outcome of any vaccine. Similarly, the COVID arm, too, is a short-term reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine. It is specifically seen in people who are vaccinated with the Moderna mRNA-1273 but can be seen with any type of vaccine.
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is defined as an illness caused by a novel coronavirus, also known as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). As is common knowledge, the outbreak of this highly infectious virus has created havoc worldwide.
It can trigger a respiratory tract infection including, severe respiratory symptoms, cough, fever, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties. It can cause acute respiratory syndrome, pneumonia, kidney failure, and even death in more severe cases.
Looking at the rapid spread of COVID-19, medical researchers across the globe have geared up to come up with the different types of COVID-19 vaccine such as Moderna, Covisheild ,Sputnik, Covaxin,Novovax etc .
If you have COVID arm, you will notice a red rash at the injection spot . It can be painful and itchy. The side effects of most vaccines typically appear in the next two days. But COVID arm may occur 5-9 days after the first dose.
It spreads over a 5-6 inches diameter and always emerges on the arm on which you have taken the shot. The seriousness of the rash differs from person to person. The good news is that it is temporary and goes away in 24 hours to one week.
Healthcare experts are calling it delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity, which indicates a late reaction on your skin. It is your body’s defense mechanism that is responding to the vaccine. By creating antibodies, a part of your immune system is fighting to remove the virus.
At the same time, your inborn immune cells are looking at the protein released by the vaccine as a foreign object and fighting against it. This fight leads to the COVID arm.
Now that you know the reason, you mustn’t feel burdened with what you hear about the reactions to vaccines.
However, with the hue and cry going about the vaccination, it can be overwhelming for you to decide whether to go for the vaccine or not.
There are several reasons why you must:
COVID arm usually goes away in a few days. But in the meantime, some measures can help you find some respite. They include:
Apart from the issues related to the COVID arm, if you notice any other problems like breathing difficulty, body ache, fatigue, or fever, you must immediately contact your doctor. Suffering from COVID arm after getting inoculated should not dissuade you from getting the second dose.
Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
We must consider ourselves lucky that we live in an era where technology is so robust that vaccines can be developed in record time. Only after rigorous clinical trials and several stages of testing has this vaccine been possible. So, do not panic if you experience a minor rash.
You must do your part by wearing masks, washing hands, avoiding crowded places, maintaining social distance, and getting vaccinated.
There is no assurance about how long your natural immunity can keep you safe from this virus. However, experts strongly recommend that you get vaccinated for complete protection. You should have it after a few weeks as recommended by your doctor.
Keep yourself engaged – either in your work, or in your hobbies, or reaching out to your friends and family. You can also try meditation. Do not fall for the numerous myths and rumors floating around about the vaccine. If you feel any inkling of doubt, discuss it with a healthcare expert.
No, you need to wait till all the symptoms subside. You need to get clearance from your doctor – whether you have symptoms or even if you are asymptomatic.
Even if you experience any side effects, including COVID arm, you can consult your doctor, who can prescribe specific medications to prevent any harm to your baby.
If you are found COVID positive after the first dose, you will not be administered the second dose till you are completely cured of the disease.
The content is verified and reviewd by experienced practicing Pulmonologist to ensure that the information provided is current, accurate and above all, patient-focused