To avoid hospitalization, severe illness and death from COVID, tens of millions of Americans have opted to be vaccinated. Following are some points to remember about the vaccine and how it may temporarily impact one’s ability to care for four-legged or feathered family.
About 70 percent of recipients have had some kind of injection site reaction like redness or swelling. About half that number have experienced more debilitating side effects including fatigue, body aches, chills and fever, especially following the second inoculation. Headaches, nausea and diarrhea are also possible. According to the CDC symptoms tend to remit after a few days.
While symptoms from the Moderna vaccine appear to be more intense and enduring, there are many reports of sidelining reactions from the Pfizer vaccine as well. People who’ve previously had COVID 19 and women tend to have more pronounced symptoms while people over 65 years of age tend to have the fewer and less-severe symptoms. Rare cases of anaphylaxis have been noted.
Administration of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is currently on hold given serious blood-clotting reported in several women aged 18-48 years. The cause of the clotting is currently unknown.
Health experts stress that the presence of symptoms indicates that the body is building a response to the COVID-19 spike protein introduced through the vaccine. However, the absence of symptoms does not mean the vaccine is not working.
Vaccine efficacy has been shown to be high (at least 90 percent) across races, ethnicities and genders.
If you believe you are more likely to have symptoms:
If you have a spouse, significant other or live with a responsible family member, try to stagger your appointments for the COVID vaccine so that you are not both/all potentially experiencing severe symptoms simultaneously. That way, at least one person can tend to your pet’s needs.
If you live alone, arrange for a responsible friend to help care for your pets for at least a couple of days. Invite them to stay with you provided you feel comfortable around them and they are good with your pet(s). You may feel miserable, but you are NOT contagious.
How you can help reduce your symptoms:
It is okay to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen AFTER your vaccine to reduce fever and body aches, but do NOT take it BEFORE your vaccine. Doing so may inhibit the effectiveness of the spike protein introduced through the vaccine. Consult with your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease to determine which medication is safe.
Hydrate regularly with fluids containing electrolytes. Dehydration can lead to dizziness and falls potentially resulting in serious head injuries. Pedialite, and Eco-Drink are excellent, sugar-free options. Watered-down gatorade and other sports drinks can be helpful.
Get plenty of rest; let your body do the work right now.
Preparing for the advent of a more severe vaccine reaction can ensure the seamless care of your pet(s).