How To Manage The Side Effects Of Vaccines

One of the best ways to prevent ourselves from catching serious and often life-threatening diseases is through immunizations. Most importantly, parents can protect their kids with vaccines courses at their births and during early childhood. While vaccines continue to save millions of lives around the world, they can also pose some serious side effects.

Some of these side effects include the following:

• Catching a fever, where the temperature rises beyond 38 degrees Celsius.
• Bruising, swelling or redness in the area where the needle was injected.
• Restlessness in babies.
• Swelling in the injected area

Sometimes vaccines can cause nerve damage. It may leave a lifelong imprint hence, you need to ensure you go to the right source in such cases.

In case you experience some side-effects after a fever, there are multiple ways to address them. Some of the remedies may include:

• Providing extra fluids.
• Avoiding overly dressing a baby.
• Placing a wet cloth on any bruises where the needle went in.
• You may also take paracetamol and while this is not always the best idea after getting a vaccine, you can take it as long as you follow the recommended dose.

If you experience a negative reaction after getting a vaccine shot, it’s best to consult the doctor. They will be able to diagnose you and prescribe the best medication or course of action for you.

Furthermore, it’s also important to note that you may have a reaction due to some additional ailment and not necessarily from a vaccine injection. Your doctor may assess and evaluate your case and respond accordingly.

Some Uncommon Yet Severe Vaccine Side Effects

While the side effects that we mentioned above may be fairly common, others are more serious and are less common. For example, some of the serious and uncommon vaccine side effect include the following:

Anaphylaxis is one of these side effects and may be life threatening. The good thing however, is that it can be treated successfully. What’s more is that it doesn’t have any long-term effects.

Once you have received your vaccine shot, it’s best to wait for at least 10-15 minutes to monitor your reaction to a vaccine. This allows the doctor to administer quick medical treatment in case there is a reaction.

Fainting

Some people may faint after getting an injection. If you are one of these people, your doctor may ask you lay down as you get your injection. This will make it easier for you to take the shot and in case you faint, you can receive the right care.

Are There Common Side Effects to Vaccines?

It is important to note that the vast majority of people do not experience any kind of adverse reactions after getting a vaccine shot. What’s more is that in most instances, people can go back to leading their everyday normal lives. Whether you want to drive your car, go for a swim or hit the gym, you can freely do any of these activities.

Note however that if you have a fever it is best that you avoid getting the vaccine until the fever clears. However, if you have a cold or a sore throat, you can still freely get the vaccine without having to worry about the possibility of a reaction.

Diarrhea

Some vaccines may also affect the digestive tract. For instance, the typhoid vaccine may cause cramping, nausea, and even diarrhea within 12-24 hours of taking it. While the vaccine comes in form of several capsules it’s important to consult your doctor if you experience unpleasant side effects after the second capsule.

Vaccines and the Immune System

There is a held belief that vaccines will weaken the immune system. This isn’t necessarily the case and if anything, they actually strengthen the immune system and allows your body to combat against diseases.

That said, it is best to take vaccines when there is a risk of a certain type of disease. This will help avoid any unnecessary side effects.

Alcohol and Vaccines

One of the common questions asked, “Can the patient take alcohol after the vaccine shot?” 

Well, it depends on the type of vaccine. With the oral typhoid vaccine for example, it is best to avoid alcohol. However, it is mostly okay to take alcohol in moderation with other types of vaccines.

Final Thoughts

While some side effects of vaccines are severe, these are fairly uncommon. For the other less serious side effects such as pain in the injected areas or fever, keep in mind that this area sign that the body is building immunity. You can manage them by having plenty of rest, staying hydrated and taking pain medication.