It’s a known fact that every medicine has its side effects. Be it as light as a headache or fever, or as complicated as inflammation or internal bleeding, most heavy doses end up affecting one or the other bodily function adversely. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 vaccine is no different.
Ever since the global vaccinations started, reports of a few side-effects have surfaced from across the world. But as per a recent revelation, shockingly, these minor side effects seem to be affecting women more than men.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a study in February according to which out of 6,994 people who reported side effects from the vaccine, 79.1% were women. Another study by CDC observed that after 19 people received the Moderna vaccine, all of them suffered serious side effects, and unbelievably, all 19 were women!
In this article, we’ve gathered information about why women suffer from more severe side effects from the vaccine, and what needs to be done.
A look at the possible side effects of the vaccine
While not everybody experiences side effects, even if your body reacts negatively to the COVID-19 shot, there’s nothing to worry about. CDC says that the human body naturally reacts in certain ways (listed below) to defend against the virus.
Stinging pain, redness, and swelling in the area where the vaccine was injected
- Exhaustion
- Migraine/Headache
- Muscle and Joint pain
- Wariness
- Fever
- Vomiting
According to the CDC, headache, exhaustion, and nausea were the common reactions that people experienced.
Read – 8 Best Foods to Eat Before and After Getting the COVID Vaccine
What’s the reason behind these side effects?
John Hopkins Center for Health Security’s senior scholar, Amesh A. Adalja, expresses that although women experience harsher reactions, there isn’t any strong medical evidence that can show why it happens.
He claims that it’s most probably because more women more often report that they’re experiencing side effects while men don’t. Contradicting this, William Schaffner, professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, says that women generally exhibit more autoimmune diseases as compared to men because of high estrogen levels. The testosterone in men helps curb such conditions in men.
Jennifer Wider, a women’s health expert, says that the clinical trials don’t keep the gender differences in mind when administering the vaccine. Female patients might be receiving higher doses without considering their exact need.
What should you do?
First things first, side effects denote that the vaccine is working and your body is simply adjusting. Dr. Fernando sternly says that not just women, but everyone must receive the vaccine because rather than losing our lives to the disease, the vaccine’s side effects are far better.
CDC suggests women take pain relief medications in times of any discomfort after the vaccination, but it should be done under a doctor’s guidance. Moreover, drinking plenty of water and cleaning the vaccination site properly will reduce the risks of fever and swelling.
Read – Coronavirus Vaccine: Home Remedies For Side Effects
Finally
While the above-mentioned side effects are common, on developing any extreme allergic reactions, Dr. Amalja recommends seeking a doctor’s advice as soon as possible.
