What Are The Most Common Omicron Symptoms
Reports have varied. But overall, this Omicron variant is acting more like a normal coronavirus, such as those that cause the common cold, says Dr. Stephanie Sterling, an infectious diseases physician at NYU Langone Health.
That shift began with the Delta variant and has remained true of Omicron, says Tim Spector, a genetic epidemiologist who founded the consumer health company ZOE, which runs a COVID-19 symptom tracking app to which more than 4.7 million people have contributed data. ZOEs data suggest that the five most common symptoms associated with Omicron are runny nose, headache, fatigue, sneezing and sore throat.
The classic symptoms of fever, cough and loss of smell were slightly less frequent with Delta than with Alpha, and the cold-like symptomsbecame more common, Spector says. Omicron has really just increased that rather subtle change.
Other research has come to slightly different conclusions. South Africas largest health insurer listed nasal congestion, sore or scratchy throat, dry cough and lower back pain as common Omicron symptoms. And a small study from Norway found that, among people in one case cluster, a cough was the most common symptom associated with the variant, followed by runny nose and fatigue. Like ZOE, the Norwegian researchers also observed a significant decrease in smell and taste loss.
How To Reduce Pain After Vaccination
There are a few things you can do to help relieve arm pain after receiving a vaccine:
-
Keep your arm moving in the hours following your shot.
-
Apply a cool compress or ice pack to help reduce swelling and redness. If you use an ice pack, only apply it for 20 minutes at a time with at least a 20-minute break before applying it again.
-
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen if needed for pain after your shot.
Experts do not recommend taking pain relievers before receiving a vaccination. Doing this isnt always helpful, and theres concern that it could interfere with your immune systems response to the vaccine.
Are Most People Experiencing Mild Symptoms From Omicron
Data from early Omicron hotspots including South Africa, the U.K. and New York City suggest that the variant causes milder disease than its older cousins. A U.K. report from late December 2021 found that, compared to people infected by the Delta variant, people with Omicron-related infections were about half as likely to seek care in an emergency department or require hospitalization.
But even a mild case of COVID-19 can still make you feel quite sick and potentially lead to lasting complications like Long COVID. Its also not entirely clear whether Omicron is itself milder than other versions of COVID-19, or whether population-level immunity from vaccinations and previous exposures is mitigating some of its worst outcomes, Sterling says. Its still a good idea to keep up precautions, particularly if youre not fully vaccinated or are otherwise vulnerable.
Read Also: Pneumonia How To Treat It
Side Effects Of The Pneumococcal Vaccine In Babies
Mild side effects of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine , which is the version of the pneumococcal vaccine given to babies under the age of 2, include:
- a decreased appetite
- redness and swelling at the site of the injection
- feeling sleepy or not sleeping well
Serious side effects of the PCV vaccine are rare, and include:
- a high temperature, possibly leading to convulsions
- allergic reactions, such as an itchy skin rash
Problems That Could Happen After Getting Any Injected Vaccine
- People sometimes faint after a medical procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your doctor if you or your child:
- Feel dizzy
- Have vision changes
- Have ringing in the ears
You May Like: Can Pet Dander Cause Pneumonia
Types Of Pneumonia Vaccine Injuries
Proper technique is critical for intramuscular vaccines such as the pneumococcal vaccine. Specifically, the Center for Disease Control advises that the needle should be inserted at a 90-degree angle to the skin, as close to the deltoid muscle as possible. While this may seem fool-proof, mistakes are common and can lead to tendonitis and other musculoskeletal injuries in the shoulder and arm. Improper vaccine administration can allow for the needle to cause damage to the nerves, muscles and other subcutaneous soft tissue. Additionally, many inactivated vaccines contain an adjuvant. Adjuvants are vaccine components that enhance the immune response to an antigen, particularly to protect against the pneumococcal disease. These components can cause a local reaction to an improperly placed needle, causing pain, redness and swelling.
The Centers for Disease Control& Prevention has received reports of people fainting after nearly all vaccines, including the pneumococcal vaccines. Although many episodes of vasovagal syncope occur during immunization practices rather than from the vaccine itself, there is not yet a definitive answer as to whether an ingredient in the vaccine is responsible for the reaction. One of the more common adverse reactions is Syncope. This is commonly seen among young children and adolescents and can result in hospitalizations for either evaluation or because of an injury after the episode.
Vaccine Side Effects & Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a vaccine side effect, you should contact a vaccine lawyer with experience in this type of complex litigation.
We have recently partnered with Schmidt & Clark, LLP a Nationally recognized law firm who handles vaccine lawsuits in all 50 states.
The lawyers at the firm offer a Free Confidential Case Evaluation and may be able to obtain financial compensation for you or a loved one by filing a vaccine lawsuit or claim with The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact Schmidt & Clark today by using the form below or by calling them directly at .
Don’t Miss: Side Effects Of Pneumococcal Pneumonia Vaccine
Pain And Rashes Are Normal Responses To Foreign Substances Being Injected Into Our Bodies But How Much Pain You Experience After An Injection Depends On A Lot Of Factors
The Pzifer-BioNTech vaccine is administered in a French clinic.
For most COVID-19 vaccine recipients, the poke of the needle is no big deal. In the hours afterwards, however, many go on to develop sore arms, according to anecdotal reports and published data.
That common side effect is not unique to COVID-19 vaccines. But as vaccine rollout reaches record highs across the UK, the widespread prevalence of arm pain is sparking questions about why certain shots hurt so much, why some people feel more pain than others, and why some donât feel any pain at all.
The good news, experts say, is that arm pain and even rashes are normal responses to the injection of foreign substances into our bodies. âGetting that reaction at the site is exactly what we would expect a vaccine to do that is trying to mimic a pathogen without causing the disease,â says Deborah Fuller, a vaccinologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine, in Seattle.
Given the many intricacies of the immune system and individual quirks, not feeling pain is normal, too, says William Moss, an epidemiologist and executive director of the International Vaccine Access Centre at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in Baltimore. âPeople can develop protective immune responses and not have any of that kind of local reaction,â he says.
Will I Feel Pain Only Around The Injection Site
Most of the time, the pain or discomfort you feel after a vaccination is limited to the area where you received the shot. But muscle aches are also a possible vaccine side effect. These might feel similar to what you feel shortly before getting sick with a cold or the seasonal flu. This is different from injection pain, as this side effect usually affects your whole body instead of just your arm.
These aches are a sign your immune system is responding to and learning from the vaccine and can also be alleviated with your over-the-counter pain reliever of choice.
Recommended Reading: What Can Pneumonia Lead To
How Long Does Arm Pain Last
For most people, arm pain starts within 24 hours of receiving a vaccination and can last for about a day or two. This experience can vary based on which vaccine you are receiving.
For example, Shingrix tends to cause more intense pain and lasts longer than other shots. Before receiving a vaccination, ask your provider or pharmacist how long arm pain typically lasts for that particular vaccine.
How Long Do Vaccinations Last
The list below outlines the usual duration of protection once the vaccination course is complete. For some vaccines, the duration of protection is uncertain.
- Chickenpox long-term
- Cholera – up to 2 years
- Diphtheria – 10 years
- Flu vaccine – up to 1 year
- Hepatitis A – Probable lifetime protection
- Hepatitis B – Lifetime
- Japanese B Encephalitis – 2 years to , depending on the vaccine used
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella – Life time
- Meningitis – new conjugate vaccines give up to 5 years protection
- Pneumonia – > 5 years, probably life time
- Polio booster – Life time
- Rabies – Immune memory persists for life booster doses needed only
- Tetanus – 5-10 years
Don’t Miss: When Do You Get The Pneumonia Vaccine
Pain After A Shot: Normal Site Reactions To Vaccines
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , in most cases vaccine side effects are minor and go away within a few days. Side effects vary according to vaccine type, such as flu, shingles, or pneumonia. Generally mild side effects of vaccines may include:
- Pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling at injection site
- Fatigue
Why A Little Bit Of Arm Pain Is Necessary Each Year
Even if you received a flu shot in a previous year, you should still protect yourself with a new vaccination this year. This is because the vaccine is developed based on the specific flu strains scientists expect to be the most dangerous this year. Doctors recommend getting vaccinated in fall, but it is never too late to get the flu shot. Getting it late is better than not at all.
Also Check: Will I Have A Fever With Pneumonia
Booster Jabs Available For People In Uk Over 40 Confirms Jcvi
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Mary Goodwin revealed that months since her Covid jab, she is “unable” to raise her arm high enough to “switch on a light” and struggles to put on coats or jumpers. Carrie Holness, 50, also “struggles to dress”, with every arm movement described as “agony” and is only now many months after her second Covid dose getting movement back in her arm. Also detailing her experience to the Metro, Antonia Bartley a medical biochemist said: “The pain is still excruciating.
Should You Get A Flu Shot
In general, every person with diabetes needs a flu shot each year. Talk with your doctor about having a flu shot. Flu shots do not give 100% protection, but they do make it less likely for you to catch the flu for about six months.
For extra safety, it’s a good idea for the people you live with or spend a lot of time with to get a flu shot, too. You are less likely to get the flu if the people around you don’t have it.
The best time to get your flu shot is beginning in September. The shot takes about two weeks to take effect.
If youre sick , ask if you should wait until you are healthy again before having your flu shot. And don’t get a flu shot if you are allergic to eggs.
You are advised to continue to take the general precautions of preventing seasonal flu and other communicable illnesses and diseases:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash. If you dont have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Don’t Miss: Is Heating Pad Good For Pneumonia
Why You May Feel Arm Pain After Receiving Any Vaccine
When you receive a vaccine, your body initially thinks its been injured, similar to when you get a cut or scrape. It sends immune system cells to your arm any time your skin is broken to investigate what happened. Once your immune cells realize theres an invader in this case, the vaccine in your arm, they signal your body to relax the blood vessels around the area and send more immune cells to help fight.
This process is called vaccine reactogenicity. It allows your immune system to create antibodies infection-fighting proteins that will help prevent you from getting sick if you ever come into contact with the real virus or bacteria. Part of this process includes producing inflammation. The more inflammation your body creates, the more sore and swollen your arm will be.
Pneumonia Vaccine Side Effects
Prevnar vaccineside effects consist of redness, swelling and pain or tenderness at the injection site, fever, loss of appetite, fussiness or irritability, fatigue, headache, and in some cases a serious allergic reaction. Pneumovax side effects consist of redness and pain at the site of injection, fever, and muscle aches, similar to that of the influenza vaccine.
Recently, My Vaccine Lawyer’s founding partner Max Muller was interviewed by NBC Philadelphia about Pneumonia shot injuries from vaccines along with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, a federal compensation program forvaccine injuries in the United States.
Don’t Miss: I Got A Pneumonia Shot And My Arm Is Swollen
Who Should Not Get The Vaccine
People should not get the vaccine if they have had a life threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose.
Additionally, a person should not undergo vaccination if they have had an allergic reaction to medication containing diphtheria toxoid or an earlier form of the pneumonia vaccination .
Lastly, people who are sick or have allergic reactions to any of the ingredients of the vaccine should talk to a doctor before getting the shot.
A pneumonia shot will not reduce pneumonia. However, it helps prevent invasive pneumococcal diseases, such as meningitis, endocarditis, empyema, and bacteremia, which is when bacteria enter the bloodstream.
Noninvasive pneumococcal disease includes sinusitis.
There are two types of pneumonia shots available. Which type a person gets depends on their age, whether or not they smoke, and the presence of any underlying medical conditions.
The two types are:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine : Healthcare providers recommend this vaccine for young children, people with certain underlying conditions, and some people over the age of 65 years.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine : Healthcare providers recommend this vaccine for anyone over 65 years of age, people with certain underlying conditions, and people who smoke.
According to the
- roughly 8 in 10 babies from invasive pneumococcal disease
- 45 in 100 adults 65 years or older against pneumococcal pneumonia
- 75 in 100 adults 65 years or older against invasive pneumococcal disease
Good News: A Little Discomfort Is A Good Sign
The flu shot is made to produce an immune response, so soreness is a sign that its working, Nate Favini, the medical lead at Forward, told HuffPost. Your body has an inflammatory response, and thats what gives you immunity against the flu.
This soreness also means that your immune system is making antibodies in response to the virus it was just injected with, which protects you from the actual flu if you become exposed to it. But if you dont feel sore after your flu shot, that doesnt necessarily mean you got a dud injection or that your flu shot isnt working. You may have a higher pain threshold than you realize, or perhaps you were relaxed while getting your shot .
If your arm does really hurt for the next day or two after your flu shot, dont feel guilty about taking a day off of work or going easy on yourself because of the pain. The shot will help your company in the long run: One study found that people who got the flu shotreduced the number of workdays they would have lost due to flu-related illnesses by 32%.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Know If I Have Pneumonia Or Bronchitis
What Serious Side Effects Mean I Should Call My Doctor
The flu vaccine will not give you the flu. However, some people do experience side effects. While redness, swelling, muscle aches and sometimes low-grade fevers are typical side effects after receiving an influenza vaccination, there can be some rare and serious side effects including difficulty breathing and swelling around the eyes or lips. If you are experiencing dizziness, a racing heart or a high fever seek medical attention right away.
“If you develop full body hives, you are having an allergic reaction to the vaccine,” says Dr. Mora. The most common allergic reaction is found in people allergic to eggs. This is because egg proteins are one of the products in the flu vaccine. However, if you have an egg allergy, you can still get the flu shot. Talk to your doctor about the best way to get vaccinated.