Coronavirus vaccination: Why do you experience a sore arm after your COVID-19 vaccination?
Having witnessed the havoc wreaked by the second wave of coronavirus, it is only proper to stay prepared for a possible third wave. With states lifting their border restrictions and many fleeing to the hills, it seems that the only way to avoid yet another devastating phase is through mass vaccination.
Amidst all the chaos around vaccine shortage, while some are relieved to have taken their COVID shot, there are many who are still reluctant. Given the side effects and cases of adverse reactions, people are still trying to make their way around getting themselves vaccinated.
Apart from fever, fatigue and body ache, pain in the sight of vaccine injection has become a common post vaccination issue. While the pain lingers from a day or two, many are still wondering as to what causes the soreness.
A sore arm can be a common side effect of COVID vaccine
Getting a sore arm is one of the most common side effects reported by people who have got their COVID vaccines. While it is a mild reaction to the vaccine jab, many still wonder as to what causes the pain in the arms and what they should do to ease it.
Read more: Coronavirus: Getting your second COVID-19 vaccine jab? Here's what you can expect
Why do you have pain in your arms post-vaccination?
Experts suggest that a sore arm is a result of your body's immune response to the vaccine. When you experience a side effect of a vaccine, it means that your immunity is in play and is working as it is supposed to. Vaccines are a mimicry of the virus and therefore, when it is injected into the body, the immune system responds to it and tries to protect the body from the pathogen. This in turn leads to various reactions.
Since the COVID vaccines are given via intramuscular injections i.e. directly injected into the muscles, the vaccine triggers inflammation at the site where the jab is administered. Additionally the soreness can also be attributed to the injury the injection causes.
Here's how you can ease the pain
While post-vaccination arm soreness remains for a day or two, it is not a matter of concern. In order to ease the pain, experts advise continuous and gentle movements of the arm. This stimulates blood flow to the area which helps reduce soreness. You can also apply a cold compress to ease the pain. However, do not forget that soreness is a sign that your immune system is working.
Read more: Coronavirus vaccine: Why do some people get side-effects and some don't?
COVID vaccinations are very important
As of now, COVID vaccines are the only means of protection from the virus. Irrespective of whether you're young and healthy or fall under the category of the most vulnerable, the second wave of coronavirus has affected almost everyone who has come in contact with it. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you get your vaccine jabs, whenever you find or get hold of a slot.
Some people may experience side effects
Different individuals have been experiencing varied ranges of post vaccination symptoms. From fever, fatigue, nausea to body ache, many symptoms have arised in people who have received their COVID vaccines.
Apart from that, many have also experienced itchiness, redness, swelling at the site of the vaccination.