Covid-19 vaccine and COVID Arm

Sore Arm Due to COVID-19 Vaccine

The vaccines to combat COVID-19 have made vaccination and it affects a common topic of concern. People experience various side effects, including a sore arm following the injection. Usually, a sore arm is normal after getting any vaccine, whether that be for COVID-19, influenza, shingles, or any of the other options available to patients.

Soreness and swelling at the site of injection are common reactions to various COVID-19 vaccines including Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. The soreness and swelling of the arm may be followed by a less-common itchy rash and other symptoms. This reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine is referred to as the COVID arm.

COVID arm is usually rare but can be uncomfortable and harmless. COVID arm usually occurs around 1 week after vaccination from the first or second shot. COVID arm is common after the Moderna vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects

Side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine are signs that your immune system is working fine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine may affect your ability to do your daily activities. But, they should not last for more than a few days.

The most common side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine include:

• Pain in the arm at the site of the shot
• Redness in the arm at the site of the shot
• Swelling in the arm at the site of the shot
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

For some people side effects after your second shot may be more intense than after the first. These are the normal signs that your immune system is working properly.

Soreness of Arm after COVID-19 Vaccine

The vaccines imitate infections without actually causing an infection. When your body is exposed to viruses or bacteria, the immune system fights off the infection and builds memory. The memory of the virus helps the immune system to fight off the infection better and quicker the next time. Vaccines work by exposing your immune system to non-infectious versions or pieces of these viruses or bacteria. This helps your body build this protective memory without having to get a dangerous infection.

Vaccines activate your immune system the same as the virus or bacteria, and this can even cause symptoms that you experience when you are sick, including fever, chills, fatigue, and soreness. Sometimes, these are perceived as side effects of the vaccine. Another way to think about these symptoms is an indication that your immune system is working, and that’s a good thing!

Symptoms of COVID Arm

Arm soreness and swelling is a harmless immune system reaction after the COVID vaccine such as Moderna vaccine, Pfizer-BioNTech, or Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

COVID arm is a hypersensitivity skin reaction that occurs on or around the injection site. The reaction may sometimes be delayed with symptoms showing up several days to 1 week or more after the first or second vaccination.

Symptoms of COVID arm include:

• Itching can be intense.
• A red or discolored rash that varies in size.
• The rash may spread to your hands or fingers.
• Swelling.
• Pain.
• Skin feels warm to the touch.
• Hard lump under your skin at the site of injection.

The COVID-19 vaccine is an intramuscular injection that is injected into the muscle. The doctors recommend the COVID vaccine to be injected into the deltoid muscle (the large muscle that gives the shoulder its range of motion) in the arm.

Other few reasons why vaccines can cause arm soreness include:

• Inflammation: The vaccine can trigger inflammation at the site of the injection.
• Tiny Injury: A vaccine needle can cause tiny injury to the muscle.
• Immune Reaction: Your body’s immune reaction may also cause a sore arm. The body’s immune system uses several mechanisms to fight off infections.

How long does the COVID Arm Last?

Your body may take several days to react to the vaccine. That may result in arm soreness for that time. The pain resulting from the inflammation caused by the shot itself also takes time to go away. The site of injection is the starting block of the immune response. A lot is taking place in that one site.

Arm soreness and inflammation at the site of injection are normal after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. It is important to move your arm regularly and applying a cool compress may help minimize your symptoms. Also, the soreness should go away in one or two days.

The symptoms of the COVID arm may last from 3 to 5 days. COVID arm is a rare harmless condition that won’t escalate to a life-threatening condition or serious allergic reaction. It is usually not associated with anaphylaxis.

The symptoms of the COVID arm may resolve on their own within a few days. But, if your symptoms are severe or if you feel very uncomfortable or worried, consult your healthcare provider. They would advise medications, such as prednisone, that can help your symptoms resolve quickly.

How to Treat a Sore Arm after Your Shot?

Treating the COVID arm will not reduce your immune system’s response to the vaccine. Your immune system has already indicated it’s responding robustly.

COVID arm should also not discourage you from getting your second shot. Sometimes, your doctor or vaccination provider may recommend you alternate arms if you had a strong skin reaction to your first vaccine.

To prevent COVID arm move your arm after your shot. You should not avoid using your arm and should make a point to move it often after you’ve been vaccinated. This would stimulate the blood flow to the area that can help reduce soreness. It can be tough to move your arm but continue using your arm even if you’re uncomfortable. Stretching and continuing to use your arm can help minimize or reduce soreness.

Even though the COVID arm is not serious, but can be uncomfortable. At-home treatments can help reduce pain, swelling, and itching. These would include:

• Cool compresses - Applying a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area may help reduce soreness.
• Topical steroids.
• Topical pain medication,
• Oral antihistamines,
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen.

Outlook

COVID arm is a minor and rare side effect that will disappear within a few days. But, COVID-19 is a life-threatening condition, and the vaccine is highly protective against the virus SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

If you’re worried about the COVID arm, remember the protective benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. It outweighs the risks associated with the COVID arm or developing COVID-19 itself. You can talk with your doctor about the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine.

People Also Read:

• Why are two doses of COVID vaccination important?
• Vaccination For Pregnant Women and Children

If you or anyone you know is suffering from the effects of Covid-19, our expert providers at Post Covid Centers will take care of your health and help you recover.

Call 469-545-9983 to book a telehealth appointment for a home check-up.