PETALING JAYA: With more people in Malaysia receiving their Covid-19 shots, the Malaysian Society of Allergy and Immunology president offers some advice on how to relieve minor side effects.
Prof Dr Baharudin Abdullah (pic) said most side effects are usually self-limiting, which means they would be resolved without any special treatment, though certain medication can be used to help relieve them.
He stressed, however, that painkillers must not be taken before the injection as a way of “preventing” side effects.
“Sometimes, painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen or celecoxib may help (relieve side effects) However, there is no evidence that the use of painkillers before injection helps to prevent side effects of pain and swelling at the injection site,” he said.
“Doing so may expose yourself to unnecessary potential side effects without having any beneficial outcome,” added Dr Baharudin when contacted on Tuesday (July 6).
He added that it is better for people to move or exercise the injected arm if they wish to reduce pain or discomfort.
“They can also apply a clean, cool and wet cloth over it. If they have a slight fever, plenty of rest and drinking adequate fluids will help,” he said.
Dr Baharudin added that knowing potential side effects are useful to manage them more effectively and allay any anxiety.
“The side effects are either local side effects or general side effects. Local side effects include pain, redness or swelling over the injected area, while the general side effects are fever, tiredness, sleepiness, muscle pain and headache,” he explained.
He said that it was generally safe to get vaccinated and that the benefits of vaccination still outweigh the known risks.
“Research data from large clinical trials have shown vaccines to be safe and effective. The safety data is also continuously being reviewed by expert panels and data safety monitoring boards.
“To avoid anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction), those with such a history of drugs or other vaccines should consult their doctors. But in most cases, vaccination can be done,” he said.
The very rare serious side effects, he said, include breathing difficulty, chest pain, leg swelling, severe headache, blurring of vision, increased tendency to bleed or bruise.
“In rare cases where there are side effects such as increasing pain and swelling beyond 24 hours, or persistent fever for a few days, immediate medical care should be sought,” he said.
