All people above 18 years of age are being vaccinated in the country against Covid-19. Individuals after getting vaccinated have noted mild-moderate side effects. The most common symptoms after vaccination include body aches. But, should you use pain killers to ease the pain?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the use of pain killers before the Covid-19 vaccine is not recommended to prevent possible side effects, as it may affect the effectiveness of the vaccine.
What should be done if someone has fever, pain, headache, muscle pain after the vaccination?
According to the World Health Organization, pain killers or paracetamol can be used after vaccination to control side effects such as pain, fever, headache, or muscle pain, but not before vaccination.
Do not take painkillers before vaccination
The World Health Organization issued a statement after several fake and untrue posts went viral online. According to posts on social media, it has been suggested to take a pain killer before getting the Covid-19 vaccine to avoid possible side effects of the vaccine.
A spokesperson said, "to prevent side-effects, it is not recommended to take paracetamol before getting the Covid-19 vaccine. However, in case of side-effects such as headache, fever, muscle pain, you can take pain killers or paracetamol after vaccination."
Pain killer may limit the effectiveness of vaccine - WHO
The World Health Organization says that the common side effects of the vaccine such as arm soreness, headache, fatigue are minor in most cases. But even if antihistamines can reduce the allergic reaction, they cannot prevent them. If you are already taking any medicines, you should check with your doctor as some people may be prescribed antihistamines for allergic reactions. Experts say that there is no reason to start taking painkillers ahead of the vaccine as it may limit the vaccine efficacy.