- Overview of Fibromyalgia
- COVID-19 Vaccine
- Risk Factors for People with Fibromyalgia When Considering the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Potential Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine for People With Fibromyalgia
- Tips for Managing Symptoms After Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
- Resources to Learn More About the Risks and Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine if You Have Fibromyalgia
As the COVID-19 pandemic mutates and continues to change our world, many fibromyalgia patients are still wondering if they should get vaccinated. While research on fibromyalgia and vaccines remains limited, it’s important for fibromyalgia patients to be aware of the potential risk factors associated with getting a vaccine.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss what symptoms fibromyalgia sufferers may experience after receiving a vaccine and explain why people with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may have an increased risk of side effects from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. We will also provide information about how fibromyalgia affects your immune system so you can make an informed decision when considering whether to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Overview of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a disorder characterized by:
- Chronic widespread pain
- Fatigue
- Heightened sensitivity to stimuli, including cold and touch
- Sleep problems
- Cognitive issues or “fibro fog”
- Mental health symptoms, including depression and anxiety
- Headaches
- Digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Fibrocystic breast disease
- Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) and other muscular-skeletal issues like
- Fibromyalgia flare-ups, including tenderness in the muscles and joints, tingling of hands and feet, numbness and skin sensitivity with or without rashes
Less common symptoms can include:
- Raynaud’s disease
- Skin pain and itchiness without cause
- Small-fibre neuropathy
Studies now suggest that fibromyalgia may be an autoimmune disorder, which means it affects the body’s immune system and can cause inflammation throughout the body. This can lead to an increased risk for other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, 25% of patients with one autoimmune disease tend to develop an additional autoimmune disorder.
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine is a vaccine developed to protect people from the novel Coronavirus strain, SARS-CoV-2, that is responsible for the ongoing global pandemic.
The first COVID-19 vaccines to be authorized by the U.S. FDA in December 2020 were mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech, which are designed to trigger an immune response in the body that can protect against SARS-CoV-2.
Since then, other vaccine manufacturers have developed their own versions of the COVID-19 vaccine, including one from Janssen/Johnson & Johnson and another from Novavax, both of which are being approved and distributed in the U.S..
Currently, of the over 360 ongoing vaccine clinical trials, the NIH (National Institutes of Health) identified only 10 that met the inclusion criteria for their comprehensive systematic review.
They did state that their analysis “reveals a worldwide effort of both scientists and enterprises to achieve one of the most challenging goals of our century.” However, it is apparent that there is a long way to go before the standards of research with which we are accustomed will be met by these new vaccines.
Risk Factors for People with Fibromyalgia When Considering the COVID-19 Vaccine
Since fibromyalgia may be an autoimmune disease, it could make people more susceptible to infections and other illnesses. This means that people with fibromyalgia may be at a higher risk of developing complications from the acute disease and may need to take extra precautions when considering getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
First, people with fibromyalgia may have a weakened immune system, making them more vulnerable to contracting the virus even after being vaccinated.
The second risk factor is that fatigue is a common symptom of fibromyalgia, which can make it harder for people to bounce back from an illness or the side effects of a vaccine. It is important to consider how fibromyalgia may affect the body’s ability to recover.
Finally, fibromyalgia can also cause inflammation throughout the body, which can increase the risk of side effects from any kind of medication or vaccine. People with fibromyalgia should discuss these risks with their doctor before getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
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Overall, people with fibromyalgia should be aware of the potential risks when considering getting the COVID-19 vaccine. It is important to consider how fibromyalgia may affect your body and talk to your doctor about possible side effects before making any decisions. By being informed and well prepared, you can make the best decision for yourself and your health.
Potential Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine for People With Fibromyalgia
The potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine for people with fibromyalgia should be taken into consideration before getting vaccinated. Although the vaccine is generally well-tolerated and has few side effects, those with fibromyalgia may experience more severe reactions than others.
Common side effects that people with fibromyalgia may experience include:
- Fever
- Body aches
- Fatigue
These side effects can be particularly difficult for fibromyalgia sufferers, as these symptoms are already common fibromyalgia symptoms.
Other potential side effects of the vaccine for those with fibromyalgia include:
- Skin reactions at the injection site (such as redness, swelling, or itching)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Again, fibromyalgia sufferers may find these side effects more difficult to cope with than others due to their existing fatigue and chronic pain levels.
It is important for fibromyalgia sufferers to be aware of the potential side effects of the vaccine and discuss them with their doctor before getting vaccinated. Taking the time to prepare and plan how to manage fibromyalgia symptoms can help them make an informed decision about whether they should get the vaccine.
If you have fibromyalgia and are considering getting the COVID-19 vaccine, be sure to speak with your doctor first to discuss all the potential risks and benefits. With the right preparation and understanding, fibromyalgia sufferers can make an informed decision about the best approach for their health.
Tips for Managing Symptoms After Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
It is crucial to closely monitor any reactions or changes in fibromyalgia symptoms after the vaccine. If a fibromyalgia sufferer experiences fever, body aches, fatigue or any other side effects of the vaccine, contact a healthcare provider for advice on how to manage them.
Getting plenty of rest and managing fatigue are also essential when dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms after the vaccine. Low-impact exercise (such as yoga or walking) can help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms and may help reduce the side effects of the vaccine.
Be sure to get enough sleep, as fibromyalgia sufferers can be more prone to fatigue and exhaustion due to their condition. Eating a balanced diet and taking time for self-care are also important when dealing with fibromyalgia symptoms after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Remember that fibromyalgia sufferers may experience an increase in pain after the vaccine. If your fibromyalgia flares significantly following a vaccine, contact your doctor for advice on how to manage your symptoms.
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Resources to Learn More About the Risks and Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine if You Have Fibromyalgia
To learn more about fibromyalgia and the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the following resources.
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