Covid-19, Elderly, and Treatment of Side Effects

Important and timely re-post authored by A Place For Mom…

Most COVID-19 side effects can be treated safely at home without any sort of special care. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to reduce pain or discomfort at the injection site. Drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly can reduce discomfort from fever, says the CDC.

Studies suggest it’s more common to experience side effects following the second COVID-19 vaccine shot. The second dose of the vaccine is administered three to four weeks after the first dose. In clinical trials, both older and younger participants reported reactions that were more frequent or intense, with fatigue, headache and new or worsened muscle pain being the most common. However, the side effects from the second injection were mild to moderate in severity, and less frequent for those older than 55.

Experiencing mild to moderate side effects after vaccination means your immune system is functioning like it should – and that is a good thing. Your body is learning to develop a response to COVID-19 and building immunity against the disease. That way, when you’re exposed to the actual virus, your body will recognize and fight it.

All people who receive the vaccine, regardless of age, will be monitored for at least 15 minutes to ensure they don’t have an allergic reaction. Those with a history of severe allergic reactions should be watched for 30 minutes after vaccination, according to the CDC.

Other safeguards are in place, too. The CDC and FDA are closely monitoring the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in the elderly. For senior living communities, the CDC is working with Walgreens, CVS, and other health care partners to report, track, and monitor any serious complications of the vaccine.

Caregivers of elderly loved ones are also encouraged to report any adverse events immediately to their doctor or through V-safe – a smartphone-based app that provides health check-ins after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine.

If your loved one develops a fever after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, monitor it to ensure it’s indeed a response to the vaccine and nothing more serious. If side effects like fever, redness, or pain don’t improve within a few days, or if you’re worried, it’s time to call a doctor, says the CDC.

JD Miller

About JD Miller

John D. Miller is the founder/owner of Home Care Partners, LLC, a Massachusetts business providing private duty, personalized in-home assistance and companion care services to those needing help in daily activities and household functions. Phone: (781) 378-2164 Email: jdmiller@homecarepartners.biz Website: https://homecarepartnersma.com
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