Answering questions about COVID-19 vaccines

@colleenyoung- I'm wondering if allergic reactions are being mixed up with immune responses. Is there a way to tell the difference or doesn't it matter?

Hi @merpreb @osgood @murphy1231213 @stolzy @jenniferhunter: Please see today's podcast with Dr. Gregory Poland.
- Tackling the latest COVID-19 topics https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/tackling-the-latest-covid-19-topics/

In today's episode he answers questions about
- Immune vs. allergic reaction to the COVID vaccine.
- Antibody tests after having a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Monoclonal antibodies.
- COVID-19 variants.
- Side effects, especially after the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
and more

I have active asthma and one of the side effects is tightness in the chest so this is very big concern for me and no one I ask has never given me direct answer on that so I presuming it is not safe

I have so appreciated Dr. Poland's weekly podcasts and have gained trusted information from each one. Thank you, Dr. Poland, and a thank you to Dr. Gazelka as well.
Several days after my second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, I developed a mild rash below the injection site I have read that "Covid arm" is usually seen after the first dose of the Moderna vaccine, but there have been cases reported after the Pfizer vaccine. I am not concerned, but only mention it as a point of interest. I am immunocompromised, so hopefully this is a sign that I am acquiring a certain level of immunity to Covid-19.

@stolzy I also have reactive asthma that is allergic asthma or e-asthma named for the eosinophils that are the white blood cells involved in an allergic reaction in the lungs. I had a first dose of Pfizer Covid vaccine. I also have tightness in my chest not just from asthma, but from a physical problem of muscle and fascia tightness related to thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) which I am working on in physical therapy. I have had a repetitive pattern of trapping phlegm because of the tightness on one side of my chest that then progresses into a bacterial infection, and every once in a while I have to treat with an antibiotic. Here is my experience after the Covid vaccine. My first symptoms were pain at the injection site, then pain in my neck where the jaw connects on that same side, headache and feeling nauseated and that happened within 30 minutes. At 45 minutes, I had some pain in my tongue muscle on the right side in back near my molars. Because that was a concern as possible allergic reaction for tongue swelling, I went to the ER and they administered an IV with the anti-histamines Benadryl, and Famotidine with Prednisone, a steroid. Within 20 minutes, there was no tongue pain and I was discharged. I'm waiting for an appointment to discuss this with my allergist. I felt OK the next day and was breathing fine, but on Day 2 after the shot when those meds wore off, my asthma was worse and my face was a little puffy. I used my steroid asthma inhaler Qvar, and my breathing got better and I also took an antihistamine. Prior to taking the antihistamine, I had some tingling in my face presumably from the slight swelling, and that went away from the anti-histamine. I used the inhaler for about 3 days post injection. I had also had a sinus infection starting at about 4 days after the vaccination, and I am currently treating that. What I learned to do came from presurgical precautions to avoid staff infections when the recommendation was to use the anti-bacterial ointment Bactroban (Mupiroicin generic) by putting it inside my nostrils. It turned out that helped me when I would get these lung issues and my doctor gave me a prescription for the ointment. After 3 days, I didn't have any more symptoms from the shot, and probably some of the breathing issues were due to the oncoming sinus/respiratory infection and not just the vaccine. I didn't have a serous allergic reaction. I am told that usually happens within minutes and the data for the patients who have had anaphylaxis shows that happened within 10 or 15 minutes. I did have minor face swelling and airway swelling, but that was easily controlled with my steroid inhaler, and my arm was sore for 3 days. I suggest discuss your concerns with your allergist, and have antihistamines and a steroid inhaler available if the need arises. I also had a prescription for oral Prednisone from the ER, but couldn't fill it because the pharmacy was closed, and on Day 2, I felt OK, so I didn't fill it. My inhaler was doing the job. Asthma and other lung disease is a big risk factor if you get a Covid infection and would increase the risk of it being a serious problem, so it is best to ask your doctor who treats your asthma about your benefit or risk of the vaccination..

I got damage lungs from working with chemicals and for four years I been a a allergy shot every 30 days called NUCALA plus inhaler Flovent but I still struggle a lot but not as much now so I got to be every careful for I will end in the hospital food allergies are bad as my stomach cannot take certain foods and it a lot worse since I am getting older as my doctor told me that it would be much harder to eat foods of any kind

@stolzy, One of the things I'm beginning to value more as I age is to take advantage of those foods I can still manage well and enjoy. This first started when my much older sister told me she could no longer eat popcorn or enjoy a few other favorites.

I went to Pfizer Bion-Tech sounds like it not safe if you have any kind of illness at all this includes active asthma it will cause difficult breathing and if you have joint pain it will add to to it not safe at all

http://www.cvdvaccine.com. it is not safe just read it

Thank You for posting this.