RSV

Posted by RMS @rinadbq, Oct 28, 2023

Being proactive, I got all the vaccines-pneumonia, shingles, flu, and the new updated Covid. I know I would have an exaggerated response to these as my immune system is out of whack from Long Covid, in addition to continuing heart and lung problems for the past 3 years.

What I didn't pay attention to was RSV. It was only when making the latest COVID vax appointment did I notice the availability of a RSV vax. I wound up in the ER with shortness of breath and continuous coughing that I could not relieve with my rescue inhaler and profound weakness & lethargy for 4 days. I needed nebulized breathing treatments to get the coughing under control enough to be discharged. In my BC (before Covid) state RSV would have been like a cold, but my response to RSV now nearly got me hospitalized.

GET VACCINATED for everything because our bodies are broken and we will have harsher responses and longer recovery times to infections.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

joansmurphy | @joansmurphy | Oct 29, 2023

I got the RSV vaccine 2 days ago. I don’t usually have any ill effects from vaccines but this one has caused my arm to ache all the way to my hand if I lie on the affected side. Additionally a low grade fever. I am a strong believer in vaccines so I’m not trying to discourage anyone, just letting you know about my experience. Tylenol is helping. A sore arm is nothing compared to getting RSV. I’d suggest getting it on your non- dominant arm.

RMS | @rinadbq | Oct 29, 2023

In reply to @joansmurphy "I got the RSV vaccine 2 days ago. I don’t usually have any ill effects from..." + (show)

I am a RN and gave covid vaccines in a clinic mid 2021. Written and verbal instructions and cautions for each patient included pain in the arm, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, muscle/body aches and low grade fever. The same holds true for flu and RSV vaccines. This is a normal and expected inflammatory response which actually lets us know it is working. A small response to the vaccine now generates a stronger response to the virus the next time you are exposed. Kind of like priming a pump. This gives you a more vigorous response to the virus giving you less intense symptoms leading to less hospitalizations.
I wish I had the RSV vax-the first 5 days had me totally wiped out, very similar to when I originally got Covid before the vaccines were approved.
I fully agree with getting vax’s in your non-dominant arm!! Great that you got yours!

joansmurphy | @joansmurphy | Oct 29, 2023

I’m a RN too. When I was in elementary school a first grader died of measles. My cousin got polio in the early 50’s. He had 23 surgeries and slept in an iron lung for many many years. Thank God for BiPap because he is still alive and well. I am a huge proponent of vaccines. If you get some side effects, it’s worth it.