Monkeypox, or mpox, is a viral disease that often causes a rash. Fever, fatigue, headache, cough, and sore throat are some of its other symptoms. This article highlights monkeypox vaccine side effects.
Usually, these symptoms resemble those of smallpox. Fortunately, monkeypox is not as severe as smallpox. But the smallpox vaccine can help protect you from monkeypox.
Your best option, however, is receiving the monkeypox vaccine. It is administered in two doses, which are four weeks apart.
You may experience monkeypox vaccine side effects. But it’s a small price to pay for your health.
How Do You Protect Yourself from Monkeypox?
Monkeypox spreads through close contact, especially during sexual activities. This involves any form of sex, kissing, hugging, or skin-to-skin contact.
Touching surfaces that a person with monkeypox has touched may also lead to infection.
The disease is not airborne or waterborne. So, pools and tubs are safe.
Now that we understand how the disease is transmitted, how can we prevent it?
First, avoid close contact with people who have the monkeypox rash. Second, wash your hands frequently. Third, do not share personal items like towels. Finally, get the vaccine.
If you or someone around you has symptoms, isolate yourself immediately.
Who Qualifies for the Monkeypox Vaccine?
First and foremost, if you already have monkeypox, you cannot get the vaccine.
If you are experiencing monkeypox symptoms, visit a health center. You can then get tested and receive treatment.
Many people believe that only the LGBTQ community is at risk. However, adults of any gender and sexual orientation can get the disease. Hence, they should be vaccinated.
Still, some groups have a higher risk of infection. These groups include people with multiple sex partners or who have commercial sex if they have been in close contact with someone with monkeypox.
Laboratory and healthcare workers who work with viruses should get vaccinated as well.
What Not to Do After Getting the Monkeypox Vaccine?
Contrary to popular belief, you are not protected immediately after vaccination. Instead, you are safe two weeks after vaccination.
So, you should still avoid skin-to-skin contact with anyone who has monkeypox.
Do not leave the health facility immediately after vaccination. If possible, wait fifteen to thirty minutes.
You may show symptoms of an allergic reaction, for example, fainting, swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, or rash.
Report any severe symptoms to a medical professional. They may prescribe a mild pain reliever.
Do not drive or operate machinery after vaccination to reduce your risk of injury.
Finally, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
What Ingredients are in the Monkeypox Vaccine?
The most popular monkeypox vaccine is JYNNEOS®. Like other vaccines, it is a weakened form of the virus that cannot cause monkeypox.
One of the allergens in this vaccine is ciprofloxacin. It is an antibiotic that treats serious infections. Similarly, gentamicin is an antibiotic that treats and prevents bacterial infections.
Egg protein, another allergen, may cause a severe reaction. So, you should talk to your doctor if you are allergic before getting vaccinated.
Next, trometamol keeps the vaccine stable and improves its solubility. And benzonase helps remove impurities in the vaccine.
Lastly, chicken host-cell DNA prompts an immune response to the vaccine.
What are the Monkeypox Vaccine Side Effects?
1. There may be swelling on the injection site
Your arm is the most likely site of injection. During injection, you may only feel a pinch. However, afterward, you will see some swelling. Pain and soreness may also accompany it.
Swelling is one of the most common monkeypox vaccine side effects. Just wait for it to go away.
2. You may have an itch
Again, this is likely to occur on the injection site. Though this is one of the most common monkeypox vaccine side effects, the itch should not last more than a few weeks.
3. You may have fatigue
Remember that a modified form of the virus is introduced into the body during vaccination. So the body can develop an immune response. You may feel tired as a result of this.
This side effect is normal. You should take a day off to rejuvenate.
4. You may have headaches
Headaches are one of the most minor monkeypox vaccine side effects. Drink plenty of water and rest. Unless the headaches persist, there is no cause for alarm.
5. You may be nauseous
Nausea will only last a day or two. Eat small portions of food multiple times a day. That is light foods like soup.
Ginger is a good home remedy for nausea. You can boil it in your tea. And remember to drink plenty of water.
6. May cause fever
As your body builds immunity against monkeypox, you may get a fever. It is just a sign that your immune system is responding.
Nevertheless, seek medical attention if you get a fever for over two days.
7. May cause muscle pain
Inflammation in the arm muscle is expected. However, you might feel aches in other body parts. Muscle pain is one of the monkeypox vaccine side effects that result from your body’s immune response.
Drinking plenty of water and resting is the best solution.
8. May cause dizziness
Earlier, we mention the possibility of feeling dizzy minutes after vaccination. Usually, this is an adverse effect. It may even be a sign of an allergic reaction. Next, we will discuss the other signs of an allergic reaction.
9. May cause swelling of the lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are glands that are part of the immune system. When you have an infection, these nodes may swell up.
But when an allergic reaction occurs, your body’s immune system perceives a harmless substance as a threat.
In this instance, swelling of the face and throat may be one of the monkeypox vaccine side effects. Immediately get medical help. Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening.
10. May cause difficulty breathing
Above, we mention the swelling of lymph nodes due to an allergic reaction. If the nodes in the throat swell, you may have difficulty breathing. You may also experience a drop in blood pressure.
This is a frightening situation to be in. Therefore, you may panic and feel your heart beat faster. Call for help immediately or rush the affected individual to the nearest hospital.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the monkeypox vaccine side effects are often mild. Still, a severe reaction may occur. Thus, you must consult your doctor if you have any allergies. You would rather be safe.
Monkeypox may not be as contagious as some viral diseases like covid. Nonetheless, it is painful. Moreover, the rash can be irritating. Vaccination is the best way to prevent it.
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