I'm sick and feel terrible

[PJMcK]

Yesterday, I got my second dose of the Moderna vaccine. The injection site hurts a lot and I have flu-like symptoms: low fever, my whole body aches and I have chills.

Still, in a couple of weeks, I’ll be safe. Now I have to go throw up.

See y’all later.

[underpants]

1. It hit my brother in law hard too

Suck it up buttercup

[PJMcK]

82. Ha! Good one

I’m starting to feel better.

[underpants]

119. Good. 👍

I’m trying to get an appointment but I really don’t expect anything to happen until March I’d guess.

[roamer65]

2. Have you possibly had the virus?

[greatauntoftriplets]

18. Everyone's different, of course.

I had a surprisingly mild case of COVID a couple of weeks before the first vaccine shot -- the Pfizer version. Both shots, I've had no reaction, just a slight pain if I pressed on the injection site.

Yes, I was very lucky.

[PJMcK]

65. No, I don't think so

I've had 4 Covid tests since June and all were negative. We've been very careful all year and followed all the protocols.

I think I just had tough reaction.

[roamer65]

93. You will definitely have antibodies now.

[paleotn]

68. Normal Moderna side affects.

[LiberalLoner]

3. I'm so sorry it's hitting you this hard

Especially the nausea part, I hate throwing up worse than anything. I always start crying when I throw up because I hate it so much.

I hope you feel better very soon. Sometimes a heating pad or getting into a warm bath can help with chills and aches and pains.

Thank you for doing your part to defeat the virus! And for letting us know to take a day or two off to recover after we get the second injection.

Hugs to you!

[PJMcK]

69. Thanks for your kind thoughts

I'm starting to feel better. Man, I hate feeling sick!

[LiberalLoner]

83. I understand. I'm glad you are feeling a bit better now though!

[MustLoveBeagles]

92. I'm glad you're feeling better

[PJMcK]

94. Thank you! (n/t)

[LizBeth]

70. Ha, I posted the same way down below, except I do not cry. I do hate it though. Lol

[GeorgeGist]

4. Can't wait 😄

Mar 12th for me.

[Rorey]

10. Tomorrow for me

I'll believe it when it happens.

[grantcart]

67. Friday for me

[PJMcK]

71. Good luck! (n/t)

[shanti]

91. Tuesday, for me!

Two days!!!

[KarenS]

5. please take care of yourself

[PJMcK]

73. Thank you!

My darling wife has been a good nurse today. I'm starting to feel a little better.

[Ohiogal]

6. Hang in there PJ!

I hope by tomorrow you’re all over it and feeling much better. 🙂

[PJMcK]

84. I'm feeling better this afternoon

It took all day to kick the symptoms.

thanks for your thoughtfulness, Ohiogal!

[BlueIdaho]

7. Please let us know how long the symptoms last.

From what I’ve read, most people report this reaction lasts 2 - 6 hours. Congratulations on your shots! My second shot comes up in about 10 days.

[LizBeth]

72. +1. I have not heard the 2-6. I have heard a day, but this is much more can do precise. TY

[PJMcK]

85. I got my second shot around 2pm yesterday

I started feeling bad around 10 last night and was miserable all night and most of today. From what I've heard, my symptoms were worse than most experience.

[Arkansas Granny]

8. My sister reported the same after her second shot. It lasted for

about 24 hours. I get my second shot in two weeks. Looking forward with mixed emotions.

[PJMcK]

95. Give yourself s buffer-day

If you can, don't plan anything for the day after! I was glad I had Sunday to recover.

Good luck!

[Wounded Bear]

9. So sorry to hear that. Stay strong...

[jmbar2]

11. My sister is a hospital nurse

They were advised to schedule their second shots right before their days off. She said it's good advice.

You are taking one for the rest of the team out here who haven't been vaccinated yet.

I honor you!

[PJMcK]

96. You're too kind

Everyone, if possible, should get vaccinated.

It's the only way to be sure. Nuke it from orbit.

[Ferrets are Cool]

12. So sorry you are feeling terrible.

Just to give others hope, my wifey and I got the Phizer vaccine on Friday. Other than a small headache and some minor muscle pains, our second shot has been a better experience than we could have hoped for.

It affects everyone differently. Unfortunately some, like my sister, have horrible flu like side effects.

[LizBeth]

74. I heard the older you are the less likely to experience symptoms. How to ask.

Are you old as dirt? lol. I am getting my second shot in a week and hate feeling sick. I want yours.

[Ferrets are Cool]

86. I am 64 and wifey is 69

I think it's because we ate dirt when we were youngans and are immune to a lot of stuff.

[LizBeth]

88. Ha ha. Who is to know, could be.

[3catwoman3]

13. I'll suggest Tylenol or its generic rather than the NSAIDs...

...like Motrin, Advil and Aleve and their generics. The latter can be irritants to the gastrointestinal tract, and yours is already riled up.

[PJMcK]

97. I'm an aspirin man, myself

But yesterday, during my symptoms, all I took was Pepto-Bismol and ginger ale.

Sleep was the greatest remedy, as usual.

[Hortensis]

14. Great post. Hope you're feeling better...after the interval. Tomorrow'll be for sure.

[PJMcK]

98. By last night, I felt better

Sleep was the best remedy and I took Pepto-Bismol for the nausea.

Have a good week, Hortensis.

[Hortensis]

116. Good to hear. You too.

[Cicada]

15. Proof your body will kick covid really hard

The wife of a doctor in the night after his second shot described his bad reaction, chills, shakes, headache. And she said a wave of relief washed over her, because she knew it meant her husband was going to be safe.

Oddly, it’s a good thing.

[soothsayer]

24. Yep, it's working!

[TNNurse]

34. Yes, a reaction is a positive thing.

Not fun, but not as bad as getting the virus.

I had a little reaction to my first...fatigue and chills for a few hours. Have no idea what that means for the second...I will get that on the 17th. I had Moderna and my husband Pfizer on the same day. His second is on the 10th. If he has a reaction I can take care of him and if I do, he will be fine to take care of me.

[PJMcK]

99. It's comforting to have a loving partner

I know we can all survive our illnesses and discomforts on our own. It's just nicer to either have a hand or lend a hand!

Good luck with your seconds.

[Me.]

16. Moderna Or Phizer?

[OMGWTF]

47. The article says Moderna

[Me.]

81. Thanks, Somehow I Missed That In The OP

[Pachamama]

17. Congratulations!!!! Your immune system is working!!!!

Yeah - this is the uncomfortable discomfort you will have for the next 24 hours....but you will be 94% protected in the next few weeks.

I had a similar reaction the day after my second dose of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine last month - but on day 3 I was back again.

Rest, drink lots of water and take Tylenol and you will be okay.

We are the lucky ones.

[PJMcK]

100. Thank you!

I feel better this morning and I'm glad I had a day off to recover.

Knowing that we have our shields up is comforting!

[greatauntoftriplets]

19. Feel better!

The people I know who've had a reaction to the second shot have said it lasted for only two hours.

[PJMcK]

102. They were the lucky ones

My symptoms lasted about 24 hours.

I feel great this morning. Have a good week, greatauntoftriplets.

[greatauntoftriplets]

120. That's great.

Have a good week yourself!

[Aristus]

20. If your viral inflammatory reaction is anything like mine,

you’re going to wake up tomorrow feeling fantastic. One day of severe fatigue, and I was fine.

[Midnight Writer]

45. That's what my brother reported. He said he spent one day basically in bed, then he was fine.

[PJMcK]

103. You were right!

I feel great this morning. Nothing like sleeping through most of a day to feel good again.

Have a great week, Aristus.

[Silent3]

21. Try to think of it as sick and wonderful!

I'm probably months away from getting vaccinated, and am very envious of those who can get the vaccine sooner.

Try to think of the temporary misery as part of the transition to have a superpower

[SheilaAnn]

25. Me too and I'm in Florida. The governor doesn't like my county, we didn't vote for trump. I'm

hoping for my first shot sometime in late spring or maybe not at all. Who knows?

[LizBeth]

75. You can call health dept and ask if you can go at end of day and see if there are left overs.

I got on a list by luck. Unapologetically.

See if you cannot find a way. It is ridiculous they say 31-65 yr old. Big difference from 30 and 60.

[PJMcK]

104. I don't know about superpowers

But I do feel like my shields are up.

Good luck getting your shots, Silent3!

[NewHendoLib]

22. ugh. Thursday AM is my Moderna shot 2 day. I'll report back.

[PJMcK]

110. Good luck

This morning, I feel normal again. It's great to know I've done what I can to protect myself and others. We'll still be wearing masks and social distancing for quite some time, though.

[3catwoman3]

23. I'll suggest Tylenol or its generic rather than the NSAIDs...

...like Motrin, Advil and Aleve and their generics. The latter can be irritants to the gastrointestinal tract, and yours is already riled up.

[Laffy Kat]

26. It hit me hard, too, except my fever was high.

I never got nauseated but I know people who did. Try to stay well hydrated. You are on the other side of the vaccines now. You'll feel better soon. Hugs.

[PJMcK]

111. Thanks for your kind thoughts

I feel great this morning and being on "the other side" is comforting.

I'm glad you're on this side, too, Laffy Kat!

[Zambero]

27. Similar reactions here

I had the Moderna 2 this past Wednesday. Thursday was miserable with the flu-like symptoms that you described. Interestingly enough the injection site soreness was less severe than for the first shot, when the day-after malaise was much less pronounced. The good news was that the second vaccine's flu-like symptoms were quickly gone two days later after having slept it off for 10 hours the night before. Hope your current situation is also of short duration!

[PJMcK]

105. Sleep can cure many ills

I spent most of Sunday in bed, sleeping most of the day. By evening I felt well enough to eat some dinner. This morning I feel great!

A day of discomfort is a small price to pay for the peace of mind (and body) the vaccine provides.

[AndrewRN]

28. No reaction here...

I've had both Moderna shots and only reaction was a very sore arm after the 2nd shot.

[ashredux]

29. Had bout 16 hours.....it will not last long

[mzmolly]

30. Feel better

soon.

[Oldem]

31. My doc said to put ice on the inflamed area.

I'm not trying to prescribe treatment; just passing along what I was told. I've had chronic back pain for decades, and ice is my friend. I can personally attest to that much. I hope this passes quickly. Remember, you'll come out stronger.

[c-rational]

32. Feel better and thanks for the update. I am scheduled for my second shot March 12...time will tell.

[LovingA2andMI]

33. .....

n/t

[seta1950]

35. I got my first shot last week

Moderna

[LaMouffette]

36. I'm so sorry you're sick! But thank you very much for sharing!

I didn't know the reaction could be like this. I would have freaked out if I got the vaccine and had this reaction, without having read your post. My husband and I are not scheduled yet, but we're on the list, so hopefully soon.

And to the person who posted about scheduling the vaccine before a day off, thank you for that!

[FakeNoose]

37. If you still have symptoms in 24 hours, you should call your doctor

...or call the hospital/clinic where you received the vaccine.

In most cases the symptoms will be gone within 24 hours.
That's what our DUers have been reporting.
Good luck!

[birdographer]

38. Our second Moderna shots are in 11 days

(I know the day because I got a countdown timer specifically to count down the days, and it sits on top of the screen all the time). I know everyone is different, but I have read that the reaction tends to kick in twelve or so hours after the shot. Ours are at 11 am, so going by that, we may have a rough night and wake up not feeling too spiffy. We had zero reaction to the first shot. I hope there's no nausea, I hate throwing up! But once it has passed as well as the 10-12 days for the antibodies to be in place, I anticipate being very happy. No change in behavior, but peace of mind.

[Jerry2144]

39. I also got shot two

I also got shot two off the Modena vaccine on Thursday. I felt like you describe on Friday. Saturday a sore arm and some fatigue, and today I feel totally normal. It should pass quickly for you within 48 hours since this OS just your body gearing up for a viral invasion. Once the mRNA is cleared from your system and the spike proteins your body makers are gone, you’ll quickly recover. Take a couple Tylenol, if you can keep it down, rest, and water.

[littlemissmartypants]

40. I hope you are taking care that you don't get dehydrated.

It helps to have a kitty cat or a puppy dog to keep your spirit up. If you don't have any of those a hot water bottle might help. Keep us posted and stay strong.

❤

[moreland01]

41. Lucky!

I'm too young and probably won't get to feel that way until maybe June

You lucky vaccinated ones will be partying and watching live music while us Not Quite Old Enough people will be at home envious.

[DesertRat]

55. A couple of my younger relatives received vaccines through volunteering

They spent the day volunteering at a vaccine site, then received the vaccine following their shift. Second vaccine was scheduled at the same time.

This is in Arizona, you might check your area. There is a need for both clinical and non-clinical volunteers.

[LizBeth]

76. I got on list lucky too. There are ways. That is a good one you suggested.

[MuseRider]

42. Oh man that really sucks.

So sorry. We got our 2 doses of Pfizer and were fine but some friends of mine had a rough time. Take care. I am glad you will be safe.

[PJMcK]

106. I'm glad you're safe, too

This whole vaccination thing could have been different for everyone IF we had a real president last year. Imagine if we'd had real leadership one year ago! What a difference it could have made.

Have a great week, MuseRider.

[MuseRider]

121. I will

and you too, after you recover. I am so sorry you are so sick but it will end well.

[Texin]

43. I'm sorry you're feeling ill. I just got my first Moderna vaccine Friday.

My upper arm still aches a bit - it was really sore yesterday morning. I fortunately didn't have many other symptoms other than feeling bone tired and vaguely shivery late yesterday afternoon - but the weather's been so brutal, maybe it's just a consequence of that (but I don't think so). I've read/heard that the second shot produces more pronounced symptoms, and you seem to be proof.

I'd be interested to learn if you felt any symptoms after the first shot, if you'd be able to respond (but after you feel better, of course).

[PJMcK]

107. My first shot of Moderna was uneventful

Even the injection site didn't hurt. My reaction to dose #2 was dramatically different but a day of sleep helped me get through it. This morning, I feel great.

Good luck with your second dose. It's a good feeling to know it's behind you!

[Texin]

122. I'd have to say my first injection turned out to be pretty uneventful.

The injection site soreness isn't unusual for any intramuscular injection, such as influenza. I don't have a lot of muscle or fat in my upper arm so it's not surprising that it hurt. I got the quadrivalent influenza vaccine back in early October and it was initially more painful that the Moderna vaccine on the first day but the next morning my arm was much sorer than the flu one was. As far as the other vague "not on top of my game" feeling, they went away yesterday and I felt fine. I don't expect to have any major symptoms following the second dose than those who've described their experiences. I'll just take Tylenol and ride them out. The reaction to the second shot is just the body fighting off an invasion of a virus-like invader it now recognizes.

[Mary Mac]

44. You get to get a haircut!

[PJMcK]

108. Ha! I'd forgotten about that!

Three months into the pandemic and my hair was driving me crazy. So I got out the electric haircutter I've had since my son was a little boy, chose the longest attachment and went after my own head. I kept rubbing that thing over my skull until hair stopped falling off. It didn't look too bad, at least to me. YMMV!

[beaglelover]

46. This is good. It means the first shot did what it was supposed to do.

You'll feel better in a day or so and then you can go about living a semi normal life without fear of being taken out prematurely due to the COVID virus! Consider yourself one of the lucky ones!!

[PJMcK]

109. I am a very lucky man

Much of my life has felt like a gift and I'm grateful to be vaccinated.

Today, I feel great! Have a good week, beaglelover.

[lark]

48. Just had my first dose on Friday and yesterday my heart was just racing.

Oxygen went down too but not bad. I also felt achey and tired all day yesterday. Today my pulse is back to the high 50's, where it usually is and I'm not nearly as tired. The 2nd dose will be rougher, probably, but I will get it on 3/19 as scheduled.

[Grasswire2]

51. Geez, this is what I mean in my comment below.

People with pacemakers, various ailments.

Are they (we) being counseled on possible results from the attack on our system?

[lark]

52. All I can say is people who had issues with Covid are not being screened or advised.

I told them I'd had it and that was the end of the conversation.

[Grasswire2]

77. An episode of tachycardia could kill me.

Seriously. It would throw off the effects of meds that calm my heart muscle, and I would end up in the ER.

[Grasswire2]

49. I wonder how this after effect hits people with underlying illness?

Diabetics, for example.

People with significant heart disease.

People on dialysis or serious treatments where a disturbance of the system would be magnified.

Have we heard anything about that aspect?

[DesertRat]

57. I have a 89 year old diabetic relative who received the Moderna vaccine

He reported no symptoms except a mildly sore arm.

[PJMcK]

112. Not too sure

I haven't read too much about the types of cases you mentioned. The obvious thing to do is ask your doctor.

Best of luck, Grasswire2!

[RainCaster]

50. My daughter had a similar reaction to her second dose

Many others in her clinic also had similar reactions. They know to schedule second doses on Fridays because they are so understaffed.

[cayugafalls]

53. Feel better soon. Sorry it is hitting you hard.

That means it is working well and you will be protected. Your body is kicking its butt.

Unfortunately, that butt is attached to you.

[AllyCat]

54. Yeah, that happens.

Sorry you feel crummy. You’ll feel better in a day. Then you get some immunity from this horrible virus.

[Mosby]

56. I wish I felt sick

I'm an essential worker and haven't gotten any shots yet.

[PJMcK]

113. This is what I can't understand

Healthcare, essential workers (including supermarket employees) and teachers should have been the first to receive the vaccines. Many of the people working at the vaccination site I went to hadn't been vaccinated yet! That's ridiculous.

If we had had a real president a year ago, imagine how differently things might have been.

[Heartstrings]

58. Get my 2nd dose of Pfizer next Saturday 2-27.

I’ve been fatigued since I got the first dose on 2-4. But if having any reaction means that it’s working, I can and will tolerate it. Stocked up on Tylenol, Gatorade, juice boxes, saltine crackers, and chicken noodle soup.

Hope you’re feeling better by tomorrow!

[mokawanis]

59. I would love to be sick and feel terrible

just a reminder that a lot of people aren't eligible to get the vaccine yet. Looks like I'm going to have to wait until this summer.

[LizBeth]

79. Right.

[PJMcK]

114. It's been a mess

It's incomprehensible to me why this great country fell so far behind.

Actually, I know exactly why we're in this situation and I think nearly everyone on this board knows what I mean.

[paleotn]

60. 24 to 36 hours and you'll feel much better.

That's the word from my healthcare better half who signed up to be a sticker in addition to her teaching role. She was sick as a dog for a day and a half after Moderna #2, starting about 12 hours after her shot, but quickly recovered. Almost like flipping a switch she says.

[karin_sj]

61. The second shot was tough for me

I got my second Moderna shot last Wednesday and that night, I was exhausted, but couldn't sleep because my joints were really sore and the arm where I got the shot was really painful. I also had headache, chills, and a low-grade fever of 100.8. Took some Tylenol the next day (Friday) and felt a bit better but still very tired all day, a little nauseated, and went to bed early. Felt almost back to normal on Saturday, just a little tired. Woke up today (Sunday) and felt fantastic and so happy that I had both my shots over with.

My 91-year-old mom fared much better than me. She was tired and her arm was sore but that was it.

If this is how it feels fighting the dead virus I can only imagine how awful it must be to get the real thing. It's so worth the couple of days of discomfort to get protection from it.

[calimary]

62. Hang in there. You will be safe.

[PJMcK]

115. Monday morning and I feel good!

Thanks for your encouragement calimary.

[calimary]

123. Oh EXCELLENT!!!

Good news for you is good news (once removed) for the rest of us!

Cuz otherwise, we’re gonna worry...

[SCantiGOP]

63. I never felt either dose

My 20-something daughter is a nurse, and said she was far sicker (but only for about 6 hours) from her second dose than she had been in September during the 3 days she was sick with the virus.
Doesn’t seem to be any reason for who gets a bad reaction from the shot and who never notices it.

[ProfessorGAC]

64. Hang In There!

The vast majority of folks in your situation feel better in a couple days.
Then, the worst will be over & you'll have gotten your vax!
Hopefully it will be quick.

[LizBeth]

66. You did not say you had nausea. Did you really throw up? I can handle it all, but I hate sick tummy.

[Kablooie]

78. That means that the vaccine is working, at least.

[Dustlawyer]

80. Due to the freeze me and my mom's 2nd dose was rescheduled from last Wednesday to

this coming Friday. Looking forward to the protection but not the side effects.

[LuckyCharms]

87. Feel better soon, PJ.

Got my first Pfizer dose 28 hours ago, and it kicked my ass today. Feeling a bit better with each hour that passes. The second dose should be a doozy! Hang on, you'll feel better soon.

[PJMcK]

101. My symptoms lasted about 24 hours

It was bad but I survived, of course. It feels good to be vaccinated!

[Vinca]

117. I'm so glad for the update on your experience. We're scheduled to get them and I'm

terrified of the whole thing. I know I'm being irrational, but I know I have to do it. Hearing people have recovered from any side effects in a short period helps. Glad you're feeling better.

[PJMcK]

118. Thanks

From what I've heard, my experience was on the worst-end of the spectrum. My wife's experience was much less dramatic. I hope you get through it okay. It feels great to be on the other side of the process!

[SharonAnn]

89. After 2nd Moderna I felt a little feverish that night and next day. After that I was fine.

Tylenol took care of the feverish feeling.

[jimlup]

90. Due for mine in 2 weeks...

I'm looking forward to it with mixed feelings.

I did have slight symptoms after dose one but only fatigue.