It is common to experience side effects after receiving the coronavirus vaccine, but they do not pose any danger to your health and do not leave any long-term effects on the body. After vaccination against the coronavirus, some may experience mild symptoms, while others may report no symptoms at all. This depends on the recipient's immune system and how the body reacts to foreign pathogens.
Are women more likely to experience negative reactions than men? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, after analyzing data from many who received the COVID-19 vaccine, it was found that women typically report more vaccine side effects than men. Of the total vaccinations administered, 79% of the reported side effects came from women.
The healthy immune system may be the main reason. When someone receives a vaccine, the body's immune system is activated, producing antibodies to fight harmful pathogens. This, in turn, causes inflammatory responses in the body, leading to various side effects. Since women have a stronger and healthier immune system than men, symptoms appear more clearly in them. Many studies have also claimed that women produce stronger antibodies compared to men.
Do hormones play a role? According to experts, the female hormone estrogen generally enhances and affects immune responses. In contrast, the male hormone testosterone acts as an immune suppressor, which could be a key reason why women experience more side effects from COVID-19 vaccines than men.
How to manage vaccine side effects. Although the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines subside within a day or two, you can always take pain-relieving medications if you feel they are unbearable. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and rest well.