A research team from the Health Ministry of Japan has stated that the symptoms of COVID-19 are “hard to distinguish” from the reactions to vaccinations.
Japan hit a “remarkable” milestone in its vaccination drive more than a week ago. The country was able to administer 1 million vaccines in one day, on June 25.
Despite this, though, there are growing issues over its vaccination rate. Even so, there is another emerging concern about COVID-19 vaccines, especially toward the side effects.
NHK World News recently released a report on the matter. This comes after a research team from the country’s Health Ministry asserted that a lingering fever after vaccinations could be a sign of a coronavirus contraction.
Japan urges individuals to consult doctors if fever persists
The team reportedly found out that 2 percent of individuals who took the Pfizer jabs developed a fever the day after. Likewise, the same thing took place to the 4 percent of people who received the Moderna shots. The recorded temperatures were at 37.6 degrees Celsius or higher.
The research team explained that “it is so hard to distinguish” COVID-19 symptoms from the side effects of the vaccines. This is reportedly why some individuals who develop a fever after getting the jabs “might not get tested for the coronavirus.”
Accordingly, the Health Ministry of Japan has since urged the public to consult with doctors if fevers linger for two days or longer after vaccinations. Individuals should also see health experts if they experience common symptoms of the COVID-19 disease.
In addition to this, the ministry has encouraged health and medical institutions to test individuals with lingering fevers after inoculation. They should reportedly “refer to test labs” when they examine people.
COVID-19 symptoms and vaccine side effects
Side effects are normal after getting a COVID-19 vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As explained, they are signs that an individual is “building protection” against the virus.
While side effects may happen to some people, others may not experience them. Nevertheless, these reactions typically go away in a few days.
Some of the side effects include pain, redness, and swelling on the site of injection. Headache, fever, nausea, tiredness, muscle pain, and chills are also common reactions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry of Japan notes that the common symptoms of COVID-19 include coughs, lack of smell and taste, and shortness of breath. The World Health Organization adds fever and tiredness, as well, on the list.
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