Some COVID Long-Haulers Report Reprieve After Vaccination
Amy Barczy
| 2 min read
Amy Barczy is a former brand journalist who authored content at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Prior to her time at Blue Cross from 2019-2024, she was a statewide news reporter for MLive.com. She has a decade of storytelling experience in local news media markets including Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Ann Arbor and Port Huron.
Some people with long-haul COVID-19 symptoms are reporting they felt better after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine – one of the latest revelations that both patients and researchers are learning in real time about the viral disease. COVID-19 can result in prolonged illness and persistent symptoms – even in young adults and people with no or few underlying medical conditions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The top long-haul symptom reported by individuals is fatigue. While more studies are needed to confirm anecdotal evidence from long-haul patients, there are positive signs emerging. A recent observational study of 44 vaccinated people – most of which had persistent symptoms of long COVID – found that they had a small improvement in their symptoms and some of their even symptoms went away, compared to a group of 22 unvaccinated people with long-haul symptoms. Social media groups for long-haul COVID patients are also documenting the phenomenon. A poll conducted on Facebook by Survivor Corps found 40% of respondents experienced relief from their COVID long-haul symptoms after receiving the vaccine. However, some individuals also reported worsening symptoms after receiving the vaccine. It’s too soon to tell the long-term impacts of COVID-19 vaccines on long-haul patients, and more research is needed by the scientific community. The CDC are recommending individuals age 16 and up receive a COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of whether you have already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from a COVID-19 illness. Talk to your doctor if you were treated for COVID-19 before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, especially if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have questions. Scientists continue to learn more about COVID-19 immunity from both infections and vaccines. The safest way to gain protection against COVID-19 is by getting a vaccine. More from MIBluesPerspectives:
- COVID-19 Vaccines: Get the Facts
- Once Skeptical, Woman ‘Really Excited’ to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine
- Why You Need Two Shots of the Moderna & Pfizer Vaccines
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