Should You Get Anti-Covid19 Vaccines even if You have Allergies?

 

COVID-19 has changed the way we work, study, travel, and interact with people. As businesses gradually reopen across the country, employers double down their efforts to keep everyone safe.

Have you been vaccinated against Covid-19? According to reports, fully vaccinated people were 11 times less likely to die of COVID-19 and 10 times less likely to be hospitalized compared to the unvaccinated since highly contagious Delta became the most common variant.

I have a confession to make...as I write this, I have just recovered from Covid-19 virus. My husband is working as a frontliner as part of a team that works for a home laboratory. Anyway, to make the long story short, I got the virus from him and so did the rest of our household. We were home quarantined for two weeks and we were quiet about it for fear that we might be whisked off to an isolation facility and we didn't want that to happen.

Luckily, we were all completely vaccinated so we were able to survive Covid-19 by resting at home, taking in as much Vitamin C as we can, and eating nutritious vegetables and fruits. Having experienced COvid-19 virus wasn't exactly a walk in the park, it wasn't easy. COVID is REAL. We lost our sense of taste and our olfactory nerves weren't functioning well too. Food tasted so bad that I didn't have an appetite for days. I survived eating soda flakes and Pocari Sweat. I also experienced diarrhea, colds and coughs. There were times when I also had difficulty in breathing too. But glad it was all over now.

As I watched this new episode of Usapang Puso sa Puso entitled: "Pangamba sa Bakuna: Ang Puso sa Gitna ng Pandemya version 2.0", a live Zoom and FB stream lecture/talk about the Covid Virus and the effects of its anti-vaccines spearheaded by the Philippine Heart Association and hosted by expert cardiologists Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo and Dr. Ricky Tiongco. They have guest panelists and experts such as Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, OIC-Director, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, Dr. Regina Berba, Infectious Disease Specialist, and Dr. Marysia Stella Recto, Allergy & Immunology Specialist.

Usapang Puso sa Puso hosts Dr. Luigi Pierre Segundo and Dr. Ricky Tiongson

It was discussed during the program that If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you might be having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination provider site, you need to seek immediate medical care. But even if you have certain allergies, you can still get vaccinated. 

According to experts, the immediate allergic reaction from vaccines happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress). 

“Even though there is a risk of anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction to antigen) it’s still very small — and the potential benefit from the COVID-19 vaccination clearly exceeds the potential for harm,” says Dr. Recto. “The situation is evolving, however, and we’ll learn more as we gain more experience with these vaccines.”

It's understandable that hearing about allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines can make people slightly uneasy. Dr. Berba believes educating patients on the infrequency of adverse reactions and the truth about common vaccination myths can help put more people at ease. 

"Most patients claim they got sick from a vaccine when they're really referring to a natural immune response from the vaccine. Fever, chills, and muscle aches can occur within 36 hours of vaccination because a patient's immune system is responding appropriately in developing immunity after receiving the vaccine, it's not an allergic reaction," explains Dr. Berba. 

She also adds that delayed reactions are due to immune response, as well as fatigue, soreness at the injection site and vasovagal reactions(drop in blood pressure, fainting episodes), are not cause for avoiding COVID-19 vaccines. This is especially important to keep in mind if a reaction occurs after the first dose of the two-dose COVID-19 vaccination.

Only those with a known allergy from vaccine ingredients should consider not getting vaccinated for COVID-19. And if you have an allergic reaction after the first shot, you shouldn't get the second shot. Anaphylaxis commonly occurs within 30 minutes of exposure nd would be unusual after 60 minutes. 

Patients with allergies to other medications, foods or inhalants can receive the COVID-19 vaccine with normal precautions. This typically includes a 15-minute observation period after the injection based on DOH guidelines. Again, it's always advisable that if you have questions about COVID-19  vaccines, or aren't quite sure about what you should do, talk to your doctor.

Dr. Berba adds: "Normal ang lagnat at pakiramdam na t trangkasuhin sa 24-48 hours. If MORE THAN 72 HOURS NA LAGNAT, TIGNAN ANG VACCINATED PAPERS, may mga phone numbers na nakasaad doon kung saan pwede pong mag-report. Expected na may side effects...pero very minimal lang."

Now, if you didn't feel anything, it doesn't necessarily mean that the vaccine isn't doing its job or it isn't effective. Dr. Berba says, "For me nga parang maswerte ka pa. Sa ibang tao lang, stronger ang immune response kaya wala kang mga ganitong side effects."

Dr. Segundo says as of now, only 67% of the population has received their vaccination. For those who happen to have maintenance medicines, it's okay to get yourselves vaccinated but you still have to take all your maintenance medicines along with the vaccines. 

"Sa may mga chronic illnesses, 2 months after the start of treatment, pwede napumunta sa vaccine center. Finish niyo po muna ang antibiotics. Yan po and general guide. If you have other worries, consult with your doctor. Ang vaccination sites, may quality assurance po ito. May qualifiers, criteria, a checklist to make sure ang lahat po ay safe sa sites… Pero bilang tayo pupunta dun, make sure din po na wala tayong symptoms. Walang lagnat, walang sore throat… at proper po ang face shield and mask at practice social distancing."

"Bale sa mask po, by now dapat ma figure out nyo na yung mask na bagay sa inyo."There are lots of choices for  masks now. Get something that's snugly fit. The kind that's not too loose nor too tight. Something that's just right. "

What most people don't realize these days is that vaccines no matter what brand helps save lives. Vaccines efficacy to protect you against severe disease or complications from COVID virus is what's most important. And not because you're fully vaccinated means you won't get infected anymore. You might still get infected. But it will save you from mortality, you would only get something mild and might not cause you death or hospitalization.

I myself have been fully vaccinated with Sinovac and so did my husband and nephew who were both vaccinated with Pfizer brand. But we've all had Covid too. But it wasn't the life-threatening one. Thank God for the protection we've received from our respective vaccines. 

What is the most effective brand of anti-COVID vaccine? It depends on the person's immunity. Huwag matakot magpabakuna. Walang specific brand to a specific comorbidity. Ang mga naka immuno suppressant, relatively mahina nga lang protection nila against virus. If ever may chance sila na mabakunahan, we advise them ung mga hindi live or whole virus vaccine. At ITO YUNG BIHIRA sa country natin. Kaunti lang itong group na ito. Even those patients undergoing chemo, they can get vaccinated too. 

For more information about heart health and other COVID-related topics, learn and join the discussion from Usapang Puso sa Puso episodes on Facebook. Follow the Philippine Heart Association Facebook Page.  

Why I chose to get Vaccinated against Covid-19 virus?

Purple Plum Fairy got her vaccine against COVID-19 for free from the QC LGU

Things must’ve been pretty daunting and difficult for most of us. I had a few friends who had experienced mental breakdowns and depressive episodes due to what seemed to be endless community quarantine. Worse, we hear friends or people we know pass away due to Covid or other debilitating diseases. Others were retrenched from their jobs while a few others had to struggle with half of what they were supposed to receive as compensation—as they say, it’s better to be gaining something rather than not to be gaining anything at all. During this trying times, practicality is what we need. My husband works as a frontliner and there isn't everyday that I worry about him, his overall health and well-being. But there isn't anything I can do about it. I just pray hard that he will always be negative each week he gets swabbed for antigen test. 

How are you coping with the pandemic? I just got my final dose of Sinovac vaccine courtesy of the Quezon City local government as part of those A3 category (those with comorbidity) since I have diabetes and hypertension. Originally, I had registered in three different cities since I wanted to take a chance and I thought, whichever comes first, there will I go and get my vaccine. I had registered in the City of Manila (since workplace is within the area), in Las Pinas (because my husband hails from there and that’s where we were supposed to live) and back home (in Quezon City) even if I am now living in Bacoor Cavite since January 2021 (after I have gotten married and chose to live on our own). I ended up having my vaccines done in my beloved “city of the stars” because I was enlisted in our barangay. 

 

How do we help kids cope up with the changes resulting from Covid-19 virus outbreak?

 

Who wouldn't love being thrown up in the air as a kid?

Do you ever have experience being lifted up in the air by one of your parents as a kid? My mom used to do it back when I was still a child. I remember the feeling of being thrown up in the air [exactly just the way it was shown in the photo above] and it felt like I was a superhero who can fly even for a minute. Those bonding moments I had with my mom as a kid were truly special. 

Let's face it, kids will always be kids. They like active playing such as rough games most especially younger boys. Children in general love to roll around, jump and climb. And in times like this that almost half of the world's population are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, kids also develop anxiety, worry, and fears especially since most schools temporarily had to close down and they had to contend themselves to study via online classes. They can't even go out and much more socialize with children their age. 

Children love rowdy play that can distract work from home.. 

Children may no longer have that sense of structure and proper stimulation needed by their young minds. They have less opportunity to be with their friends and get that social support that is intrinsic for their healthy mental well-being.

A tumble mat is so much better than any playmat because you can be assured of your kids' safety.

 I read somewhere that children respond well to stress in various ways: they can become more clingy, withdrawing, angry or agitated, even to the point of bedwetting. As parents, we can respond to our children's reactions in a supportive way. By listening to their concerns and giving them the necessary TLC and our full attention. We need to speak kindly to them and reassuring them that everything will be okay in spite of the health crisis. 

Dr. Joselyn Eusebio, a developmental psychologist recommends keeping a regular routine with your children while avoiding being away from them. You can start by playing with them on a tumble mat. Most children love to do cartwheels, somersaults, flips, and twists. If your kids are into gymnastics, they'll find tumbling really easy to get into. You can start by learning how it feels to perform simple tricks on the floor. Then, as their techniques and confidence grow, you'd be surprised they can perform amazing sequences soon. Of course, you don't need to be a professional gymnast to enjoy the air tumble mat. You can always have it for fun and just go with the flow. 

Tumble Mat

Gymnastics is a great activity for kids. As a parent, you need to keep your kids fit and you will help them burn off your kids' extra energy into something fun, exciting, and creative if you will have your very own tumble mat at home. It will keep them fit and active amid the pandemic. Gymnastics is fantastic for helping children gain strength and take risks ultimately which they can use later in life.

Kids can learn so much and develop motor skills with a tumble mat

 

What's going to be your office and work life after COVID?

 

Prior to lockdown, I was able to resurrect my "corporate life" after a well-known hotel accepted me with open arms after almost a decade of working freelance. I remember being excited each morning as I used to commute from our house in Quezon City to the hotel where I'm working. But a lot of things had changed right after the lockdown. 

"THE PANDEMIC HAS BROUGHT ABOUT TREMENDOUS CHANGES, AND WE COULDN’T HAVE ANTICIPATED THE SCALE OR SPEED AT WHICH THEY HAVE OCCURRED.”

Reasons why I love Derma Science Hand Sanitizer

 

Handwashing is a must these days because of Covid-19 virus.

The ongoing pandemic brought about by the Covid-19 virus had caused an alarm across the globe. Health experts say that the best way to fight the said virus aside from wearing the proper face mask and face shield would have to be frequent hand washing. Effective handwashing means scrubbing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of at least 20 seconds (to make it easier, sing an entire Happy birthday song), then rinsing. This is especially important after bathroom use, prior to eating, after coughing, sneezing or each time you blow your nose to prevent infection and possible illnesses

DermaScience Hand Sanitizer Soothing Gel

The spread of coronavirus causes chronic respiratory disease. But what if soap and water aren't available? What should we do? Doctors suggest using a hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer is a good alternative to hand washing if water & soap aren't available. 

I happen to have very dry hands, and it had always been my dilemma each time I use a hand sanitizer. Sanitizers usually make my hands even more drier so I abhor using them. This had been my issue until I discovered a new product called Derma Science Hand Sanitizing Gel. This is lightweight, non-sticky, moisturizing hand sanitizing formulated with sakura extract and has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to kill the most common causing germs. 

Royale's Immuno Boost helps boost your immune system against COVID-19 Virus

 

Eating nutritious food helps prevent sickness

It had been said time and again in the vernacular, "Bawal magkasakit." It is especially true in this day and age because we are in the middle of a pandemic--the spread of Covid-19 virus is something that we should all avoid at all costs. Thus, it is important that we eat healthy and nutritious foods. 

There's an old adage that says, "An apple a day keeps a doctor away." It may have a grain of truth behind it after all. Eating nutritious foods rich in certain vitamins help us to strengthen our immune system to fight off illnesses. 

Eat foods rich in Vitamin C—Known as the biggest immune system boosters of all-time, Vitamin C deficiency can actually make you more prone to sickness. The good news is we can get vitamin C by loading up our body with oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, calamansi (Philippine lemon), strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli—all of which are rich in Vitamin C. Regular intake of vitamin C is essential for one’s health because our body doesn’t produce or store vitamin C. 

Oranges are naturally rich in Vitamin C that prevents illness

Vitamin B6 is also equally important as it supports biochemical reactions to our immune system. Vitamin B6-rich foods include chicken (that’s why we are often served with chicken soup when we get sick) and cold-water fish like salmon and tuna. It can also be found in green vegetables and in chickpeas—the main ingredient in making hummus.

Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant to fight off infections. Consume nuts, seeds and spinach—they are also helpful because such foods are rich in vitamin E. 

While vitamins and supplements can help fill in the gaps in your diet, the best way to load up on essential nutrients is to get them straight from food. I once read that we had to create a wide variety of foods in our plate. It should be a must to make every color of the rainbow to be well-represented on our plate. Not only will our food look enticing enough to eat, but we will also be receiving the necessary nutrients with the health-boosting vitamins possible. 

Taking regular food supplements or vitamins may also help boost our immune system. One great example would be Royale's Immuno Boost. Immuno Boost contains the necessary Beta Glucan (β-Glucan) which has been tested and proven to protect against various infection, bacteria, viruses and harmful pathogenic microorganisms. It also contains cancer prevention and progression because of its synergestic anti-tumor effects with monoclonal antibodies and cancer chemotherapeutics.

Royale's Immuno Boost helps boost immune system