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Covid

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Original poster

Health anxiety & Covid vaccine. I’m scared. 😟

15 replies

fireflylanegirls · 06/03/2021 19:49

I have my Covid vaccine next week (group 6)
I’m so happy to be having it, but I’m so anxious.
I suffer with awful health anxiety (just about to start CBT) and I’m not sure if I can cope with any potential side effects.

Especially as the side effects are similar to Covid symptoms, which I have spent a year worrying about.

I genuinely feel so sick about how I’m going to feel after the vaccine.

OP posts:

RosesAndHellebores · 06/03/2021 19:52

Having mine Monday along with DH. We are bloody delighted. Will neck some paracetamol before bed and some more in the morning so I can crack on with work.

Very grateful there is a route out of this. Go Nadim!

happytoday73 · 06/03/2021 19:53

Honestly OP... Its most likely you will have no symptoms or just a sore arm or a little headache.

I think you need to concentrate on the protection it provides and how it stops symptoms... I totally get this is really hard for you... But you must do this.. Either dismiss the thoughts or flick it to the positives...

Vaccination centre is used to those that are nervous, unsure , anxious.... They will help.

PJsEveryday · 06/03/2021 19:55

Hello. I have health anxiety toi and really worried about getting the vaccine. The whole process was very very quick and efficient. My DH drove me so I didn't even need to wait the 15 mins so there was no hanging around. I reall did feel very safe. As for side effects, I had researched them and knew what to expect so was very prepared but I had only a sore arm. No fever or headache. Prepare for the worst, have your paracetamol handy and prepare to spend 2 days taking it easy if you can.

littlemisslozza · 06/03/2021 19:57

I've had mine today. The set up was so impressive and I felt so pleased to see so many people going through so efficiently that it gives me hope for getting out of restrictions. I like that I'm helping to protect others too.

So far, no side effects. DH had his and he was fine. I only know two people who have felt a bit rubbish for 24 hours, most have been fine, slightly sore arm but that's it.

TheSilentStars · 06/03/2021 20:16

I have HA. I'm on the long-running HA thread on here.
Had my AZ vaccine on Wednesday. Couldn't bloody wait and felt quite emotional to get it tbh. This is something that's going to help us back to normality.
I have felt tired since Wednesday, and a few colleagues (120 of us were all done together) had slight temperatures in Thursday. 8 people were off work for a day, 12 for another. Everyone back today.

Doireallyneedaname · 06/03/2021 20:32

I have severe health anxiety, I actually started CBT yesterday.

I had my first jab (Pfizer) last week and I got through it. You will be fine, promise.

KasparKat · 06/03/2021 20:38

I also have health anxiety but was so relieved to get the vaccine. I had fairly strong side effects (36hr fever, headache, chills, fatigue, nausea, crazy sweating, no appetite etc.) but I actually took a lot of comfort from that as I could tell that my body was reacting "well" to it and firing up my immune system. Can you look at any side effects in a positive way, I.e. as a sign that the vaccine is working and your body is doing the right thing?

Honestly, I just felt so much relief and gratitude after the vaccine that I would willingly go through those side effects for an entire week in order to be protected from covid.

After 36 hours I suddenly felt normal again. Maybe just a bit more tired than usual. Would have it again tomorrow if it increased my protection

Doireallyneedaname · 06/03/2021 21:18

Oh, I should add I didn’t have any of the side effects you read about. No fever etc. I just felt hungover and really fatigued / weak for 2 days

whenwillthemadnessend · 06/03/2021 21:21

Had mine. Next evening I felt a little run down. Took some paracetamol early night and absolutely fine next day. Evening ha dyne energy to do diy.

Titsywoo · 06/03/2021 22:34

I had mine on Tuesday and felt fine except for a sore arm and on Wednesday evening I felt more tired than usual so went to bed a couple of hours early. Had the AZ. Most people I know have had little to no side effects.

Porcupineintherough · 06/03/2021 22:40

I've had COVID twice. I would strongly urge you to get the vaccine. Even "mild" covid can be very nasty and the fear of deteriorating is very stressful even without health anxiety.

choirmumoftwo · 06/03/2021 22:51

I work in a vaccination centre. We see extremely anxious people every day and I at least feel hugely privileged to help put people at ease. No one has yet been unable to go ahead with the vaccine.
Let the staff know how anxious you are feeling - I'm sure they'll be supportive. Good luck and thank you for facing your fears.

Artyfarty555 · 06/03/2021 23:04

I totally agree with choirmum... l also work in a large vaccination centre and we see several people a day with high anxiety levels and not one of them has refused the vaccine. The staff have been so understanding and supportive. They are so aware that people are very anxious and will do all they can to help and support you. Find a driver so you don't have to wait at the end and if at all possible book an appointment first thing in the morning. Everyone l have spoken to after has said the actual jab didn't hurt and many were unaware it had happened.
Please be brave and try not to think of the negative side effects which may not even effect you.. l think you are amazing doing this for the good of so many other people...big hugs x

SnarkyBag · 06/03/2021 23:12

I was like this a week ago. All the staff were amazing and kind and very reassuring.

About 6 hours after I did start to feel unwell and I had muscle aches and pains through the night and a bit of a fever. Paracetamol helped and i was fine within a couple of days

Even if you do feel a bit unwell you just need to remind yourself that it’s not because you’re actually ill it’s your amazing body reacting the way it’s meant to to the vaccine.

I do understand though I very nearly didn’t go for mine but a week on and it’s all a distant memory!

XenoBitch · 06/03/2021 23:19

@choirmumoftwo

I work in a vaccination centre. We see extremely anxious people every day and I at least feel hugely privileged to help put people at ease. No one has yet been unable to go ahead with the vaccine. Let the staff know how anxious you are feeling - I'm sure they'll be supportive. Good luck and thank you for facing your fears.

I have asked a few times on MN and no one can give me a reply. I have massive keloid scars on my upper arms in the triangle where you would give a jab. I also have a severe needle phobia which was bad anyway but then I was restrained and jabbed against my will in a psych ward. Fight or flight kicks in big time.

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