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Original poster

Has the Pfizer vaccine given me the virus?!

58 replies

dottypencilcase · 03/07/2021 22:52

Apologies for sounding dumb but I had my first Pfizer vaccine 10 days ago and exactly a week later, I came down with classic flu-like symptoms (high temperature, chills, joint aches and pains, migraines, loss of appetite, nausea, loose bowels, etc.). I've struggled to leave my bed because I feel so rough and feel like the whole room is swaying when I stand up. Today I've noticed I can't taste anything and my sense of smell has gone. Is this COVID-19? I've already logged my symptoms on the yellow card scheme website but do I need to contact my GP too?

Luckily my husband has been off this week so has taken care of the twins (toddlers) but he's back at work next week and I'm terrified I won't be able to cope alone. Has anyone else had this? How long did it take to pass? My eyes feel like they'll burst with built up pressure behind them. I'm genuinely regretting getting the jab.

OP posts:
MyNameForToday1980 · 03/07/2021 22:57

No the jab has not given you Covid (it can't it's not a live vaccine), but it's entirely plausible you have Covid (the vaccination doesn't take full effect for two weeks, so it's entirely plausible you caught Covid a few days after your vaccination).

I'd speak to your GP and ask whether a PCR test is reliable so soon after vaccination. If it is reliable, take a PCR test. Note: I'd recommend doing this before your DH returns to work - as your symptoms (esp taste and smell changes) are so renowned as Covid symptoms.

MrsSchadenfreude · 03/07/2021 22:59

You can still get Covid after you have been vaccinated. You are just a lot less likely to get very ill and end up in hospital. The vaccine cannot give you Covid.

lemonsandgingerbeer · 03/07/2021 22:59

No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. You still may have caught the virus, but it's nothing to do with the vaccine.

bengalcat · 03/07/2021 23:01

No the vaccine hasn’t given you Covid but you may have it . Get a Covid test .

Motorina · 03/07/2021 23:01

@MyNameForToday1980 is 100% correct. It’s not a live virus. It cannot have given you covid.

In addition, it cannot influence a PCR test. www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/can-you-test-positive-covid-19-test-after-getting-vaccine

It is possible you have caught covid (not from the vaccine!) so I would suggest getting tested.

I hope you’re feeling better soon.

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 03/07/2021 23:01

Have you booked a test? You need to find out if you have Covid first

onlyreadingneverposting8 · 03/07/2021 23:01

Get a pcr test - it sounds like you've caught covid. The timing is just bad luck.

Shakirasma · 03/07/2021 23:01

Sounds like covid. No the vaccine didnt give it to you. Dont worry about the twins as your DH needs to be isolating with you.

Get a test asap, rest as much as you can. I hope you feel better very soon.

orangejuicer · 03/07/2021 23:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Shakirasma · 03/07/2021 23:05

*Also the vaccine is designed to mimic COVID so that would explain some of what you are feeling?

That's not how the vaccine works. Nothing in the jab causes symptoms like the OP has.

RamItBunty · 03/07/2021 23:07

No absolutely not
The vaccine does not cause covid virus, the vaccine doesn’t have live active virus.Coronavirus has spiky exterior (crowns) that attack the body and make entry easier. Vaccinations work by making antibodies that recognise and fight the spiky coronavirus . After vaccination Your body remembers the coronavirus spiky protein crowns and produces antibodies to fight it

HelpingJane · 03/07/2021 23:08

That's not how the vaccine works. Nothing in the jab causes symptoms like the OP has.

I had COVID in January (was very I'll) and my first jab in March and had all the symptoms the OP is describing. Took me about 2 weeks to feel 100%.

ArchbishopOfBanterbury · 03/07/2021 23:09

Get a test.

The vaccine isn't live, and nothing in it can cause your symptoms. BUT, you won't have been fully protected, and could have caught covid (or any other bug) out and about in between.

Original poster
dottypencilcase · 03/07/2021 23:09

Thanks all. I knew the vaccine wasn't live but thought I might have got it wrong. I feel so bad. The children are giving me so much grief for my absence- I can barely manage a nappy change without feeling like I need to lie down again for a rest.

I can't have caught covid though can I? I'm super careful (highly CEV) and have, for the last 18 months, been social distancing, sanitising everything I can, etc. My children go to nursery however so it's perfectly possible they've brought something home...

OP posts:
RamItBunty · 03/07/2021 23:10

@orangejuicer

Also the vaccine is designed to mimic COVID so that would explain some of what you are feeling but sounds like a test is in order!
That is absolutely incorrect Vaccines produce antibodies and stimulate a fight response from our body
GolfEchoRomeoTangoIndia · 03/07/2021 23:11

The vaccine can make you feel really lousy for a day or so, (longer if you’re unlucky) but those side effects would come on much quicker, not a whole week later, and they would be very unlikely to include the classic Covid lack of taste/appetite.

Motorina · 03/07/2021 23:12

Also, as you have symptoms, your husband cannot go back to work. He needs to self isolate until either you have a negative test or the isolation period has passed.

wafflyversatile · 03/07/2021 23:12

Yes you could have caught covid or something else. You need to get tested. I'd get the rest of the family tested too.

Original poster
dottypencilcase · 03/07/2021 23:13

I had the tender arm side effect a few days after the jab and thought I'd escaped any of the other side-effects but exactly 7 days later, the rest came up.

OP posts:
Original poster
dottypencilcase · 03/07/2021 23:15

@Motorina

Also, as you have symptoms, your husband cannot go back to work. He needs to self isolate until either you have a negative test or the isolation period has passed.

Absolutely. There is no way he or the children will be going anywhere if I have the virus. We live in an Indian variant hotspot so I'm a bit scared now, if I'm honest.

OP posts:
orangejuicer · 03/07/2021 23:21

Ramit- that's essentially what I meant but I expressed it badly.

RamItBunty · 03/07/2021 23:24

Hi @orangejuicer thanks for popping back to update

AttaGirrrrl · 03/07/2021 23:24

I don’t understand why you’ve not already booked a test?

StrongLegs · 03/07/2021 23:30

Have you booked a pcr test? I had covid last march and it was exactly as you are describing. If you are CEV then I think it would be a good idea to book a test asap, and even if you weren't it's still necessary. Good luck.

Original poster
dottypencilcase · 03/07/2021 23:35

@AttaGirrrrl

I don’t understand why you’ve not already booked a test?
I only noticed the loss of taste/smell this evening which is the first time since Wednesday I've managed to eat something (and not taste it).

My husband has just brought over his vicks nasal sniffy thing and held it just under my nose and I can feel the menthol opening my nasal airways but I can't smell it IFSWIM? (He's binned the stick FWIW)

OP posts: