August 24, 2023- Getting a COVID-19 vaccine may not only reduce a person’s risk of getting long-haul COVID, but also could mean fewer symptoms for people who develop the condition.
Mayo Clinic researchers discovered that long-haul COVID patients who were vaccinated before contracting the virus were less likely to experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, chest pain, dizziness, and shortness of breath, according to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine. The study is believed to be among the first to examine COVID-19 vaccines’ potential to reduce long-haul COVID symptoms.
Since 2020, there have been more than 768 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, according to the World Health Organization. Of those infected, an estimated 20% younger than 65 and 25% over 65 will go on to develop post-COVID-19 conditions, also known as long-haul COVID-19. Symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, chest pain and abdominal pain.
Vaccinated patients were also less likely to report other symptoms including loss of smell, chest pain, dizziness, numbness, shortness of breath, tremors and weakness. There was no significant difference between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients in reports of fatigue, muscle pain and tachycardia, or irregular heartbeat.