The Covid-19 vaccine has instilled a sense of relief among people. After all, it is believed to provide protection against the deadly coronavirus. But just like everything, it poses some side effects. People who have been administered the Covid-19 vaccine commonly report mild side effects such as fever and body pain. But a new study reveals that Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) could also be a consequence of these vaccines, but it is rare.
These new findings should not deter individuals from getting vaccinated, as the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. Fortunately, COVID-19 vaccine-induced AIH appears amendable to corticosteroid therapy and appears to have a favourable outcome.
WHAT IS AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS?
Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation and liver damage. If left untreated for too long, autoimmune diseases such as Autoimmune Hepatitis can lead to deterioration of overall health and risks of permanent liver scarring, liver cancer, or even complete liver failure.
SYMPTOMS OF AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS
If you or a loved one experiences any of the symptoms listed below after getting a vaccine, you should consult your doctor immediately because the vaccine may have triggered the symptoms.
• Jaundice (Yellowing of the Skin and Whites of the Eyes)
• Joint Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Pain in the Upper Abdomen (where the liver is located)
• Sudden Rashes or Acne
• Dark Coloured Urine
• Light Coloured Stools
• Unexplained Weight Loss
It is important to note that many patients do not experience any symptoms of autoimmune hepatitis until it has already caused permanent liver damage. However, some patients with autoimmune hepatitis begin to experience symptoms relatively early on.
All in all, autoimmune reactions post getting a Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine are rare and happen only in 0.01% of the people who are vaccinated. The benefits of getting the Covid-19 vaccine far outweigh its risks and organisations worldwide recommend that everyone protect themselves and loved ones by getting the vaccine.
Anna Pharmacy provides COVID-19 vaccination and clinicians are available to answer any questions you may have about COVID-19. Book online today to schedule your vaccination, PCR test, or rapid antigen test in Croydon to test your viral antigens. You can also get the antigen swab test in the Carshalton branch of Anna Pharmacy.