Know How iCliniq’s Doctor Cleared a Patient’s Doubts About the COVID-19 Vaccine

A patient who was going to get vaccinated with the new COVID-19 vaccine consulted a general practitioner at iCliniq.com. He read on the internet that one of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine is swollen lymph nodes. And as he was suffering from follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with some lymph node swelling on the left side of his neck, he wanted to know if he should be concerned. The patient also wanted to know why Tylenol (Paracetamol) should be avoided before getting the vaccine.

iCliniq's doctor understood the patient's concerns and explained to him that lymph node enlargement in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is different from the reactive enlargement you get post-vaccination. Swollen nodes could be one of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, as it elicits an immune response as part of the body's reaction. However, this is self-limiting and resolves by itself. He warned the patient that if he was on any medications for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that can suppress his immunity, he should seek his treating physician's advice on getting the vaccination. Ideally, the COVID-19 vaccine should be avoided in people who are on immunosuppressants.

And regarding Paracetamol, the doctor advised avoiding Tylenol before getting vaccinated, as it will mask any symptoms or side effects that the patient might get from the vaccination, and the doctor may not be able to relate to the situation. He wanted the patient to know that minor symptoms like body ache, mild fever, and fatigue should be expected post-vaccination, which are usually self-limiting. The doctor also added that the COVID-19 vaccine is absolutely safe and is highly recommended for people above 60 years with other comorbidities.

The patient thanked the doctor for his complete and detailed reply to his questions. He was glad that our doctor gave such an easy to understand and clear answer. As our doctor cleared all his doubts about the new COVID-19 vaccine, he was confident to get vaccinated and help bring an end to this pandemic.