Immunization Stress-Related Response (ISSR) from the Covid-19 Vaccine

• Immunization stress-related response (ISSR) is a result of anxiety, for which the symptoms differ case to case. It is generally more prevalent among females than males, as well as among younger people and the overweight. Fortunately, the symptoms of ISSR tend to go away naturally after 1–3 days.
• Numbness, sensitivity, tingling in the arms and legs, numb lips, slurred speech, spasms, sleepiness, exhaustion, dizziness, headaches, or aches and pains may all be attributed to ISSR.
• Should patients experience any of the following symptoms after receiving a Covid-19 vaccination, they should seek urgent medical attention: high fever, severe headache, tightness in the chest, vomiting on more than 5 occasions, a rash all over the body, flaking skin, blood spots or bruising, drooping mouth, severe weakness in the arms and legs, swollen glands, seizures, or loss of consciousness.

Immunization stress-related response (ISSR) is a reaction caused by anxiety, which presents itself in the form of physical symptoms that differ from person to person. Anxiety about receiving a vaccine can stimulate a physical reaction. Some people experience a stimulation of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can lead to constriction of blood vessels where a sympathetic nervous system reaction occurs.

Symptoms of ISSR are extremely varied. They usually occur within a few minutes following a vaccination, although some symptoms may take several hours or days to present themselves. A neuroimaging study of someone suffering with ISSR would show no clear signs, and the symptoms of this condition tend to go away naturally within 1–3 days. ISSR is more prevalent among women than men, as well as among the young and overweight.

1. Numbness in isolation
2. Pain, sensitivity, tingling in the arms and legs, or numb lips
3. Slurred speech in isolation
4. Transient abnormal movements, such as spasms or twinges
5. Sleepiness
6. Fatigue or exhaustion
7. Dizziness or light-headedness
8. Blurred vision

If such symptoms occur, medical staff will carry out a thorough physical assessment, including monitoring the patient’s pulse. If the symptoms are consistent with a stroke, such as numbness, weakness in certain limbs, and a drooping mouth, they will be fast tracked to receive urgent treatment for their condition. If symptoms are not identified or if ISSR is suspected, the symptoms will be treated in isolation, although they often improve or go away naturally with rest and relaxation. Once the symptoms do improve, the patient may return home and go about daily life as before.

1. Spend time in a room that is well ventilated and not too hot or humid
2. Get a restful sleep the night before the vaccine
3. If you are unable to sleep, do not sleep well, are ill, feel overly anxious, or are feeling stressed, you may wish to postpone your vaccine appointment
4. Side effects may occur, such as pain at the injection site, a fever, fatigue, exhaustion, and other symptoms which occur in some cases. The severity of these symptoms differs from case to case, but they tend to go away naturally within 1–3 days, posing no danger to the patient
5. Be vigilant for any symptoms within the first 30 minutes following a vaccine

•  High fever accompanied by shivering and severe headache
• Breathlessness, tightness in the chest, and difficulty breathing
• Vomiting on more than 5 occasions
• Rash all over the body and flaking skin
• Prevalence of blood spots or bruising
• Drooping mouth
• Severe weakness in the arms and legs alongside balance issues
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Seizure or loss of consciousness

Nevertheless, it is important to understand that these symptoms can occur following any type of vaccine no matter how they are produced. Indeed, ISSR is considered to be one of several adverse events following immunization (AEFI), while it is also an unwanted side effect that can occur within 30 days of being vaccinated and is not always caused by the vaccine itself.