The COVID-19 vaccine has been in the public eye for quite some time now, and medical professionals recommend it for anyone it is safe for. But as of late, another treatment option called monoclonal antibody treatment has been getting attention.
You might be wondering which is better and what situations necessitate the use of one option over the other. This article is designed to explain what the vaccine and treatment can offer you in a world living through a pandemic.
We'll share both benefits and side effects and explain whether one treatment option is better than the other.
The Covid Vaccine Benefits
There are a variety of benefits to choosing to be vaccinated for COVID-19. The vaccine is highly effective and can lower your risk of getting the virus. In addition, it makes it less likely that you will spread this virus to your loved ones or others in your community.
Below are numerous of the benefits of being fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
Prevent Getting COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines are made to help you avoid getting COVID-19. While it's not impossible to get COVID after being vaccinated, there are other benefits worth being aware of. For example, those vaccinated are less likely to become seriously ill or die due to contracting the virus.
Prevent Spreading the Virus Causing COVID-19 to Others
You also have less chance of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to other people by being vaccinated. This also makes you one of many people in your community protected from COVID-19. The more vaccinated people there are within a location, the less likely others are to get the virus. It creates herd immunity which protects everyone.
Prevent the Disease from Spreading and Replicating
When vaccinated for COVID-19, the virus has less chance to spread and replicate. This means that the virus causing COVID-19 has a more challenging time mutating and changing into new variants. This is ideal since mutations can be more resistant to vaccinations or other scientifically-based treatments.
Side Effects of the Vaccine
Of course, there are side effects that veer to the other side of the vaccine's many benefits. However, most individuals experience few to no of these effects. In fact, most people who are vaccinated experience nothing more than redness, swelling, or pain at the location of the vaccination.
However, other side effects are possible. Some of the most common include the following:
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Muscle pain
- Feeling unwell
- Chills
- Swollen lymph nodes
These side effects are completely normal. These symptoms act as a way of showing that your body is reacting correctly and building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals will also experience allergic reactions to the vaccine, although this is rare. The most common symptoms of an allergic reaction to the vaccination include hives or swelling of the eyes, lips, and tongue. If more severe reactions occur, it's essential to seek out the help of a medical professional.
Benefits of Wheezing Monoclonal Antibodies
Human bodies make antibodies meant to fight off infections. However, those who have not had COVID-19 infection or vaccination will not have the suitable antibodies to recognize the virus. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in labs that mimic your body's immune system to fight off infection with COVID-19. The antibodies are provided to people through intravenous infusions.
When you introduce monoclonal antibodies to your body, the substances search for and attach to the spike protein located on coronavirus that plays a part in creating COVID-19. When the spike proteins become attached to monoclonal antibodies, it can help lessen the possibility of the virus entering cells. Monoclonal antibodies can also slow down any side effects caused by the infection.
Common Side Effects
As with the vaccinations for COVID-19, there are side effects associated with a monoclonal antibody treatment. Some of the potential side effects include:
- Fever
- Slow or rapid heartbeat
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Pneumonia
- Difficulty breathing
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Hyperglycemia
These side effects are similar to others caused by injection medication and may last for a few days. If you notice changes in pain, drainage, redness, tingling, or numbness, you should reach out to a healthcare professional for further assistance.
Differences Between the Vaccine and Monoclonal Antibodies
The vaccine for COVID-19 prepares and stimulates your immune system. It teaches the body how to handle the situation if you come in contact with the virus. With monoclonal antibodies, your immune system is boosted and sped up. This can be used when you are already infected as a way to speed up the symptoms of COVID-19.
Is the Vaccine or Monoclonal Antibodies Better?
The best option for preventing COVID-19 is a series of vaccinations. However, monoclonal antibodies can add another layer of protection or help you if you are already sick. One is a shot while the other is an infusion, and they can be used in tandem with one another to experience the best possible results.
Keep in mind that the vaccine is effective on a long-term basis, while monoclonal antibodies will remain effective for approximately a month.
Can I Get a COVID-19 Vaccine If I Have Had Antibody Treatment?
Monoclonal antibodies can be a treatment for COVID-19 or help stave off a more severe form of the disease after being exposed. However, it is still essential to be vaccinated to avoid becoming infected again in the future. If you've already had antibody treatment, it's ideal to wait 90 days or longer to have the COVID-19 vaccine administered based on information from the CDC.
Accessing Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
Have you already had one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine? If you answered yes and are otherwise eligible, monoclonal antibody treatment could be the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you.