Firstly, it should be understood that stroke survivors /patients usually have a greater risk of catching any infection. Many of them already have co-morbidities ( such as diabetes, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases ) or they may be elderly.
Hence stroke victims need to be extra careful and observe all necessary protocols such as sanitizing of stuff being brought into the home, masking up wherever necessary, and isolating them as much as possible to minimize the risk.
Vaccination is increasingly being recognized as the most powerful tool against the corona virus infection. However, the stroke affected have many queries and concerns regarding whether they should take the vaccine, which one, how etc. This article seeks to address some of these concerns.
It is acknowledged now that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh its minuscule risks. As is unequivocally set out here :
“People with heart disease or stroke – or for that matter, risk factors for heart disease and stroke – are at much greater risk from the virus than they are from the vaccine.”
So, the stroke affected should take Covid vaccination at the earliest. That reduces the much more serious consequences for them , should they get infected. And also reduces the risk of them becoming virus carriers themselves for others.
Generally, following are the points to be careful of before/while having the vaccine. For more elaborations you may refer to article here.
What should I tell the Doctor/vaccinator beforehand ?
Tell the Doctor of any medical condition and medications you are taking.
For instance :
- A past allergic reaction to a vaccine injection
- Weak immune system either due medication or disease
- Bleeding related issues
- Taking an anticoagulant or blood thinner ( most usual for many stroke affected ).
- Present severe infection
Can I take the vaccine if I am on blood thinners like warfarin etc. ?
The vaccine is safe, though you may bleed a bit more after being injected with the vaccine as it is injected in the muscle of the upper arm usually.
Can I take the vaccine if I am on blood thinners like clopidogrel or other antiplatelet medications ?
The vaccine is safe, though you may have a little more bleeding at the injection site.
Should I keep taking my existing stroke medications before/after the vaccine ?
Yes. Since the risk of stroke increases if you stop them
Here a complete list of posts and forum discussion on this important and evolving subject :
Stroke treatment in Covid times:
https://strokesupport.in/covid/
Interlinkages between Stroke and Covid:
https://strokesupport.in/covid-risk/
Can stroke patients take Covid vaccine ?
https://strokesupport.in/covid-vaccine/
Forum experiences :
https://strokesupport.in/forums/topic/stroke-and-covid-vaccination/
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If you have limited/No information about Stroke, its symptoms and consequences, we STRONGLY suggest you read at least one of the following before you leave this Website, as well as share the links with your friends and family. You may save someone from sudden death or being crippled for life !
* Be fast – Stroke Symptoms in English with Videos of Actual Strokes
* स्ट्रोक (आघात) – हिंदी में कुछ जानकारी
* स्ट्रोक-के-साधारण-लक्षण
* In Bengali – Be Fast – দ্রুত !
* In Gujarati – જ્યારે સ્ટ્રોક આવે ત્યારે BE FAST
* In Marathi – BE FAST स्ट्रोक होतो तेव्हा !
* In Odiya – ଷ୍ଟ୍ରୋକ: ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ଅଥବା ଶାରୀରିକ/ମାନସିକ ଅସମର୍ଥ