Active cases in India have crept past the 6,800 mark as of Tuesday, and while it is far from the early pandemic chaos, it’s still worth raising an eyebrow. Kerala has emerged as the worst-affected state, reporting over 2,500 cases on its own since January this year. Health officials attribute the rise to highly transmissible variants such as JN.1, NB.1.8.1, and LF.7.
But this wave brings with it a quiet companion, something that is not grabbing headlines: Post-Vaccination Syndrome (PVS). COVID-19 vaccines are heroes. They have saved lives and reduced hospitalisations. However, for a small number of people, something unexpected happened after the jab—a number of symptoms that refused to leave, long after the post-vaccine fever did.
Yale’s LISTEN study focused on 42 individuals (none from India) who developed symptoms within one to ten days of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. We are talking about persistent fatigue, numbness, brain fog, neuropathy, insomnia, palpitations, muscle pain, headaches, and dizziness.
Scientists dubbed this condition Post-Vaccination Syndrome (PVS). It is not widely understood, and we are still talking about a very small, not fully quantified group. The majority of vaccinated people are completely fine, and vaccines remain a vital line of defence. But for those affected, the condition is very real.
Interestingly, the LISTEN Study found that those with PVS who had never been infected with COVID-19 had lower levels of antibodies against the virus. So, if you find yourself dealing with symptoms that just would not quit post-vaccination, it is for real. It is rare, it is serious, and it deserves more attention. If you suspect PVS, here are a few care tips to keep your body and mind from revolting further:
How to Manage Post-Vaccination Syndrome (PVS)
- Track Your Symptoms Regularly
Keep a symptom diary. Record when they appear, how long they last, and what seems to make them better or worse. This helps your doctor connect the dots and prevents you from sounding like a confused weather report.
Depending on your symptoms—neurological, cardiac, or autoimmune—you may need to consult neurologists, immunologists, or even cardiologists.
- Do Not Ignore Mental Health
Brain fog, fatigue, and insomnia can take a toll. Therapy or counselling is for anything that messes with your mental equilibrium. Mind and body work together; do not let one sabotage the other.
Avoid overexertion. Gentle movement like yoga or stretching can help, but listen to your body’s cues.
You are not alone in this. Online or local support groups can provide guidance, resources, and much-needed solidarity. There is something powerful about someone else saying, “Hey, me too.”
