Health experts: Blood clots from J&J vaccine and birth control are very different
Six women vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine have experienced a rare and dangerous blood clot. Experts say there's a difference between the complication and other common blood clots.
Posted — UpdatedExperts say there's a difference between that complication and other common blood clots.
Dr. Gow Arepally, who studies diseases related to blood, said that, when it comes to blood clots, the risk varies. She adds that the complication seen in six Johnson & Johnson patients is concerning but extremely rare.
"[The complications] are very serious. This has led to fatalities," said Arepally.
The blood clot connected to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. It differs from blot clots you’d see from birth control.
Aside from the location of the clots, other differing factors include low platelet counts and the way it’s treated.
As health experts work to learn more about this rare complication, they stress not to shy away from other vaccines and just listen to your body.
“Headaches, any visual changes, abdominal pain, nausea, leg swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, and these are all symptoms that are occurring out of the blue that can’t be explained," said Arepally.
Arepally suggested that anyone whose received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the last three weeks should monitor their symptoms.
She adds that people with unusual or persisting side-effects should go to the doctor, but says those side-effects are extremely rare.
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