Most people probably don’t think about blood clots on a regular basis. But with reports of a small number of people developing blood clots after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the AstraZeneca COVID-19, many people are now wondering what the warning signs are.
There are several variations of blood clots, each with its own set of red flags and treatment options. They can form for a variety of reasons, such as medications, lifestyle factors, and other health conditions, and can appear on different parts of the body.
All of this, blood clots can cause serious damage or be fatal if left untreated. If you’re worried (whether it’s about a vaccine or, most likely, something else), read the information on the signs to watch out for and tips on what to do if you think you’re at risk.
Symptoms of blood clots
Blood clots can originate in the veins or arteries. There are two main types of blood clots to consider and each can cause its own set of possible complications. One type is called a thrombus, which is a stationary clot. These block blood flow to the part of the body where the clot occurs. Another type, called a plunger, is a blood clot that can come off. They are especially dangerous because they can travel to other parts of the body (such as the heart or lungs) and cause serious damage.
Symptoms of blood clots vary by type. When the clot is stationary, such as deep vein thrombosis (a clot in the leg), you may experience:
- Heat and redness where the clot is located, usually in the leg or arm
- Inflor
- Pain near the site of the clot
- Numbness or weakness
- A change in your mental state
If the clot has traveled, causing complications such as a pulmonary embolism (a clot that has moved to the lungs), you may experience symptoms such as:
- Sudden breathing
- Cough, with or without blood
- Beautiful, pale or blue skin
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
Blood clots can affect the arms, legs, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain, depending on where they form and where they travel through the bloodstream.
A handful of people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine developed complications from a clot originating in the veins near the brain, called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or CVST. This problem is combined with low levels of blood platelets. (Some people who received the AstraZeneca shot experienced clots caused by the same problem, but since the AstraZeneca dose is not yet approved for use in the United States, this story will focus on J&J).
Symptoms associated with this type of clot complication include severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath three weeks after vaccination, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Food. and Drug Administration.
Some important notes when it comes to the J&J vaccine: blood clots after the shot appear to be extremely rare (so far, there are only six reported cases of nearly 7 million doses of the vaccine that have been distributed) and s ‘have occurred within 13 days of vaccination. You are at increased risk of developing blood clots due to an actual COVID-19 infection.
“Remember that COVID-19 causes blood clots,” infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja told HuffPost for a different story. “And COVID-19 causes blood clots at a faster rate than the vaccine.”
Experts stress that the vaccine could change the game of the pandemic and that the main reason for the pause in distribution is to inform healthcare providers about how to detect, treat and report the problem. Don’t let this deter you from getting vaccinated against coronavirus.
What to do if you suspect you have a blood clot and how to prevent them
First, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Blood clots can be serious or fatal, so if you suspect you have one, it’s crucial that you fix it. If in doubt, call 911 or go to the emergency room, especially if you have the symptoms mentioned above, along with chest pain or breathing problems.
Once you are with a health care provider, let them know of any history of recent medical illness, medications, or vaccinations. This is particularly important if you have just received the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson, as the treatment for this particular clotting problem is different from what doctors normally do to treat blood clots.
In the long run, talk to your doctor to reduce your overall risk of blood clots. Let them know about any family history of the problem as well.
Some lifestyle factors can increase the chances of blood clots. For example, being inactive or immobile for long periods of time, such as during a long flight or during bed rest, can contribute. Smoking and obesity can also increase the risk.
Medications such as birth control and some HIV treatments list blood clots as a potential side effect. Conditions such as autoimmune disorders, pregnancy and cancer have also been associated with clotting, according to the American Heart Association.
If you are traveling or in a situation where you remain immobile for a long period of time, be sure to exercise, stretch, and move your legs frequently to improve blood flow, especially in calves. You can also benefit from wearing compression stockings. For other prevention methods, talk to your doctor. Depending on your health history and current diagnoses, your doctor may suggest certain treatment paths that can help you address any of these potential complications. This can include a diet plan, exercise, medication or all of that.
If you suspect you have a blood clot, do not turn it off. It is better to address what turns out to be nothing than to ignore what turns out to be something. And it’s worth paying attention to your health.