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| - Last Updated on August 13, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
As per a social media post, Pfizer COVID vaccines can cause genital herpes. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
We came across a post on Threads, which claims that you can get genital herpes through the Pfizer COVID shot.
Fact Check
What is Genital Herpes?
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two types of HSV: HSV-1, usually causing oral herpes, and HSV-2, generally responsible for genital herpes. The infection is spread through sexual contact and results in sores and blisters in the genital area. Genital herpes is a chronic condition, often with recurrent outbreaks, but it can be managed with antiviral medications.
What is the actual cause of genital herpes?
Genital herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus. HSV-2 is the most common cause of genital herpes, though HSV-1 can also cause genital infections through oral-genital contact. The virus is highly contagious and can spread even when an infected person shows no visible symptoms. It enters the body through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin. Then, it travels to nerve cells where it can remain dormant until reactivated by triggers such as stress, illness, or immune suppression.
Can the Pfizer COVID Vaccine Cause Genital Herpes?
No, not really. The Pfizer COVID vaccine cannot cause genital herpes. The Pfizer COVID vaccine, like other COVID vaccines, protects against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It uses mRNA technology to instruct cells to produce a protein similar to the spike protein of the virus, triggering an immune response without using live virus. This technology does not involve any form of herpes virus and cannot cause herpes infections.
Clinical trials and extensive post-marketing surveillance of the Pfizer COVID vaccine have established its safety. The evidence does not link the vaccine to genital herpes conclusively. The vaccine’s side effects are well-documented. These include common reactions like soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and mild flu-like symptoms.
Additional Evidence
Very limited studies have examined the potential link between COVID-19 vaccines and herpesvirus reactivation:
- Study on Herpesvirus Reactivation: A systematic review (detailed scientific review) identified 80 articles suggesting a possible link between COVID-19 vaccines and reactivation of VZV (Varicella zoster virus) and HSV. The reactivation rates were low, with VZV at 14 per 1000 vaccinations and HSV at 16 per 1000 vaccinations. However, this reactivation is not a new infection but rather an existing virus becoming active again. Most reactivations were reported after the first vaccine dose, and many patients had underlying health conditions.
- Study on Herpes Zoster Risk: Another cohort study used a self-controlled risk interval design to assess the risk of herpes zoster following COVID-19 vaccination. It found no increased risk of herpes zoster after vaccination, suggesting that the vaccine does not increase the likelihood of herpes zoster reactivation.
These studies indicate that there are a few reports of herpes virus reactivation following COVID-19 vaccination. But, the overall risk remains low, and the vaccine does not cause new herpes infections.
What does the Pfizer safety document say?
The Pfizer post-marketing experience document includes reports of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections following vaccination. Specifically, it lists “herpes simplex” among various adverse events, noting occurrences such as herpes simplex cervicitis, colitis, encephalitis, gastritis, hepatitis, meningitis, meningoencephalitis, meningomyelitis, necrotizing retinopathy, esophagitis, otitis externa, pharyngitis, pneumonia, reactivation, sepsis, viremia, virus conjunctivitis neonatal, and visceral herpes simplex infections.
However, these reports do not establish a causal relationship between the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and new herpes simplex infections. Rather, they indicate instances where herpes simplex virus (HSV) reactivation was reported post-vaccination. Reactivation refers to the resurgence of symptoms from a virus already present in the body, not a new infection caused by the vaccine. This reactivation is seen in some individuals with underlying health conditions or other contributing factor
The document underscores that while there are instances of HSV reactivation, these do not imply that the vaccine directly causes new HSV infections. Therefore, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine does not cause genital herpes or other new herpes simplex infections. Instances of herpes simplex reported post-vaccination are cases of reactivation in individuals already carrying the virus.
How can one prevent genital herpes?
Preventing genital herpes involves reducing the risk of exposure to the virus. Key preventive measures include:
- Using condoms: Consistent and correct use of condoms can reduce the risk of transmission. But, it does not eliminate the risk completely. This is the most important prevention method and it also saves you from getting an HIV infection and other STIs.
- Limiting sexual partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners and engaging in mutually monogamous relationships with partners who have tested negative for STIs.
- Avoiding sexual contact during outbreaks: Refraining from sexual activity during visible outbreaks and the early stages of symptom onset.
- Regular STI testing: Getting regular STI screenings and encouraging partners to do the same.
- Antiviral medications: Individuals with herpes can take antiviral medications to reduce the frequency of outbreaks and the risk of transmission to partners.
What are the documented side effects of the Pfizer COVID vaccine?
The side effects of the Pfizer COVID vaccine are generally mild to moderate and temporary. Common side effects include:
- Pain at the injection site: Most recipients experience some level of pain or swelling at the injection site.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is common after vaccination.
- Headache: Some individuals report headaches following the shot.
- Muscle pain: Muscle aches and pains are also prevalent.
- Chills and fever: A low-grade fever or chills may occur as the body mounts an immune response.
- Nausea: Some people might feel nauseated after getting the vaccine.
These side effects generally resolve within a few days. Serious side effects are extremely rare and health authorities are continuously monitoring and evaluating the same. There have been various reports of vaccine related misinformation on social media saying COVID vaccine can cause HIV infection, can negatively affect the gut microbiome, can cause cancer, etc. But, we would reinstate, all these remain untrue.
How is vaccine safety monitored?
There is rigorous monitoring to ensure vaccine safety through multiple systems all over the world. These include:
- Clinical trials: Vaccines undergo several phases of clinical trials to evaluate safety and efficacy before approval.
- Post-marketing surveillance: After approval, there is continuous monitoring through systems like the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in the U.S. This system collects and analyses reports of side effects.
- Ongoing research: Continuous studies to identify any long-term effects and to ensure that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh any potential risks.
Why do such misinformation claims spread?
Misinformation about vaccines can spread due to various factors:
- Fear and anxiety: Pandemics and public health crises can generate fear, making people more susceptible to misinformation.
- Misunderstanding science: Lack of understanding about how vaccines work and how they are developed can lead to misconceptions.
- Confirmation bias: People may tend to believe information that aligns with their pre-existing beliefs or fears.
- Social media amplification: Social media platforms can rapidly amplify unverified claims, reaching a wide audience quickly.
Conclusion
The claim that the Pfizer COVID vaccine can cause genital herpes is mostly false. The vaccine’s safety and efficacy have been thoroughly tested, and it does not contain any components that could cause genital herpes. It is essential to rely on credible sources and scientific evidence when evaluating such claims. The Pfizer COVID vaccine remains a vital tool in combating the COVID-19 pandemic and individuals should not trust misinformation.
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