What is the myocarditis risk if you are both vaccinated, and had a subsequent Covid infection after vaccination?

Submitted by costigan95 t3_10pjdm4 in askscience

This is a question of risk in good faith. I’m away that myocarditis risk is significantly lower from vaccination than an infection, but does that account for those who have been vaccinated and later contracted Covid? Are they still at lower risk than the unvaccinated who contracted Covid?

Just curious about the science behind this and how risk is calculated.

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Its-me-Syke t1_j6mzed4 wrote

It's important to look at what causes Myocarditis to get a good understanding of it's risks.

Myocarditis is essentially inflamation in your cardiovascular system. It is most common from viral infection due to the strain on your body. Inflamation is a response from your immune system.

This is why it was originally found to be more prevalent in COVID infections compared to vaccines. Vaccines don't put nearly as much strain on your immune system so your body doesn't react as hard.

Depennding on the vaccine you received, how long ago you recieved it, and it's effectiveness against the COVID strain circulating in your area will determine the risk of Myocarditis.

Along with that other personal factors must be considered. Is your immune system compromised either from a current or recent infection or from medical history? Are there other stressors at play such as physical injuries or mental health? How old are you? And more.

It is very unlikely that the risk would be higher in those who have been vaccinated compared to those who have not been vaccinated and are now getting sick. If you get the vaccine today and then are exposed while your body is building an immune response from the vaccine, your immune system may see a harsher reaction. This is because your immune system is already working hard on the vaccine.

This is why people should always wait a week or two after a vaccine before they relax their precautions.

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