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Published on: Nov 13, 2020
2 minute read
By: Dr Rajan ( Medical Second Opinion Cell)

What Are Some Common Side Effects Of The COVID-19 Vaccine?

COVID Vaccine, the Pfizer update

On Monday Pfizer announced to the world the vaccine, once it has been developing with Germany's BioNTech, was found to be more than 90?fective. If this is substantiated, it may be possible for countries to receive the vaccine before the end of the year.

The Vaccine is an mRNA Vaccine, a novel method that introduces viral RNA into the body via a viral coat. The vaccine is incorporated into the person's cell, where the viral RNA is read and viral proteins are produced, including the coronavirus coat proteins. As the body reads and recognizes these proteins, it produces antibodies against these viral proteins and activates immune T cells against the virus.

The Pfizer results are based of a phase 3 clinical trial with 43, 538 participants with a diverse background. In this trial, the participants were split between those receiving a vaccine, and those who received a placebo with no effect. The vaccine is administered in two parts, with a 90?ficacy obtained 7 days after the second dose. This would mean a person is vaccinated just 28 days after the initial vaccination.

The FDA usually looks for a minimum 50?ficacy in vaccination when approving new vaccines. It may surprise you that the annual flu jab is also estimated to be 50?fective. The data from Pfizer was verified by an external, independent Data Monitoring Committee. It used data from 94 patients enrolled in the trial and subsequently developed COVID. It is from this groupset that 90% of efficacy is obtained. This is not the final data analysis, and further publications are expected in late November, with a potential FDA Emergency Use Authorisation approval if the data continues to show promise.

If approved, Pfizer has the ability to make 50 million shots before the end of the year, and 1.3 billion by the end of 2021. Many countries are clamoring for their fair share of these limited resources; the US has already negotiated 200m shots, UK 50m, and Germany (one of the major financers for the Pfizer vaccine) over 300m for European Countries.

We should emphasize that rapid vaccine development on this scale at this speed was unheard of prior to COVID. Usually, the animal studies for vaccines can take 1-2 years. In that time Pfizer and others have managed phase 1-3 clinical trials in humans, something that usually takes upwards of 10 years.

There are many unanswered questions that remain from this information.

How safe is the vaccine? Whilst safety information was not published, overall the vaccine appears to have minimal side effects. This is particularly difficult to state however since mRNA vaccines have never been used in people before.
Does the vaccine prevent transmission? In theory, yes. If you are immunized the replication of the virus should be limited significantly, so the number of viruses in each cough will be much lower. However, we do not have data to prove that there is no transmission, but that is also because we have very little data overall.
How long does the protection last? This is a very critical question. The 90?fectiveness rate was calculated just 7 days after the second shot, but it is likely this will change as data is collected over the long term. Some studies have suggested the antibody response fades within months following COVID infection. T Cell immunity on the other hand can stay for years, and it may be the effectiveness of creating a T cell immunity that dictates just how good this vaccine will be .

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Health Risks of Irregular Eating Habits: How Skipping Meals Affects Your Body

Maintaining a balanced and consistent diet is essential for good health. However, modern lifestyles often lead to irregular eating patterns due to busy schedules, work stress and changing daily routines. Many people skip meals, eat late at night or consume food at inconsistent times.

Understanding the health risks of irregular eating habits is important for maintaining metabolic balance and overall wellbeing. Consistent meal timing plays a key role in supporting digestion, energy levels and long-term health.

What Are Irregular Eating Habits?

Irregular eating habits refer to inconsistent or unpredictable meal patterns.

Common examples include:

Skipping breakfast or other meals
Eating meals at varying times each day
Consuming large meals late at night
Frequently replacing meals with snacks

These habits may disrupt the body’s natural metabolic rhythm.

How the Body Regulates Eating Patterns

The human body follows internal biological rhythms that regulate hunger, metabolism and digestion.

When meals occur at consistent times, the digestive system prepares enzymes and hormones needed for efficient food processing.

Irregular eating patterns may interfere with these processes.

1. Disruption of Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the process by which the body converts food into energy.

Skipping meals or eating inconsistently may slow metabolic activity, making it harder for the body to regulate energy balance.

This disruption may contribute to metabolic disorders over time.

2. Increased Risk of Weight Gain

Although skipping meals may appear to reduce calorie intake, it often leads to overeating later in the day.

Large or late meals may increase calorie consumption and contribute to weight gain.

Irregular eating may also affect hormones that regulate appetite.

3. Digestive Problems

The digestive system functions best when meals occur at regular intervals.

Irregular eating may cause symptoms such as:

Acid reflux
Bloating
Indigestion
Stomach discomfort

Consistent meal timing helps maintain digestive balance.

4. Fluctuating Energy Levels

Skipping meals can lead to sudden drops in blood sugar levels.

Low blood sugar may cause symptoms such as:

Fatigue
Dizziness
Difficulty concentrating

Regular meals help maintain steady energy throughout the day.

5. Impact on Blood Sugar Control

Irregular eating patterns may disrupt glucose regulation.

Over time, inconsistent meal timing may increase the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is important for metabolic health.

6. Nutritional Deficiencies

Skipping meals can reduce the intake of essential nutrients required for body function.

A balanced diet provides vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed for immunity, metabolism and overall health.

Irregular eating habits may lead to nutritional imbalances.

Irregular Eating Habits in the Indian Context

In many urban areas of India, demanding work schedules and long commuting times often lead to irregular meal patterns.

Late-night eating, fast food consumption and skipped meals have become common among professionals and students.

These lifestyle patterns may increase the risk of metabolic and digestive health problems.

Promoting regular meal timing and balanced diets is essential for improving public health.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Eating Habits

Establish Regular Meal Times

Eating meals at consistent times each day helps regulate digestion and metabolism.

Do Not Skip Breakfast

Breakfast provides essential energy for starting the day and supports metabolic activity.

Plan Balanced Meals

Include a variety of foods such as:

Whole grains
Fruits and vegetables
Lean proteins
Healthy fats

Balanced nutrition supports overall health.

Avoid Late-Night Heavy Meals

Eating large meals close to bedtime may disrupt digestion and sleep.

Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration supports digestion and nutrient absorption.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if irregular eating habits lead to:

Persistent digestive problems
Unexplained weight changes
Chronic fatigue
Blood sugar irregularities

Early intervention can help prevent long-term health complications.

Conclusion

Irregular eating habits may significantly impact metabolism, digestion and overall health. Skipping meals, inconsistent meal timing and late-night eating can disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and increase the risk of metabolic disorders.

Maintaining consistent meal schedules, balanced nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits can support digestive health and stable energy levels.

By adopting regular eating routines, individuals can improve metabolic balance and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.

Healthy eating patterns are a fundamental part of maintaining overall wellbeing and long-term health.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research – Nutrition and Dietary Guidelines
World Health Organization – Healthy Diet Recommendations
National Institute of Nutrition India – Balanced Meal Guidelines
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism – Meal Timing Research
Lancet Global Health – Nutrition and Lifestyle Studies

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