COVID-19 Dos and don’ts after vaccination- M.A.Aleem Neurologist #Trichy #Tamilnadu #India

COVID-19 Dos and don’ts after vaccination

- M.A.Aleem Neurologist #Trichy #Tamilnadu #India 

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has been more concerning than the first. While people are attempting all possible precautions to combat the infection, The Government of India launched their much-anticipated vaccination drive bringing hope to all. 

As million take their vaccine doses, rumours around what to do before and after vaccination are also spreading. To help you prepare for your COVID-19 vaccine, here are some comprehensive dos and don’ts.

DOS 

Drink a lot of water: 

Staying hydrated is extremely important both before and after your vaccination. 

Eat a well-balanced diet: 

To avoid serious side effects, a well-balanced diet is essential. Super foods like green vegetables, turmeric, and garlic, that are high in nutrients and boost immunity, should be included in your diet. Seasonal fruits rich in Vitamin C can also helpful. In general no dietary restrictions including Non veg. 

Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep: 

When you get vaccinated, the body relies on immune responses to develop protection. It is recommended that recently vaccinated people sleep for at least 7-8 hours as sleep deprivation can result in suppressed immunity since the body rebuilds its defence mechanisms during sleep. Not getting enough sleep can also trigger stress, which further supresses the immune system.

Do some light exercise/physical activity: 

Listen to your body. Exercise supports blood circulation that can help in reducing vaccine associated stress .It is recommended to do something less strenuous in comparison to your regular exercise routine. For example, going for a light walk.

Consult your doctor before the vaccination if you are on steroids or blood thinners: 

People on steroids and blood thinners  can take your doctors advice before you take the jab.

If someone has had an anaphylactic shock to a vaccine, they should inform their physician and be more careful. 

Continue with COVID-19 appropriate behaviour:

The most important thing to do post-vaccination is to continue wearing masks, regularly washing, or sanitizing your hands, maintaining physical distance, avoid crowded places and avoid touching surfaces. 

Apply a clean, cool, and wet cloth (or some ice) over the arm after the vaccination to reduce the pain. One can also do mild exercise or use the arm for light activities to further lessen the pain and discomfort. 

Vaccinated lactating mothers should continue breastfeeding. The antibodies produced through COVID-19 vaccination could pass to the babies though milk and it may also offer immunity to the baby like other vaccines given in pregnancy do. Pregnant women can also take the vaccine, as approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare India and WHO.

DONT'S

Avoid alcohol and tobacco: 

Although there are no approved scientific studies that quantify the effect of alcohol or smoking on vaccination, it is advisable to avoid tobacco or alcohol consumption as it may aggravate and worsen vaccine side effects making the experience more stressful and unpleasant. Alcohol also affects the body’s immune system negatively and there is a chance that the immune response to the vaccine may not be as effective if there is excessive alcohol in the system. The same goes for tobacco consumption as well.

After COVID-19 vaccination you should continue to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour such as use of masks, hand sanitizers or hand washing, and follow physical distancing.

Do not delay consulting a doctor if you experience COVID-19 symptoms even after vaccination:

Remember that the vaccination takes a while to kick in, and you will develop immunity only a couple of weeks after the second dose. The side effects such as pain and discomfort in the arm or fatigue usually subsides within a few days. Consult your physician if there are severe side effects or the symptoms do not subside.

Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 2-3 days post vaccination: As your body needs times to recover from the side effects of the vaccine, avoid putting it in stress.

Do not miss other necessary vaccines: Some other adult vaccines may be unavoidable and should not be missed out in case of COVID-19 vaccination. However, it is advisable to keep a gap of at least 28 days between COVID-19 vaccine and other necessary vaccine(s). If the schedule cannot be modified, then a different site (arm or thigh) should be used for other vaccine(s). Consult your doctor before scheduling your vaccines.