Like the other flu, 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 launched their much-anticipated vaccination drive bringing hope to all. As million take their vaccine doses, rumors around what to do before and after vaccination are also spreading. To help you prepare for your post-Covid-19 vaccine, here are some comprehensive dos and don’ts provided by Covid-19 vaccine Milwaukee County.
Do’s
Drink a lot of water: Staying hydrated is extremely important both before and after your vaccination. The most common side effects of vaccines include muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and fever. Being properly hydrated will prevent you from feeling sick and help shorten the duration and intensity of side effects.
Eat a well-balanced diet: To avoid serious side effects, a well-balanced diet is essential. Superfoods like green vegetables, turmeric, and garlic, which are high in nutrients and boost immunity, should be included in your diet. Seasonal fruits rich in vitamin C can also aid in fighting the vaccine side effects.
Get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep: When you get vaccinated, the body relies on immune responses to develop protection. Therefore, it is recommended that recently vaccinated people sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours as sleep deprivation can result in suppressed immunity since the body rebuilds its defense mechanisms during sleep. Not getting enough sleep can also trigger stress, which further suppresses the immune system.
Do some light exercise or physical activity: Listen to your body. Exercise supports blood circulation that can help in reducing vaccine side effects. It is recommended to do something less strenuous in comparison to your regular exercise routine. For example, going for a light walk.
Continue with Covid-19 appropriate behavior: The most important thing to do post-vaccination is to continue wearing a mask, regularly washing, sanitizing your hands, maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowded places, and touching surfaces.
Covid-19 vaccine Milwaukee County also states that, 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.
Don’ts
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 negatively affects the body’s immune system. 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.
Do not think that you are completely immune to Covid-19 after vaccination: No vaccine has a 100 percent success rate. You must contract Covid-19 even after being vaccinated, but chances for the infection would be much milder. The vaccine only protects you from hospitalization, death, and serious disease. You can still be an asymptomatic carrier. It is important that you continue to follow appropriate Covid-19 behavior such as mask, 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. 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 subside within a few days. Covid-19 vaccine Milwaukee County will suggest consulting your physician if 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 tomes to recover from the vaccine’s side effects, avoid putting it under stress.
These are some do’s and don’ts listed above by Covid-19 vaccine Milwaukee County that you should strictly follow post-vaccination for your betterment.
