By: Mariela Salgado
By now, you have seen your friends, relatives, or acquaintances receiving their COVID vaccine, but you have also heard of side effects such as arm pain, fever, body aches, headaches, and more. The second dose side effects may be more intense. While the side effects can sound scary, it does not mean that you have to suffer through them to a full extent. Here are a few critical tips from our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Yvette Poindexter:
- Receive the vaccine in your non-dominant arm
- Ice the arm that receives the vaccine
- Alternate between over-the-counter Tylenol and Ibuprofen as directed to reduce the discomfort of the immune response
- Stay hydrated with water or Pedialyte
- Wear loose clothing or clothes that are easily removable such as button-up shirts, zip-up jackets, or dresses
- Wear your hair in a loose ponytail or braid to reduce headaches
- If you work in a profession that requires constant arm and hand movements, consider taking some time off work or some sick time after taking the vaccine
Hearing and reading about the side effects may make you doubt receiving the vaccine, but remember that you can do a few things to lessen the side effects. You will experience some of these side effects that generally pass in 36 hours.