This blog is my research how should I exercise before and after the COVID-19 vaccine, as I have not been Vaccinated yet…still waiting for my turn, hopefully in a month should be jabbed. Please comment if you had any other experience which I might have missed it.
Yes, you still need to mask up in public afterward.
As more people are getting vaccinated, it’s clear the vaccines offer great protection against COVID-19. And being physically active can boost the effectiveness of your vaccine. It is ok to exercise before or after your jab, if you are feeling well. I am sure you are aware of the common side effects of the vaccine: many people experience Sore arm, fatigue, fevers, chills, headaches, nausea, tired, lethargy, etc.
Don’t push yourself for exercising if you’re not feeling fine. Side effects would wear off in few days and you’ll be up and running.
So this whole process of Vaccination how will it affect your exercise routine?
Will my workout routine impact this COVID-19 vaccination?
Few Tips on exercising and your COVID-19 vaccination.
1. Exercise/Workout Before the Shot:
You can’t predict the intensity of side effects on your body, you might want to go easy with your exercise 48hours before the vaccine. Secondly on the day of vaccination try not to indulge into a new type of workout. For eg: if you generally go for walking 2-3 days prior to the vaccine don’t start with running or pilates. Trying something new which is more intense, can lead to DOMS (Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is muscle pain that begins after your workout. This soreness can make you feel worse if you get flu-like side effects from the vaccine. DOMS normally starts a day or two after a workout. You won’t feel DOMS during a workout. Pain felt during or immediately after a workout is a different kind of muscle soreness. It’s called acute muscle soreness.
Just continue with your walk or any exercise that you do regularly. You can avoid upper body workout specially strength training 24hours before the shot, even if that means doing lower body workout for two consecutive days. The most common side effect of the vaccination is pain in the arm where you took the shot. These side effects are temporary but its worth it for the protection it gives.
2. Exercise/Workout After the Shot:
Gentle movements may help you ease the soreness. Move your arm normally after the shot to promote blood circulation, if u rest your arm for a long time then it might get stiff. Light movements or gentle workout can help regulating the blood circulation, eventually ease in soreness. Use your arm normally as you do. Some effects can gear up after 2-3 days, so initially you may feel fine to do a high intensity workout but later you might regret it; so light workout after shot for the next 48hours. Especially after the second shot, which generally triggers more symptoms than the first. If you don’t feel like exercising then just take a break.
Same as above avoid upper body workout and swimming for 48hours.
Take the opportunity to swap your High Intensity workout for a Walk or YinYoga or JUST RELAX.
The quality of your workout may change due to some side effects. Just listen to your body.
I have personally observed , people with active lifestyle and who do regular exercises the flu-like symptoms are barely felt. Their bodies create more antibodies compared to others who don’t exercise.
Healthy Lifestyle and regular exercises can boost your immunity.
After the vaccine you still have to wear a mask and wash your hands regularly.
HAND SANITISING: Excessive use of hand sanitisers, as we all know they are filled with Chemicals such as alcohol, chlorhexidine, triclosan can cause irritation as it strips away the skin’s natural oils. When the skin’s natural moisture barrier gets disrupted, it becomes more susceptible to bacteria. It can also dry and damage skin cells. When this happens, the risk of getting contact dermatitis is higher. The Chemical fragrances used are prone to skin irritation and allergic reactions.When we are exposed to a sanitised environment early in life our immune system starts getting weaker. Therefore we become vulnerable to allergic reactions.
So if possible Wash Your Hands!!
If you don’t feel well rest and avoid going to public places.
Please share your experience with exercising before and after the Vaccine.
