How to reduce the potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it was normal for people to experience side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Typically, what is happening in your body is that you are producing an immune response and that is what we want,” explained Dr. Chirag Patel, Assistant Medical Director at UF Health Jacksonville. “It doesn’t mean that if you don’t have side effects, you won’t be producing an immune response, but when you do, the typical reason for that is simply that your body is working, your immune system is kicking in.”

According to the CDC, some of the possible side effects include pain at the injection site, fever, chills or body aches. Patel told News4Jax that side effects are being reported more often after people receive their second dose.

“This is simply because your immune system is already racing and ready to recognize something strange that is coming,” said Patel. “So, after getting your second chance at the series, you can expect more side effects.”

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To reduce the potential side effects, Patel encouraged people to hydrate, rest and avoid stress before taking the injection.

“One thing that is not emphasized is to avoid stressors,” said Patel. “We have seen some reactions or reactions reported due to people who were very anxious or had panic attacks because they predicted that something bad was going to happen. Minimizing the stressors that led to your vaccine by making sure you are well rested before the vaccine will help to put your mind at ease in the morning or the day of your vaccine. “

If you experience pain in your arm after receiving the injection, Patel said to put ice or a cold towel on your arm, gently massage the area or do light arm exercises. The CDC said the side effects should only last a few days.