The recent slew of COVID-19 vaccines is a great step for us to fight this pandemic. Day by day, more and more individuals are protected from the virus as their immunity becomes stronger thanks to the vaccines. However, this does not mean that we can simply go back to the way things were. Just because we have had our first or second doses does not ensure us complete protection nor does it give us leave to act like the virus does not exist anymore. Even with the added protection of vaccines, we still have things we can and cannot do. Read on to find out the dos and don’ts after COVID vaccine.
Do And Don’ts After COVID Vaccine First Dose
First of all, it’s important to know what brand of vaccine you are given. Some brands of COVID vaccines will only require one shot for it to be fully effective. However, some brands of COVID vaccines will require you to take up to two doses before it becomes fully effective. If your vaccine’s brand is the latter, then observe these steps below.
Do
Act like you don’t have a vaccine at all. There’s a reason why your vaccine requires two doses. If you aren’t fully vaccinated, then that means you are as susceptible as someone who hasn’t received any shots of the vaccine. This means that you need to observe safety measures like everyone else who hasn’t received the vaccine. This includes the wearing of masks, observing safe social distancing measures, constant disinfection when you or your things come into contact with the outside world, and overall alertness and awareness.
Remember, your first shot doesn’t really protect you from anything. You can still contract the virus and pass it on to your family, friends, and strangers you meet.
Don’t
Don’t act like you’re completely vaccinated. As stated above, unless stated by your specific brand, a singular dose will not offer you any real protection from the virus.
Dos And Don’ts After COVID Second Dose
If you’ve received your final dose, then please observe the dos and don’ts listed below.
Do
It takes a full two weeks for the vaccine to totally kick in. This means you have to wait the full 14 days before you can consider yourself fully vaccinated.
Being properly hydrated after your vaccine can prevent or minimize any potential side effects that might arise from taking the vaccine.
- Read up and prepare for side effects
Each vaccine comes with its own brand of side effects. Familiarize yourself with them so you can prevent any unnecessary stress and you can prepare better to face them.
Sleep can help your immune system. On the flip side, this means that not having enough sleep might jeopardize or suppress your immune system which might numb the body’s response to the vaccine.
Eating a healthy and balanced diet can help prevent any serious side effects from occurring. Consider adding superfoods like greens and fruits to your diet.
Getting some light exercise done can help face the side effects.
- Keep wearing masks and observe social distancing measures
While you’re protected from the virus, other people might not be. You can still be a carrier of the virus and you might potentially infect other people so be keen to still wear masks and observe social distancing measures.
Don’t
While there are no studies yet, doctors warn that drinking and smoking might aggravate the various side-effects involved with taking a vaccine.
The vaccine does not grant you immunity over the virus. You can still catch COVID 19. It merely protects you from severe complications and death. That means that you should still be keen to protect yourself and your loved ones. Stay alert and aware.
- Delay consulting a doctor
If you are experiencing any severe side effects, or if you feel that you are experiencing any concerning complications, immediately consult your doctor.
- Rigorous physical activity
Your body needs time to recover after taking the vaccine. Take at least 2-3 days off before you start exerting your body again.
Remember, no vaccine offers 100% protection so please keep safe and alert.
Learn more about the Coronavirus here.
