Coronavirus vaccination: Got your vaccine shot? Here's how to manage side effects without painkillers

Vaccination drive has kickstarted for people over the age of 18 in the country and many in the 45+ age category are lining up to receive their second doses. While the news of immunization has raised hopes for people vulnerable to the dangers of the pandemic during the current, deadlier wave of infection, there are also some concerns about the after-effects of vaccination, namely, the side-effects which have been so talked about.

Usually, all vaccines under approval are reactogenic and dole out some after-effects, such as a mild fever, nausea, chills, malaise, body pain, and in most cases, pain and stiffness at the injection site, giving it the name 'COVID arm'.

Side-effects are normal and could last up to 48 hours. However, they can be slightly discomforting and unpleasant and make you pop in a painkiller. But that may not be everyone's preferred choice to make and some medicines might also be contraindicated or require moderated use.

There's no research that supports that using painkillers may undo the vaccine's jab or induce harsher effects. However, as with any medicine, remember that indiscriminate use can pose problems. Doctors have also observed that some painkillers, taken before or after a vaccine shot may dim immune response, which is not something you want with the COVID vaccine. At this point, taking a painkiller immediately after your vaccine, or before your turn is not advisable.

That being said, there are ways you can minimize the discomfort and intensity of side-effects after the jab, sans medicine. Here are some expert-approved ways to manage the pain:

Developing a mild fever can be one of the most common signs of inflammatory reactions which kick in after a vaccine jab.

It's absolutely normal to feel a mild-grade fever that lasts for a few hours after the shot. However, if you are looking for non-medicinal ways to bring your fever down, consider using a washcloth or a cool compress which will relieve temperature and manage fever well. Taking tepid baths, cold compress can also break a fever.

The same remedies can also be tried to deal with chills and headache.

Apart from that, it's important to ensure that you sleep well and score ample rest to minimize the intensity of your fever and recover well, especially if you cannot comprehend taking days off after your vaccine dose.

Inflammation can also result in an overdrive where your body can end up feeling fatigued and drained. Malaise and a constant feeling of encountering sluggishness is commonly reported.

The best way to counter these side-effects is to moderate your diet and lifestyle and 'prep' up your immune system to ensure that it delivers appropriate responses.

Before the day of your vaccination, get good sleep to minimize side-effects made worse by stress and poor sleep. Eating well, pre and post getting the shot will also ensure that you beat tiredness and fatigue, without having to pop in painkillers.

Dehydrated tongue, when the surface of your tongue looks white is a sign that you need to have more water. Hydration, and relying on refreshing juices, ORS salts and nourishing fluids can also manage symptoms and side-effects well.

To know about the best foods to eat after your vaccination, here's what a doctor wants you to know.

COVID arm is the moniker given to the arm wherein the injection is jabbed and creates stiffness that could make it difficult for a vaccine beneficiary to move his or her arm. To deal with this side-effect, which can be quite harsh and uncomfortable, the easiest remedy to do is to move that arm around with the help of a few gentle exercises and stretches. This will help it swing back into action fast.

Similarly, redness or rash on the site can be tamed down with the help of a soothing compress, ice packs.

However, as you do so, remember not to massage the area of injection as it may aggravate the symptoms.

If you are suffering from bouts of muscle pain, weakness and body pain hours after getting your jab, taking hot showers might help.

The soreness and pain are caused by an immune reaction when the vaccine jab increases blood flow in the arm. Hot water may soothe inflammation and relieve pain. Epsom salt based home remedies may also help.

Vaccine side-effects for some people, especially women can kick off nausea along with a fever. The good news is that at most times, nausea could be effectively controlled by modifying your diet, or having certain natural spices. Ginger, peppermint, lemon water are all for your body to deal with sickness.

Also, ensure that you do not have too much processed food, which could make your nausea, abdominal cramps worse.

Exercising and physical activity is said to be good for the body and essentially, improve immune response to a great extent. However, while it's alright to do so after you get vaccinated, do not feel compelled to rush into it. Just like after a COVID recovery, your body needs some time to rest and deliver a good vitalized immune response, the same is the case with vaccination. Over-exerting yourself, or doing intense exercise isn't advisable on the day of vaccination. Take your time, and do brisk activities.

Since side effects also tend to be harsher after the second dose, following these precautions will only come in handy and let you resume normalcy easier. Do not be afraid of side effects and get your jab, as and when it is available. Consult a doctor if you do not observe a reduction in your side effects upto 4 days after getting the shot.