COVID precautionary dose: Dos and don'ts to follow before scheduling your third dose

Getting vaccinated is the wisest thing you can do to protect yourself from the infectious COVID-19 which is responsible for more than 6 million deaths worldwide. It is even more crucial at present due to the emergence of the new XE variant, which is believed to be the most transmissible of all and potent enough to cause another COVID wave across the globe. Now that the government has allowed booster doses or what it calls precautionary doses of COVID-19 vaccine for all adults, without any further delay book your slots today and protect yourself and others from the severity of the COVID. But before that, here are a few things you need to do to maximise the effectiveness of the booster dose.

Even though the coronavirus vaccine does not provide complete protection against the virus, it is the only way to stay safe as it reduces the risk of severity health experts have said. The vaccination can reduce the risk of severe infection and hospitalisation. The third dose is required to boost the immunity of the body against the virus which wanes out with time after the first two doses. The third dose amplifies the immunity and reduces the risk of getting infected with the virus. But before you schedule your appointment there are some dos and don'ts you must keep in mind.

Make sure you are not sick on the day your booster dose is scheduled for. If you are suffering from influenza, flu or cold, reschedule your appointment for later dates. When you are sick, you are already feeling weak and taking a vaccine on that day may trigger side effects.

Take extra care of your diet for days before and after getting the third dose. Having a well-balanced meal and drinking sufficient amount of water in a day can help to fight the side effects of the vaccination and help the vaccine do its work properly. Even on the vaccination day, make sure you do not go to the booth in an empty stomach.

Moderate exercise 2-3 days before getting the vaccine can help to boost your immunity and enhance the efficiency of the vaccine. After getting the dose try to do simple hand exercises to reduce the arm pain and muscle ache.

A poor sleeping schedule can impact your mental as well as physical health. It may even reduce the effectiveness of the vaccination and make you feel tired later. So, sleep well on days before getting the vaccine and rest after it.

Coronavirus vaccination may cause mild fever afterwards but avoid taking any medications to manage it. Vaccination causes mild fever but goes away on its own after a few days. Sufficient water intake, balanced meals and proper rest are enough to recover from it. Only if the condition gets worse consult your doctor and take the medication.

If you are suffering from any health condition and have to take medication regularly to manage it consult your doctor before taking the shot. Do not stop the medication on your own without consulting the doctor. It is even more essential for those taking blood-thinning medicines and immunosuppressants drugs.