Doctors have revealed the three things you should avoid after getting the updated Covid vaccine – and the one thing you should do if you feel unwell.
The updated shots are available to everyone six months and older, but a top FDA expert says only people 75 and older really need them.
Regardless of how old a person is, unwanted side effects such as fever, headache, body aches and fatigue may occur after receiving the Covid vaccination.
New York-based infectious disease expert Dr. Thomas Russo, discouraged the use of the common pain reliever ibuprofen and recommended that it be the first line of defense. Paracetamol.
SMany studies have shown that the drug can impair immune system function and cause the production of fewer virus-fighting antibodies.
This could lead to vaccinations being less effective because they do not properly strengthen the immune system, experts fear, making the person more susceptible to serious infections.
Experts say people over 75 should prioritize flu and Covid vaccinations this year (stock photo)
Official data shows that the Covid positivity rate – or the proportion of tests that detect the virus – is no longer falling. This suggests that the number of infections may rise again
The above shows flu cases reported to the CDC. However, they are largely underestimated because only a small subset of patients are tested for influenza
Dr. Russo told Yahoo: “I generally recommend avoiding ibuprofen if possible after a vaccination.”
The experts also warned against taking steroids after the injection, which can be used for arthritis, autoimmune diseases or breathing problems.
Studies show that it can also reduce the effectiveness of vaccines by suppressing the immune system.
However, Dr. Russo said that people taking these medications should talk to their doctor first: “Most people who use steroids cannot simply stop using them.”
Getting flu and Covid shots on the same day increases stroke risk, FDA says
Health officials say the Covid vaccine may be linked to a small increase in the risk of stroke if given with a high-dose flu shot
“If you’re using stronger immunosuppressants, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about the timing of your injection.”
Other experts also recommended avoiding excessive alcohol consumption in the days after vaccination.
Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, warned that alcohol is likely to “weaken the immune response to the vaccine if administered in the days after vaccination.”
Research already shows that excessive alcohol consumption can suppress the activity of white blood cells – crucial components of the immune system – and reduce antibody production, potentially reducing the effectiveness of a vaccine.
Experts have agreed on an activity you can start doing if the vaccine makes you feel sick.
Dr. Russo said, “It’s a great opportunity to curl up on the couch with a good book and the clicker and binge-watch.”
“Please note that these symptoms will resolve on their own without treatment.”
The doctors also emphasized the importance of taking in and drinking enough fluids.
Previously, it was recommended that the vaccination be given on the same day as the flu shot. But now there are concerns that getting both vaccines could increase the risk of stroke. Some experts instead suggest that patients receive the vaccinations on different days.
The US is introducing the updated Covid vaccine this year through private insurance plans that promise to cover the cost.
But research shows that barely one in 10 Americans have signed up for the vaccine.
The latest data through early November show that of the more than 329 million eligible people, 36 million adults have received the vaccine, including 3.5 million children.
In comparison, an estimated 91 million Americans — or 34 percent of the adult population — have signed up for the flu shot.
And 11 million people over 60, or 13 percent of that age group, reported being vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
This map shows flu activity by state. It shows that activity is highest in Louisiana and Puerto Rico
And this graph shows how the number of people hospitalized with the flu increases as winter approaches
Regarding the updated Covid booster shot, health experts said that the numbers were about the same as the same time last year – showing that uptake had not dropped further.
But they warned that many Americans are now avoiding Covid vaccinations because they are vaccine weary and because they are already immune from previous exposure to the virus.
This year’s updated Covid booster vaccine targets the BA.4 and BA.5 Covid variants, the main versions circulating this summer.
But scientists say they should still offer significant protection against serious disease from HV.1 and EG.5, the new dominant variants.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that 3,002 flu infections were recorded in the week ending November 12, an increase of 60 percent from the same time the previous week.
CDC experts say the number is a major undercount because most people who get the flu are not tested or their infections are not recorded.
The number of Covid cases is also no longer falling and the test positivity rate – the percentage of Covid tests that detect the virus – has been around eight percent for two weeks, which suggests that the number of cases may rise again.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
