Since mid-December of last year, there has been a lot of excitement and a frenzy created around a cure for the Covid-19 virus. This was announced in the form of a two-dose vaccine, and emergency use was first granted to Pfizer and then to Moderna. Under strict state eligibility criteria, photos began to flood social media of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals proudly receiving their doses and displaying their vaccination cards. This was meant to show the confidence everyone had in getting vaccinated first and to encourage others to trust in its safety and efficacy. As I work with my husband in his medical office, I received the Moderna Vaccine last weekend, and the process was quick and professional. Like any other vaccine or medication, there may be side effects, and I want to share tips from my personal experience for pre and post-vaccination with Moderna. (This will most likely be the one you receive, as it requires easier storage than Pfizer’s.)
• Eat light meals before and especially after. One of the side effects can be nausea, and this will increase if you have a very full stomach like mine. For my second dose, I will be having soup and broth throughout the day.
• Rest well before and especially after getting the vaccine. You will now have a body producing antibodies that needs to adjust, so try not to overdo it. I still don’t know why I played those exhausting tennis games and walked 5 miles!
• Apply ice to the vaccination site at various times throughout the day to relieve swelling and discomfort. You may not feel anything in the first 12 hours, but you will want to keep your distance from people who like to give affectionate pats or accidentally on your vaccinated arm. Ouch!
• Take Tylenol to ward off headaches, fever, and chills. Again, your body is in full attack mode and needs a little extra care and help.
• Have a stock of homeopathic tablets for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Fortunately, I had Carbo Vegetalis, Nux Vomica, and Belladonna (from Boiron) that I took throughout the day. (If you follow tip number 1, you shouldn’t feel that bad)
• Take a probiotic, like Align or Florastor, if you have stomach discomfort. You may lose your appetite. (That was good!)
• Don’t plan activities, meetings, sports, or important tasks for the next day, just in case you need to. Fatigue can be another common side effect, so keep it light.
• Don’t drink alcohol. This shouldn’t be a hindrance! Like with antibiotics, alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine, so it’s a no. I had already sworn off alcoholic drinks until the second dose. I will wait to celebrate my Covid-free days in a few weeks.
Many people do not feel side effects. The good thing is that ALL these side effects are mild and temporary and eventually pass. I am now better than ever and thrilled to have received my first level of protection so I can travel safely soon and hug all my family and friends when everyone is vaccinated! Finally, I was reminded that to return to “normal,” we all need to be vaccinated, still wear masks, maintain distance, and wash our hands frequently. We have a long way to go, but we must work together as a community and shine our own lights at the end of that tunnel.
LINDA LEVY
Businesswoman, Event Management and Public Relations Consultant
http://il2productions.com