Prepping for the jab

Eating green vegetables and high-fibre fruits can boost your gut health and improve your immunity. Representation pic

Concerns about the possible side-effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are at an all-time high, fuelled partly by misguided rumours being circulated on social media. Experts give us the lowdown of precautions to take in order to make a swift recovery post vaccination.

Before the jab

"If you have tested positive for Covid-19, you are eligible to take the vaccine 90 days after recovery. For those who have developed Covid-19 after the first vaccine dose, you can take the second dose 60 to 90 days after recovery," shares Dr Harish Chafle, consultant, pulmonary and critical care, at Global Hospital. He also warns about the importance of following protocol at the vaccination centres to minimise the risk of infection.

Dr Harish Chafle

After the jab

Dr Chafle says that since the vaccines being used at present are intramuscular, experiencing some tenderness at the site is expected and can last anywhere between a few hours to two to three days. "The best course of action is to bear the pain. However, if the pain is severe, you could apply a cold compress to the area. Avoid hot compresses as they can reduce the efficacy of the vaccine," he says. For headaches and fever, stick to paracetamol tablets and avoid pain-killers that contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, since the latter can impede the process of antibody formation. Avoid exercising for a day or two if you have a fever or feel fatigued.

Fortify your immunity

Nutritionist Karishma Chawla suggests upping your intake of green vegetables and high fibre-fruit to boost your gut health. Foods with a low glycaemic index can help with stabilising your blood sugar and energy levels, she adds. Spices and herbs such as turmeric, ginger and black pepper aid digestion. She also suggests consuming coconut oil as its lauric acid content has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.

Payal Kothari; (right) Karishma Chawla

Integrative nutritionist Payal Kothari recommends staying hydrated with water and coconut water before and after the vaccine. "Smaller meals can ensure a healthy sleep cycle, aiding recovery. Incorporate a vegetable or bone broth soup to nourish your gut. On the day of vaccination, sip on a kadha made of cumin, fennel and coriander seeds with ginger, boiled in 500 ml water for about 10 minutes," she advises.