How to handle COVID vaccine side effects

FORT MYERS, Fla.– After getting a coronavirus vaccine, you might have mild side effects and feel under the weather.

While doctors said there aren’t any specific things you can do to prevent, there are things you can do to help the symptoms. Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include pain, redness, swelling, tiredness, headaches, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. 

“The most common side effects people have are minimal, if any symptoms at all. That’s the vast majority of folks,” said Dr. Riley Jones with UF Health. 

“I would tell people not to worry about it, it’s a very safe vaccine.”

Jones said he recommended people get a good night’s sleep and swap the alcohol for water to stay hydrated. He also said moving your arm can help reduce some of the soreness. 

“I’ve had people ask, should they go on an anti-inflammatory diet, and there’s no evidence to support or refute that,” Jones said. 

Certain foods like chicken noodle soup or ginger might help with nausea or calming your stomach. Taking Tylenol or other medications after the vaccine could also help.

“It’s symptomatic care that we would do for any other viral illness at that point,” Jones said. 

Symptoms should only last one to two days. Everyone will have a different reaction, so if you have any concerns speak with your doctor. 

The post How to handle COVID vaccine side effects appeared first on NBC2 News.

NBC2 (WBBH-TV)