Is it safe to engage in physical exercise post-COVID vaccination?
Exercising After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Guide for Staying Active and Healthy
With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, many people are wondering about the safety and benefits of exercising after receiving the vaccine. Here's what you need to know to make informed decisions about your workout routine.
Firstly, people who enjoy exercising can feel confident continuing their routine after getting vaccinated. Exercising after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is generally safe if you feel well and do not have severe side effects. Mild physical activity, such as gentle arm movement near the injection site, may help alleviate discomfort like pain or swelling.
However, high-intensity or strenuous exercise is generally not recommended immediately after vaccination as it can increase inflammatory cytokines, potentially exacerbating side effects or inflammatory responses. Therefore, mild-to-moderate exercise can be beneficial or at least harmless if you feel up to it, as it might help reduce localized soreness at the injection site and supports maintaining normal activity levels.
On the other hand, strenuous exercise and high-intensity training should be avoided for several days post-vaccination because such activities increase inflammatory markers like IL-6 and may elevate the risk of myocarditis, especially in younger males.
Additionally, avoiding alcohol and tobacco smoking right after vaccination is advised to reduce inflammation and enhance vaccine efficacy.
It's also important to remember that regular exercise can provide a source of structure during unpredictable lockdowns and aid mental health in various ways. Exercising regularly can help protect people from the negative psychological effects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another recent study found that regular exercise can aid mental health and protect people from the negative psychological effects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, it is recommended to contact a doctor to discuss potential side effects and risks. Common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include pain, swelling, or discoloration in the vaccinated arm, headaches, muscle soreness, nausea, fatigue, chills, fever, and more. Some vaccines, including the COVID-19 shot, can cause mild to severe side effects that may last up to a week. Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the vaccine, which typically begins immediately after vaccination.
If necessary, an over-the-counter pain reliever can be taken for mild or moderate side effects. If side effects worsen or do not resolve within a few days, it is best to contact a doctor for advice.
It is important to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines even after vaccination, such as exercising in well-ventilated spaces, wearing a face covering where necessary, practicing physical distancing, washing the hands frequently, and sanitizing workout equipment.
Overall, listen to your body: if you experience fatigue, fever, or other systemic symptoms after vaccination, rest until those side effects subside before resuming exercise. Health experts recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to relieve mild side effects.
Lastly, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received full approval in the United States on August 23, 2021. Exercising regularly is important for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of getting an infectious disease.
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 23). Key things to know about COVID-19 vaccines. Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html
[2] National Health Service. (2021, August 23). COVID-19 vaccines: What you need to know about the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19-vaccination/pfizer-biontech-vaccine/
[3] National Institutes of Health. (2021, August 13). Exercise and the immune system. Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-examples/immune-system/exercise-and-immune-system
- Engaging in exercise after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is generally safe and can help alleviate discomfort like pain or swelling, as long as you feel well and avoid high-intensity or strenuous activities for a few days.
- A recent study has found that regular exercise can aid mental health and protect people from the negative psychological effects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
- It's crucial to remember that optimal health involves a holistic approach that includes immunizations/vaccines, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health considerations, which should all be balanced after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination.
