COVID Vaccines--What to Expect

February 26,2021

The question on everyone’s mind front and center is “Did you get your COVID vaccine?  how? Which one? Did it hurt? Did you get sick?”

 We have all heard the horror stories, how much it hurts, and how sick people get. True to both, however, there are little tricks to make it easier.

 The shot is given in your non-dominant arm (i.e. left arm if you are a “rightie”).  The problem is that we don’t use that arm much, and not using the arm makes the pain worse. (Just like your tetanus shot). My first shot hurt, a lot.  I even had trouble raising my arm for 2 days.  The second time, I set a timer for 15 minutes, and moved my arm around.  NO PAIN!

 Will you get sick?  Maybe?  But remember it is short lived, and just be prepared in case you do.  You may not feel well enough to go to work, so plan ahead.  The recommendations now are that you avoid painkillers, such as acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for 6 hours after the shot.  If you a headache or aches, you can start taking them at that point.  Have fluids available, and light foods.  I personally had terrible body aches, a fever of 102 and a headache.  However, I knew it would be short lived, and a rough 24 hours is a lot better than getting Covid-19.