Dr. Ashwathy – Wellness Consultant and Ayurveda expert at Fazlani Natures Nest on
What is Covid 19?
The word COVID is formed from 3 words – CO stands for Corona, VI is for Virus and D represents Disease. Covid 19 is a disease caused by a particular new strand of coronavirus which is linked to the same family of viruses as a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and some types of the common cold.
The symptom of this disease includes fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath in the initial stages and later it aggravates to loss of smell & taste which may appear. In some, the infection can lead to pneumonia and severe breathing difficulties which may be fatal. As the symptoms are like the flu (influenza) or the common cold, which are a lot more common than COVID-19, hence testing is required to confirm if someone is affected with COVID-19.
Currently, there is no particular medication available for COVID-19 disease. However, many of the symptoms can be treated and getting early care can make the disease less dangerous. The main preventive measures adopted against this disease are, staying at least 2 metres away from others, covering a cough or sneeze in your elbow, frequently cleaning your hands with soap or using sanitisers, wearing a mask in public, and avoiding poorly ventilated rooms.
Along with that, to prevent people from getting serious complications of Covid 19, several safe and effective vaccines are developed all over the world. The vaccines given in India are Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V
How do COVID 19 vaccines work?
These vaccines educate the immune system to recognize and fight effectively against the virus that causes COVID-19. It normally takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to build immunity against the virus that causes COVID-19. There are some things to be taken cared and expected during the immunization process.
- Try not to take vaccine in an empty stomach – Eating before a vaccine may be helpful for individuals who have needle fears or a history of fainting with needles. Including antioxidants in the diet will also help in boosting the immunity.
- Try to Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
- Get good sleep at night before vaccination.
- Try to avoid alcohol 48 hrs before vaccination.
- Before receiving vaccination make sure you are not allergic to any of the vaccine contents.
- One should not be covid positive at the time of vaccination. If having some symptoms, please avoid getting vaccinated.
- At the vaccination centre, always wear a mask and follow social distance.
- If you are due for any routine vaccination, give a gap of 14 days before or after covid 19 vaccination.
Some foods which are found to be effective in boosting immunity can be included in the meals before getting vaccinated. Green leafy vegetables will be a good option to be included as they are rich in nutrients and minerals. Another food with maximum health benefits is turmeric. Curcumin in turmeric helps to boost immunity and it is considered an anti-stress food also. Carminatives live ginger and garlic can be included as it reduces stress and improves digestion. Fresh seasonal fruits which are rich in insoluble fibres, antioxidants, and minerals should be also included in the diet.
After getting vaccinated, Care should be taken to keep the vaccinated area clean to prevent any sort of infections. Do not leave the vaccination centre immediately after the injection rather stay there for a minimum of 15 minutes to observe for any immediate reactions. In most of the cases, minor side effects are observed which indicate that person’s body is building protection against the actual attack. These symptoms include – arm soreness, mild to moderate fever, tiredness, headaches and muscle or joint aches. If there is any redness or tenderness at the site of vaccination even after 24 hours, or if the side effects do not subside after few days health care providers should be informed.
Make sure to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Though there is no evidence of alcohol reducing the effectiveness of the vaccine, it is advised to avoid consuming alcohol and smoking for 48 hrs after vaccination. Immunity boosting foods should be consumed in the diet. It is also good to avoid strenuous activities. Instead, involve in low-intensity physical activities.
Diet after vaccination
Food should be consumed according to the digestive capacity of the individual. Avoid processed and packet foods which are heavy to digest. Whole grain food items can be consumed for better digestion. Caffeinated beverages can be reduced. According to Ayurveda, including a moderate amount of ghee in meals every day as per the digestive capacity of an individual, helps to boost immunity.
Even after vaccination, one should keep taking precautions, as we still do not know the extent to which the vaccine keeps one from being infected and spreading the virus to others.
Continue to take actions to slow and eventually stop the spread of the virus.
