Second COVID-19 vaccine shot: side effects, why they occur and how to treat them

Is it okay to wet a flu shot with water?

Any injections have their own set of rules (recommendations, prohibitions, contraindications). If you are thinking about getting vaccinated against the flu, this procedure is no exception. True, a number of misunderstandings may arise. So, for example, is it possible to soak a flu shot that was injected today? Let's say it's prohibited. Then how much better is it not to wet the flu shot? The ambiguity arises because influenza vaccination is a relatively new procedure, and less information is available about it than about others. Thanks to this article, you will be able to sort out your doubts and answer the questions: what happens if you wet a flu shot? Is it possible to get the flu shot area wet? Are children allowed to swim?

Is it possible to wash or swim after getting a flu vaccine?

Doctors usually warn in advance how long it is forbidden to wash or go for a walk after the well-known Mantoux test or certain vaccinations. But is it possible to take a bath on the day of the flu vaccine? Perhaps you should just rinse off? Many doctors convince people of the safety of such manipulation and strongly encourage people to get immunized. Therefore, it is worth understanding this issue in more detail.

There are no absolute restrictions on water hygiene procedures. However, it is impossible to say with one hundred percent certainty what will happen if you wash yourself on the first day after the vaccination. Is it allowed to take a steam bath? Or is it better to take a quick shower?

The human body is a special mechanism. It is almost impossible to predict everyone's reaction with accuracy. Doctors warn only about standard restrictions after the flu vaccination procedure, as well as about further behavior after immunization.

General rules include limiting contact with fluid at the vaccination site on the day of the procedure. It should also not be scratched, rubbed or overheated. It is a mistake to assume that a shower is contraindicated, or that it is simply forbidden to rinse off. If accidental splashes end up in the grafting area, they will not cause harm, but you should not plan a foam party. Entrance to the public swimming pool is temporarily closed.

The general conclusion is the following. You can shower with a flu shot. The rules of personal hygiene are not canceled. It is useful to adhere exclusively to general restrictions.

How many days can you not wash after diphtheria vaccination and why?

There is a very convenient practice of vaccination using the “2 in 1” method: when diphtheria and tetanus vaccines are combined.

In this case, all the rules and recommendations from the previous part of the article apply.

In addition, during the post-vaccination period, during water hygiene procedures, it is better not to use essential oils, decoctions and infusions of herbs, bath salts, etc. to avoid allergic reactions. The post-vaccination period is 72 hours from the moment the vaccine is administered.

Is it okay to get a flu shot on your shoulder or not? What happens if water gets into the injection site?

An increase in body temperature is a common complication that occurs after receiving a flu shot, so it is advisable not to splash around after the injection. But there is no danger in taking a light shower on the day of your flu vaccine.

Let's say a question arose in the bathroom. What to do if the vaccine gets wet? You can continue water procedures, the main thing is not to rub the injection site with your hands or a washcloth. Fear of a painful and inflammatory sensation should not be a reason for refusing to take a bath. It’s okay if a person forgot and still wet the injection area.

Prolonged exposure to hot water or a bath can cause irritation at the flu shot site.

It is necessary to try not to rub the injection site, thereby preventing microtrauma and accelerating local blood circulation. That is why it would be correct not to wet the vaccine, especially if the injection site is painful.

Limiting visits to the pool will be beneficial, since there is a chance of catching a cold or hypothermia, and you can also become infected with ARVI from others.

Why should you not bathe your child after a flu shot if it is not dangerous to get the area wet?

It is inappropriate to dwell only on whether adults can wet the site of influenza vaccine administration. To find the answer to the question: “When can you bathe a child after vaccination?”, it is important to understand the process of its implementation. There are two ways in which vaccination is carried out: intranasally (drops in the nose) and injection (injection in the arm). With the first option, there is no doubt, and you can safely take a shower. But in the second case, you need to remember that a small wound remains at the injection site, which can cause complications in both children and adults.

The first unpleasant moment comes down to the likelihood of an infection entering the wound, which will develop into an inflammatory process. Then you will need treatment (possibly long-term). The vaccinated person will definitely understand whether there is inflammation, based on signs such as redness, itching, and the desire to scratch the injection area. Common signs include fever, poor health and weakness. If any of the described symptoms are observed, it is recommended to visit a doctor.

The second reason for refusing water procedures is the risk of developing secondary inflammation due to the negative impact of temperature changes. Steaming and then sudden hypothermia, against the background of a weakened fight against the introduced antigens of the immune system, can provoke a viral or other infectious infection. At the injection site, blood flow may increase due to heat, which is also not good. Sweating is another factor that contributes to the development of the inflammatory process. This is why it is not advisable to wrap your child while walking.

Do not touch the grafting site with a washcloth. The first day after vaccination is considered the most dangerous, and rough impact on the wound in the injection area can provoke inflammation. In addition, there is a risk of infection in the wound.

Can a person become infected with coronavirus after vaccination?

Most experts agree that the vaccine does not provide 100% protection against infection.
If a large dose of the pathogen enters the body of a vaccinated person, this can cause a so-called immune breakthrough. “A person who has been vaccinated may think that they can no longer be infectious and cannot become infected themselves. But this is not true. After vaccination, there is still a small risk of infection, although if it occurs, the disease will not be severe,” explained infectious disease specialist and vaccinologist Evgeniy Timakov. The company that developed the EpiVacCorona vaccine warned that a person with developed immunity in contact with a coronavirus patient may become ill within a month after vaccination, but in this case the virus will not cause complications or death. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova stated that the immune response to the vaccine against coronavirus infection is formed within 42 days after the first injection. Therefore, all this time it is important to follow preventive measures in order not to become infected with COVID-19: refrain from visiting crowded places, observe the mask regime and hygiene rules, minimize contacts, maintain social distance, limit the intake of alcohol and medications that suppress the immune system.

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Today, Russians can be vaccinated with two domestic vaccines - Gam-Covid-Vac (Sputnik V). The third vaccine, CoviVac, developed by the Chumakov Center, is in the final stage of testing and will go into public circulation by the end of March.

• "EpiVacCorona": effectiveness is 100%; immune protection is expected to last for at least a year.
• "Gam-Covid-Vac": effectiveness is 91.4%, against severe disease - 100%; immune protection is expected to last for two years (nine months has already been proven).
• "CoviVac": effectiveness is 85%; The duration of immunity will be announced after the completion of clinical trials.

Important features characteristic of the post-vaccination period

Everyone's health is different. In other words, the immune system copes with the received vaccine at different periods of time. Some people are alert within a week, while for others even half a month is not enough. After the vaccination is given, you should not expect that the body will immediately be in order. He needs to cope with the introduced antigens. To do this, the immune system begins to produce antibodies. They must “settle” in the cells responsible for fighting infections. In standard situations, the effect of the vaccine begins approximately on the second day after the injection.

Post-vaccination reactions are rare - in about one vaccinated person out of a hundred. They are expressed:

• slight increase in temperature. She remains at the low-grade fever level;
• general weakness;
• chills.

As a rule, such symptoms disappear the next day.

Slightly more often (about 4% of cases) local post-vaccination reactions occur. On the skin in the area where the injection was performed:

• hyperemia;
• itching;
• compaction

Local manifestations disappear no later than after 2-3 days. Their causes are usually a violation of the injection technique, failure to comply with hygiene rules, moisture on the post-injection wound on the first day, and ignoring contraindications.

Vaccination reaches its peak effectiveness after about a month. This is why it is recommended to get influenza vaccinations some time before the start of the season for colds and viral infections. According to statistics from the Russian Ministry of Health, the maximum incidence of influenza in our country occurs in November-December, although outbreaks are recorded even in the spring. In order for the vaccine to have time to work, it is better to administer it between September and October.

For the immunization process to be successful, you need to follow some recommendations.

It is worth taking care of loose clothing. There are no special rules, the main thing is that there is no painful sensation from contact with your favorite things. Itching can cause significant discomfort. Often this symptom is a sign of an allergy. If the injection site is red and itchy, it is better to consult a specialist.

Bed rest is not needed. Light jogging and morning exercises are welcome. But, unfortunately, the fitness center session should be postponed. Increased physical activity puts extra strain on the immune system. You should also miss a group lesson because of the risk of catching ARVI.

It is advisable to forget about a bottle of your favorite wine for a while. The interaction of alcohol and the active substance of the vaccine has a suppressive effect on the immune system. This does not mean that you should not drink at all. The main thing is to know when to stop.

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Why can't you wash?

Immunization is carried out as follows:

• the medicine is instilled into the nose (this is the method most often used to vaccinate children against influenza);
• The injection is given on the arm in the forearm area.

When immunizing with the first method, you can swim even on the day of vaccination, since the liquid does not harm the patient’s body. But after injecting the drug into the arm, a small wound appears in the shoulder area. If you steam it, sharply cool it or rub it, there is a possibility of developing negative side reactions.

Can I get the flu shot site on my shoulder wet? Under no circumstances should you get the flu shot site wet, as this can cause some health problems. The reasons for the ban on swimming are as follows:

1. An infection can enter the wound, which can lead to the formation of inflammation, which will require long-term treatment. The inflammatory process manifests itself in the form of sudden onset of swelling, pain, hyperemia, thickening and itching at the injection site. As for well-being, a person complains of general weakness, fever, and deterioration in general condition. If any of these signs are detected, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
2. It is forbidden to wash yourself after a flu vaccination for some time, as a secondary inflammatory process may develop under the influence of temperature changes. This applies to steaming in the bathroom followed by sudden hypothermia. Under the influence of heat, there is an increase in blood flow to the injection area, which has a negative effect on the body in such a situation. Do not forget that increased sweating contributes to the formation of inflammation.

When and who can get vaccinated?

Vaccination against coronavirus is allowed 30 days after any other vaccinations, according to the Moscow mayor’s website. However, it does not protect against the flu, so it is recommended to get both vaccinations. Coronavirus vaccination recommendations also state that the vaccine should not be given to those who have suffered acute coronary syndrome or stroke in the past year. Contraindications also include chronic systemic infections, tuberculosis, neoplasms, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and HIV.

Those who do not have a high temperature (37 °C or more) will be able to get vaccinated. Before the procedure, the patient must be examined by a health care worker, who must be informed about existing chronic diseases, other vaccinations, and previous acute respiratory viral infections. Based on these data, the decision on vaccination will be made.

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“In addition, both women and men should not take part in the study if they plan to conceive a child in the next three months,” the mayor’s website states.

According to the chief freelance specialist in obstetrics and gynecology of the Russian Ministry of Health, Professor Leila Adamyan, it is better to start planning a pregnancy or undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) two to three months after vaccination against coronavirus. “Even a couple who does not want to have a child today, but has one in the project, must be vaccinated [against coronavirus], and in the near future - [in] two, maximum three months, can switch to IVF and planning pregnancy directly.” , said Adamyan.

The doctor assures that the risk of complications after vaccination is “a thousand times lower” than harm to the body from COVID-19, especially if it is severe. It is worth considering the influence of special medications that are used to treat the disease.

How many days without washing?

As for the duration of refusal to bathe, if you have received a flu shot, you should not bathe for 2-3 days. If the need arises, you are allowed to take a shower, but the water must be warm, not hot, and you cannot use a washcloth.

If immunization is carried out subcutaneously with Sovigripp, there is a possibility of severe itching. But scratching the injection area is strictly prohibited.

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This can lead to tissue injury, and the unpleasant sensations will not disappear. In addition, this increases the risk of infection in the wound, which causes an inflammatory process to develop or swelling to appear. In such a situation, it is necessary to visit a doctor for examination, receive recommendations for treatment and determine the time frame when it will be possible to wet the injection site.

In addition to the fact that the vaccine does not need to be wet, other nuances must be observed.

For example, if possible, you should not be in crowded places.

It is not difficult to adhere to this recommendation, since immunization is carried out as planned. Therefore, doctors advise agreeing on your own work schedule and staying at home for a certain number of days. At this time, the human body is weak, so even a simple visit to the store can turn into stress, since all forces are designed to synthesize antibodies to the disease.

Should those who have already had the disease be vaccinated?

Those who have recovered from COVID-19 and have IgG antibodies, which are responsible for stable immunity to infection, do not need vaccination, says Oksana Drapkina. “Patients who have had the disease and have immunoglobulin G antibodies are not currently vaccinated,” she said.

Before vaccination, it is advisable to get tested for antibodies. If the IgG level is above 10, then immunity has already formed and vaccination is not necessary.

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According to the head of the department of general virology of the Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Preparations named after. M.P. Chumakov RAS, Professor Georgy Ignatiev, the presence of antibodies to coronavirus in the blood is a contraindication for participation in vaccine trials. In other words, if a person has recently had COVID-19, he cannot be vaccinated. “Since the current criteria for medical eligibility for participation in clinical trials is a previous infection, it turns out that people who have had COVID-19 do not need to be vaccinated. But how long does post-infectious immunity last? The level of antibodies is constantly falling over time, and the antibodies should be expected to go away. And then the person will need to be vaccinated,” Ignatiev explained.

When can you swim?

Regarding the question of whether it is possible to swim after a flu vaccination, the implementation of hygiene procedures for adolescents does not need to be completely excluded. After getting a flu shot, you can wash after 5-6 hours; the main requirement is the person’s well-being. If you had a high temperature on the first day after administering the drug, you will not be able to take a bath.

During the first day after immunization, it is prohibited:

• bathe in a bath, especially with hot water;
• visit the pool and swim in open water, as hypothermia is also dangerous;
• take a steam bath or sauna;
• rub the injection site with a washcloth, comb, wear things made of rough material;
• use a medical plaster to seal the wound;
• walk in the rain.

If you follow all the doctor’s advice, it is possible to prevent complications, including infection.

Regarding immunization against influenza in childhood, bathing a child after vaccination during the first 24 hours is prohibited. If you need to wash, you need to wipe it with a piece of cloth soaked in warm water, and then wipe it with a dry towel. However, a teenager should not get the injection site wet. A day later, when the little patient’s health is normal (the temperature has not increased, there are no allergy symptoms), water procedures are allowed.

How many days can you not wash after vaccination against hepatitis and why?

Important: If the body temperature is above normal, any water procedures, incl. showers are prohibited!

Bathing is fine, especially if bathing is an important part of your baby's daily routine. Make sure the water is warm enough, but not hot. In addition, try to slightly reduce the time your baby spends in the water so as not to steam the injection wound. For the first 24 hours after vaccination, try not to touch the injection site with soap, bathing gels, creams, etc.

Please note the following recommendations: within 72 hours from the date of vaccination you cannot

• swim in open reservoirs and pools;
• apply mechanical force to the injection site (scratching, rubbing, etc.),
• cover the injection site with adhesive tape, etc.

What happens if you get it wet?

After vaccination against influenza, there is a possibility of an increase in temperature, which is why doctors advise that you can wash yourself after a couple of days after vaccination.

But if you accidentally got your flu shot wet, you shouldn’t be afraid. If you have doubts about whether you can wash yourself with a flu shot or not, feel free to take a bath after immunization, but do not scrub the injection area with a washcloth and use only warm water.

There will be no harm when the hand in which the vaccine is administered to the child is accidentally wet, although the mother is warned that she should not wet the injection site. This does not always lead to the development of inflammation and pain.

What to do

If the area where the flu vaccine was administered was accidentally wet, there is no need to be afraid; it is worth observing the area. If redness, swelling, thickening, itching, or fever occur, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible. Important: in order to prevent the development of possible complications, you cannot mechanically influence the injection site.

Is it possible to wet the injection site?

Many people wonder if it is possible to wet the flu shot site. This is one of the most popular questions among those who are about to or have already been vaccinated. Doctors disagree. Some are convinced that water will not cause harm to the vaccinated human body, others recommend refraining from water procedures after an injection, as a negative reaction may occur.

It is strongly recommended not to wet the vaccination site immediately after the procedure. The administered drug promotes the formation of stable protective functions against the influenza pathogen. Drops of water that fall on an unhealed wound can provoke a negative reaction due to a connection with the vaccine. As a result, the likelihood of unforeseen consequences for human health increases, depending on the introduced strain. One may react neutrally to exposure to water, while the other may provoke a severe allergy.

Also, many experts advise avoiding exposure to water at the injection site in the first day after vaccination. This is especially true for visiting saunas, baths, open reservoirs, and public swimming pools. However, some health care workers allow patients to take a light shower on the day of vaccination (5 to 6 hours after the injection).

When answering the question, is it possible to wash after getting a flu shot, it should be noted that most doctors agree on carrying out water procedures after a day or three. This is due to the possible development of a negative response of the body to the administered drug. If an allergy occurs, the doctor must be sure that the reaction occurred precisely to the vaccine, and not to external irritants (hard water, washcloth or soap products).

It is very important not to rub the injection site with a washcloth, towel or scratching, even if itching occurs in this area. This can be dangerous, since an infection can penetrate into a scratched wound, which can result in the development of an inflammatory process. This phenomenon most often manifests itself as swelling of the injured area, pain, and discoloration of the skin. Do not tape the affected area. In this case, you need to consult a doctor.

How many days can you not wash after a tetanus shot and why?

Children over 3 years old are vaccinated against tetanus not only in the hip area, but also in the forearm area.
Refrain from water treatments for 24 hours from the moment the vaccine is administered. During this period, you should monitor the body's reaction to vaccination.

If your health is good during the day, you can take a shower (not hot). It is better not to use soap or shower gel. It is also not recommended to rub the injection site with a washcloth or hard towel. Avoid scratching the wound.

Important: if the body temperature is above normal, any water procedures, incl. showers are prohibited!

In addition, the advice from the previous part of the article remains relevant.

Why can't you swim after vaccination?

Flu vaccination can occur in two ways:

1. By instilling a healing solution into the nasal cavity.
2. Injection into the arm area.

The first vaccination method allows you to wash at any time after the procedure, since water will not harm human health. As for the second option, it can be noted that after the injection there remains a small wound. After steaming it, sudden hypothermia or rubbing, some side effects are possible:

• increase in temperature indicators;
• the appearance of itching, swelling, redness in the area where the drug was administered;
• malaise, general weakening of the body;
• pain syndrome;
• the occurrence of compaction.

Answering the question of how long not to wash after a flu shot, it can be noted that experts advise avoiding water procedures for two to three days. When taking a shower in the first days after vaccination, you should avoid getting hot water on the wound and do not use a washcloth.

Exposure to hot water or prolonged exposure to a bathhouse/sauna can cause skin irritation or an inflammatory process in the area where the vaccine was administered. Also, the cause of these phenomena can be damage to the skin when rubbing or combing the wound. These actions should especially not be performed if there is pain. In addition, doctors do not advise swimming in a cold pool, as a result of which the patient may catch a cold or become infected with other diseases from other people, which is extremely undesirable.

How many days after vaccination can I take a bath?

When answering the question about how many days after you can wash, it should be noted that doctors do not prohibit carrying out hygiene procedures. Taking a shower is allowed 5-6 hours after vaccination, provided the patient is in good health.

For 1 day. After administering a medication, you must not:

1. Wash in the bathroom.
2. Swim in pools and open water. Being in cold or too hot water is especially dangerous.
3. Visit the bathhouse/sauna.
4. Injure the injection area by rubbing with a washcloth, combing, or wearing clothes made of rough materials.
5. Apply medical plaster to seal the wound.
6. Being in the rain.

By following all medical recommendations, you can avoid negative consequences, including infection.

Is a person contagious after vaccination?

According to the chief freelance therapist of the Ministry of Health, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Oksana Drapkina, during vaccination a person cannot infect others. However, according to Timakov, there is a small risk of infection, but it is not associated with the coronavirus vaccine. The doctor explains this by the fact that when vaccinated against COVID-19, people do not develop local immunity of the mucous membranes. This means that once SARS-CoV-2 gets on, for example, the nasal mucosa, it can multiply and can be transmitted to other people by sneezing. “Vaccination prevents the virus from entering the body so that the infection does not reach the organ that it can infect. Vaccination will most likely not increase the local immunity of the mucous membranes, so the coronavirus will be able to catch on and begin to multiply in the nasopharynx. Thus, the person will become a source of infection,” the expert explained.

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Allergist-immunologist Vladimir Bolibok shares a similar opinion. In his opinion, those who have been vaccinated may not get sick with COVID-19 themselves, but they can infect others with the coronavirus. “Vaccination protects against infection - that is, if the virus gets into the nose, the person will not get sick, but he will be a virus carrier,” he said.

Health Minister Mikhail Murashko explained the importance of wearing masks, including to those who have been vaccinated: “Vaccination reliably protects against severe illness and, in the vast majority of cases, against the disease, but a vaccinated person can nevertheless transmit the infection to those who are not protected ", said Murashko.

What to do if you do get the vaccine wet?

Flu vaccination should not greatly disrupt the patient’s usual lifestyle. After administering the drug, it is recommended to stay for 30 minutes. in a medical facility to monitor the possible occurrence or absence of side effects during vaccination. A negative reaction may occur due to intolerance to some components of the medication.

It is recommended not to wet the injection site for at least 24 hours, as any impact on damaged skin can lead to undesirable consequences. If the patient wets the vaccine, there is no need to worry about this. It is necessary to monitor the area where the vaccine is administered. If redness, swelling, thickening, itching, or a rise in body temperature appear, you should immediately seek medical help. It is very important to avoid mechanical impact on the wound so as not to worsen the situation.

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