Good immunity complements a good post-vaccination response. Vaccines are a medical marvel, wherein attenuated viral particles are injected to elicit an immune response by the host who recognizes it as a foreign invader. With the viral entry, a robust immune response is elicited that fights the infection and kills the pathogen.

Covid 19 vaccine has come as a blessing in these challenging and difficult times amidst the pandemic. It’s providing us with our best chance to fight this severe virus. As the worldwide vaccination programme started, India kicked off a massive vaccination programme from January 16th, 2021. Frontline workers, followed by the elderly, and patients with serious comorbidities joined the first vaccinated group. People above 45 years, followed and soon everyone above 18 years of age will be amongst the vaccinated. 

A healthy lifestyle translates into a better immune response. It's important to keep the immune system safe and strong in order for the vaccine to function properly. 2 doses of vaccination are recommended for adequate immunity which takes roughly 2 weeks to develop after the second dose. Meanwhile, there has been an ample amount of research and analysis done, focusing on how the immune system can be improved after the vaccination has been administered. Here are simple measures that can be taken to help your immune system recover post-vaccination:

1.Keep yourself Hydrated: Good hydration reenergizes the immune system and prevents any serious side effects after the vaccine. Hence, a good water intake before vaccination and after may prevent dehydration and problems like giddiness and dryness.

2. No Alcohol: Avoiding alcohol consumption prior to and shortly after vaccination maintains good gut health, keeping the gut flora healthy. Alcohol weakens immunity, dehydrates the body, and delays the immune response. Hence, stopping the consumption of alcohol can prevent exacerbation of these side effects.

3. Smoking at bay: Avoid smoking as it makes one prone to chronic illnesses and impairs immunity. Smoking reduces antibody responses. Furthermore, after vaccination, the waning of antibodies has been observed to be faster in smokers than in nonsmokers.

4.Eat well: To stay healthy and maintain the body's vital functions, eat well-cooked, nutritious foods, which will help in providing the proper immune response when a vaccine is administered. Healthy foods which have adequate vitamins and minerals, good antioxidant properties enhance the immune system. Foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole fibre foods, legumes give strength to the body and are far better than any fancy supplements. Certain spices like turmeric have great antioxidant properties. Avoiding starchy and processed food prevents the onset of chronic illnesses.

5. Get Enough Sleep: Ensuring a good night’s sleep of 7 to 8 hours keeps the body well-rested. Studies have shown a good night’s sleep can enhance immunity. A connection between sleep and vaccination response has been discovered in several studies. The Covid 19 vaccine seems to be more effective in people who get enough sleep the two nights before and after taking the shots.

6. Avoid Stress: Avoiding stress ensures a healthy internal milieu and promotes positive mental and physical wellbeing. While most of us deal with stress on a daily basis, chronic stress can have a negative impact on the immune system. Chronic stress affects immune system responses, rendering you more vulnerable to disease.

7. Engage in Exercise: Exercise is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the immune system is in good working order and keep chronic diseases at bay. It may also lower the risk of developing complications and illnesses that make you unwell.

Lots of research has gone into finding ways of improving immunity and recovery for the populace. All of which is essential in times of this pandemic. The measures are simple and can be easily implemented as we have seen good immunity depends on a healthy lifestyle and self-discipline. Stay healthy and Stay Safe.

By Dr Charu Goel, HOD and Consultant, Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals