Experts: Go easy for two weeks after booster

PETALING JAYA: As Covid-19 booster shots are being rolled out nationwide, health experts remind the public to avoid strenuous activities that may burden the heart after their vaccination and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Universiti Putra Malaysia epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman has advised against engaging in any strenuous activities for two weeks.

“If there are any problems, they should seek immediate medical attention,” she said.

Just like their primary shots, Dr Malina reminded the public to observe any post-vaccination side effects.

She added that any side effects should be reported to the Health Ministry via the MySejahtera app.

“Mild symptoms like pain or swelling at the injection site usually subside.

“If they develop fever, they are advised to take paracetamol every six hours until symptoms disappear.

“And if they have any doubts or other symptoms, they should consult a doctor immediately,” she said.Universiti Malaya’s Department of Social and Preventive Medicine Prof Dr Moy Foong Ming urged the public to continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle such as having a balanced diet and good sleep.

She also said that exercising should not be done if an individual has side effects.

“It may also be a good idea for someone who develops fever after vaccination to drink more water,” she said.

Although the Singapore Health Ministry has advised people to avoid strenuous activities, Dr Moy said this was made in relation to the rare probabilities of myocarditis (heart inflammation) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart).

These usually occur in males aged 30 and below after vaccination.

“However, there is currently no research suggesting that there is an increased health risk associated with exercising after getting the vaccine,” she added.

Dr Moy said that exercising is recommended to help manage pain at the injection site, but not for someone having side effects as it may aggravate the condition further.

In July last year, the Malaysian Health Ministry, too, advised the public to avoid strenuous physical activity for one week after receiving their Covid-19 vaccine.

Among the activities it listed were sports involving a ball or racquet, cycling, carrying weights, running or jogging and swimming.