29/03/21: Frequently Asked Questions from the people-PMO

At the end of Day 3, these are some of the Frequently Asked Questions from the people. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐝.1. Is it safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women to take the COVID-19 vaccination?Answer: The vaccine is not tested on pregnant and breastfeeding women during its trials. But my general medical knowledge and experience vouch that it is safe. While studies on this are underway, some countries are vaccinating women who are pregnant or breastfeeding if they are frontline workers. Here, we are leaving it up to the couples to decide. My family members who are breast feeding have taken the vaccines. 2. Is it safe for people with hypertension, diabetes and all other illnesses to take the vaccine? Answer: Yes. There is no medical condition that will disallow you to get the vaccine. Some need closer monitoring, which the experts at the site will evaluate. 3. Is it safe to drink alcohol close to the vaccination time? Answer: It is better to avoid, since alcohol is one substance that impacts our cognitive and immune functioning. But if you are a habitual drinker, quarter or half the usual dose on that day will be better; that is if you really cannot stay without it. As a doctor, I know it is not possible to skip your daily dose once you are addicted to it.4. Is it safe to take painkillers after the vaccine?Answer: Yes, you can take painkillers after the vaccine if the pain is unbearable. But if you are able to endure, it is better not to suppress the symptoms with painkillers. 5. Do we continue to take medicines for other conditions, like hypertension and diabetes, after the vaccine?Answer: Generally yes. Should there be a need to skip the next dose, the experts at vaccination site will advise. 6. Is it normal to have a fever, body pain and headache after the vaccine? Answer: Yes, it is normal to have fever, body ache and nausea, among others, over the next day or two post vaccination. This is our body’s way of producing immune response. 7. Is there any food we need to avoid before or after the vaccine?Answer: There is absolutely no dietary modification or restriction that one needs to follow before or after the vaccine. Please be on your normal diet. Drinking more water will help, as with everything else.8. Can we take a shower after the vaccine? Answer: You can take shower, hot or cold. Hot stone bath is also fine, if you don’t have a fever.