We all know that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is an effort for the greater good. But, while we are keen to undertake the jab, many of us are not so eager to experience the side effects.
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One viral TikTok trend claims to prevent arm pains from the COVID vaccineby getting users to spin their inoculated arm like a windmill. But does this ‘hack’ have any substance, or is it just a placebo effect? Scientists are torn.
@greenkiasoulsupporter windmill time #covidvaccine#GoForTheHandful#AerieREAL
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The windmill hack makes sense...in theory
Dr Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at the University of California, spoke to SFGATE that he appreciated the idea behind the hack, and it does ‘make sense.’
Basically, what they’re doing is increasing the blood supply to the arm that’s vaccinated.
Dr Chin-Hong explained that the pain after receiving a COVID vaccine is caused by the jab being directly injected into the muscle. For the vaccine to diffuse into the bloodstream, it helps increase blood flow to the area, which can be achieved through movement.
However, other researchers believe that while harmless, the TikTok hack will do nothing to ease the pain.
Professor Beate Kampmann, director of the Vaccine Centre at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, was much less hopeful for the trend. They told The Guardian: It’s harmless, looks very silly and won’t do anything.’
The sore arm does not actually happen immediately as the immune response has not yet happened, and not everyone gets it either. Let people wave their arms if it makes anyone feel better – it really is a tiny quick injection on the day.
Vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson both believe there is not enough evidence to suggest that the trick effectively reduces pain. A spokesperson for AstraZeneca also revealed to The Guardian that ‘certainly not aware of it being helpful’, but they’re ‘loth to rule anything out.’
How to reduce COVID vaccine symptoms
While some people do experience arm pains post-jab, most side-effects are relatively mild and won’t interact too much with your day. Side-effects of the COVID vaccines include:
- Arm pain
- Swelling and redness near the injection site
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever
- Headaches
- Chills
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
As per the CDC, these symptoms often fade within 24-48 hours after injection.
If you’re worried about any pain or side effects that could follow your COVID-19 jab, don’t let them put you off; there are a few things you can do to ensure your comfort.
Try some ice
Pain and swelling at the injection site usually set in within 6-12 hours after your jab but using an ice pack can help numb the area and reduce swelling.
But, no matter the pain, you should refrain from massaging the injection site. While most other vaccines might encourage massage, COVID vaccines are delicate and have not been tested against this measure. You can move your arms and even windmill after receiving your jab but rest assured the vaccine will get to where it needs to go regardless.
Make sure you take time to rest
Clearing your schedule for a day or two after your jab is always a safe idea. If you find yourself experiencing any other side effects such as fatigue, muscle aches and headaches, it’s best to take some time and let your body recover through rest and hydration.
Painkillers can also be taken after injection if you present any symptoms. However, it is not recommended to use painkillers as a preventative measure. If taken before your vaccine, this type of common drug could affect the immune system response necessary for the vaccine to take effect.
