MAKING YOUR FLU SHOT MORE EFFECTIVE WITH EXERCISE
Getting a flu shot is one of the best ways that you can protect yourself during flu season. The vaccine greatly reduces your odds of contracting the flu, but it’s not guaranteed to protect you entirely. So, it’s important that you still take other steps to protect yourself, such as washing your hands regularly and avoiding contact with those who are sick. One other thing you can do to improve the effectiveness of your flu vaccine is to exercise. Here’s how this can help.
Exercise After Getting the Flu Shot
Studies have shown that exercising on the day you receive your flu shot can significantly increase the vaccine’s effectiveness. Not only can you exercise after getting the flu shot, but it may also be a great way to boost your immunity. So, before you go to a flu shot clinic in Gainesville, GA, it may be worth planning to hit the gym shortly before or after.
Some studies have shown that 20 minutes of weightlifting, using the arm that will receive the vaccine prior to getting the shot, can make it more effective. Cardio exercise within 90 minutes of receiving the vaccine can also improve the effectiveness of your vaccine.
How It Works
Experts believe that exercise makes the vaccine more effective because of the increase of antibodies in your system. The effectiveness of a flu vaccine is dependent upon how many antibodies it helps to develop, and this can vary from person to person. However, the physically fit tend to respond better to flu shots, and the efficiency of the vaccine has shown to be improved by their antibody levels.
By exercising before or after the vaccine, you can increase the number of antibodies flowing through your veins, allowing the flu shot to develop more of these into powerful, flu-fighting machines. Even among the elderly, who typically don’t respond well to vaccines, saw significant improvement when exercising more often.
Regular Exercise Is Better
While even a single workout can double the response from your system’s antibodies, regular exercise is going to be much more effective than simply exercising on the day of your shot. The healthier your lifestyle, the better suited it will be to fight off the flu, and the more effective the vaccine will be, thanks to those antibodies coursing through your veins.
If you already exercise regularly, then don’t worry too much about scheduling a workout right after you get your shot. However, if you don’t exercise very frequently, try to get in some light exercise within 90 minutes of receiving your vaccine. And, regardless of other factors, don’t give up on proven methods of spreading illness, like washing your hands and avoiding those who are already sick.
Get Your Flu Shot With Lanier Urgent Care
If you haven’t gotten your vaccine, be sure to visit our urgent care clinic in Gainesville, GA, Lanier Urgent Care. We are a walk-in clinic open seven days a week. Contact us or find directions below to get your flu shot today.
