Tips to relieve sore, achy arms after your COVID-19 vaccine, according to doctors

• Sore arms and flu-like symptoms are the most common post-vaccine side effects
• To prevent sore arms, move your limbs as much as possible after getting the vaccine.
• For flu-like symptoms, hydration is key.

As more Americans schedule vaccine appointments and prepare to receive their COVID-19 jabs, they're also wondering what side effects to expect post-shot.

People have flocked to social media to share their post-vaccine woes, like sore arms and flu-like symptoms, so Insider asked doctors for their top tips to avoid, or at the very least, minimize pain and illness.

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Exercise can prevent sore arms

The most commonly cited post-vaccine side effect is soreness in the arm where the vaccine was injected.

Some people have reported a slight soreness similar to after getting the flu shot, while others have said they can't move their arm due to the pain.

The sensation is a result of immune cells reacting to the vaccine, Dr. Daniel Summers, a pediatrician in Maine, told Insider.

Since the arm is where the vaccine originates, immune cells rush to that area and inflame it, making it look red and feel tender. Moving your arm throughout the day, whether through exercise or shimmying around your living room, can relieve the intensity of arm tenderness.

"By moving the arm, it helps disperse that local area of inflammation faster," Summers said.

On the flip side, simply massaging the vaccine site with your hand could worsen inflammation and pain.

"It's not going to have any truly negative effects to rub the vaccine site immediately after you get the shot, but since doing so may disperse the vaccine material into a larger area that will then become inflamed as the immune system responds, you'll have a larger area that's sore," said Summers.

Arm soreness should dissipate one or two days after getting the jab, according to Summers.

Soothe redness and inflammation with a cold compress and Tylenol

You can also cool the injection site down with a clean washcloth soaked in cold water, according to the CDC.

On Twitter, Dr. Lipi Roy, an internal medicine physician in New York City, suggested an ice pack and over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen since they reduce inflammation.

Use them after your vaccine appointment, unless your doctor has cleared you to take them before, said Roy.

Treat flu-like symptoms with hydration and rest

Flu-like symptoms such as a fever and chills are also common reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the CDC.

Though you can't stop these symptoms in their tracks, you can take care of yourself for a speedy recovery.

Roy suggested drinking lots of fluids to stay hydrated, resting, and taking ibuprofen or fever reducers to alleviate flu symptoms.

Flu-like symptoms should go away after a few days, according to the CDC. If they don't, you should call your doctor.