Can exercise be resumed after recovering from influenza and receiving the Prevnar 20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) shot?

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Last updated: February 22, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

It is recommended to wait at least 2 days after recovering from influenza and receiving the Prevnar 20 vaccine before resuming exercise, as stated in the guidelines for individual exercise programming 1. When considering resuming exercise after recovering from influenza and receiving the Prevnar 20 vaccine, it's essential to prioritize your body's recovery and immune response. The guidelines suggest exercising only when feeling physically well, and waiting until symptoms and signs of illness, including fever, have been absent for 2 days before resuming activity 1. Some key considerations for resuming exercise include:

  • Listening to your body and not exercising if you experience significant side effects, such as arm soreness or fatigue
  • Staying hydrated and getting adequate sleep to support your immune system
  • Starting with light to moderate exercise, such as walking, and gradually increasing intensity and duration
  • Avoiding vigorous exercise soon after eating, and waiting at least 2 hours after a meal before exercising 1
  • Adjusting exercise to environmental conditions, such as heat and humidity, to avoid heat-related illnesses 1 By following these guidelines and prioritizing your body's recovery, you can ensure a safe and effective return to exercise after recovering from influenza and receiving the Prevnar 20 vaccine. It's also important to note that the Prevnar 20 vaccine is generally well-tolerated, and most people can resume their normal activities, including exercise, within a day or two after receiving the vaccine 1. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions about resuming exercise after receiving the vaccine.

From the Research

Resuming Exercise after Influenza and Receiving the Prevnar 20 Vaccine

There are no research papers that directly address the question of resuming exercise after recovering from influenza and receiving the Prevnar 20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) shot. However, some studies provide general information about exercise and immune function:

  • A study published in 2013 2 found that baker's yeast beta glucan supplementation can reduce upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptomatic days and improve mucosal immunity post-exercise.
  • Another study from 2018 3 discusses the cardiovascular benefits of regular exercise, but does not provide specific guidance on resuming exercise after illness or vaccination.
  • A 2019 review 4 outlines current physical activity recommendations for adults, including those with chronic conditions, but does not address the specific question of resuming exercise after influenza and vaccination.
  • Studies from 2020 5 and 2001 6 discuss the effects of exercise on hypertension and post-exercise white blood cell count, respectively, but do not provide relevant information on resuming exercise after illness and vaccination.

General Exercise Recommendations

Some general recommendations for exercise can be found in the studies:

  • Adults should aim for at least 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75-150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of both 4.
  • Exercise can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall health, and regular physical activity is recommended for all individuals, including those with hypertension 5.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Optimal Running Dose and Cardiovascular Risk.

Current sports medicine reports, 2018

Research

Exercise and Hypertension.

Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 2020

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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