Can we (finally) give a hug to our vaccinated loved ones?

A vaccine = a hug? Not so sure. We take stock of what it is possible to do or not do after being vaccinated against Covid-19.

Hugs have real therapeutic benefits: we recently told you the story of this grandmother whose doctor ordered a hug after her second shot of the vaccine. We know that cuddling makes the brain secrete oxytocin, the hormone of happiness, a real stress reliever.

Read also : Coronavirus: EHPADs equip themselves with "hugging bubbles"

Once vaccinated after two injections, can we all hug each other for a collective oxytocin shot? Not so sure unfortunately. Indeed, the health authorities strongly recommend to keep the barrier gestures even after vaccination. Why ? Because it is not yet known whether vaccinated people can continue to be contagious. You must therefore continue to wear the mask as much as possible, wash your hands very regularly, ventilate the rooms fully, cough in your elbow, respect safety distances.

If, however, it was too difficult for you not to hug your loved ones, and knowing the risks of transmission of the virus that this entails, two Australian researchers gave their advice on the site The Conversation, relayed by France Info: do not take hug someone with symptoms, or vulnerable, elderly, or immunocompromised people; put on a mask, do it with your head turned, not cheek to cheek, hold your breath a little, and wash your hands before and after the hug. Prudence is the mother of tenderness.

Mathilde Wattecamps

Missions: Mathilde is an expert in subjects related to women's rights and health. Addicted to Instagram and Twitter, never stingy with a good …