It's a big year for Malaysians as the country is ramping up their COVID-19 vaccination drive in hopes of achieving herd immunity by September 2021. It's also a big month for us because the durian season in Malaysia is here! If you're caught between your first COVID-19 vaccination appointment and enjoying the durian season, you might be wondering, "Can I eat durian after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?". We have some answers!

P.S. The durian season in Singapore is also in full swing! Here are 10 durian delivery services to get a taste of the king of fruits. 

Can I eat durian after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? 

While durians are sweet and creamy, it's often classified as 'heaty' due to its warming properties. For some people, eating too much durian can lead to excessive sweating or sore throat. Hence why some durian lovers would drink water with a pinch of salt or eat mangosteen after enjoying some durians.

It also lead to some concerns on whether you can eat durians after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. In June 2021, The Ministry of Health Malaysia debunked a viral Whatsapp message relating to this concern stating that the message was false and you can eat durian after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

Additionally, the Deputy Health Minister of Malaysia - Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali stated, "There is no medical evidence to prove that people cannot consume durian after getting their COVID-19 vaccine."

What else can I eat after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? 

Side effects vary according to the COVID-19 vaccine you're getting, but it's best to prepare and stock up on nourishing food in case you're feeling too tired or unwell to cook. According to Health.com's contributing nutritionist, here are some things you can eat and drink after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
• Eat a well-balanced meal with more fruits and vegetables
• Aim for easy-to-digest food like broth-based veggie soup, brown rice and potatoes
• Order hearty takeaway meals like Thai stir-fry or Indian curries, to enjoy with rice
• Enjoy high nutrient meals like oatmeals, noodle soup or chicken salad

We hope this article answers some questions you might have about whether you can eat durian after getting a COVID-19 vaccine! For more tips, check out these handy tips to get yourself ready for COVID-19 vaccination in Malaysia and how to protect your COVID-19 vaccination card after getting your first dose.