Oprah had fever and lethargy for 30 hours after her second COVID-19 shot, but afterwards she 'felt like superwoman'

• Oprah Winfrey shared that she "felt like superwoman" after getting fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
• After the second shot, Winfrey said she had mild symptoms like fever and lethargy.
• These are common and no reason for concern - they typically subside within 48 hours, experts say.

Media maven Oprah Winfrey is now fully vaccinated.

Despite some side effects after receiving the second shot, it was totally worth it, Winfrey wrote on her lifestyle and news blog, Oprah Daily, on Thursday.

She said that, in the 30 hours after receiving the vaccine, she had a fever, lethargy, and chills.

"But it was such a small inconvenience to be protected against a virus that's killed so many," Winfrey wrote. "Afterwards, I felt like superwoman-like I'd been given a new lease on life."

She cautioned, however, that she hasn't changed her routine just yet. She'll be waiting for more folks to receive their vaccine before celebrating with a return to public life (ideally by throwing "a taco party" for her friends).

"I'm not ready to whoop whoop just yet...but eventually, I will ease into group gatherings," Winfrey wrote.

Flu-like symptoms are common the day after the second shot, but quickly subside

Winfrey's experience common for people who receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Those who get shots made by Pfizer or Moderna, which are both administered in two doses, often get more intense symptoms after the second dose. It can feel like a flu, with fever, aches, fatigue, or mild dizziness commonly reported from patients. These symptoms generally last for a day or two before subsiding.

The vaccine from Johnson & Johnson has similar side effects after the first and only dose, patients report.

Experts say it's normal and not a reason to be concerned - it's a sign that your immune system is doing its job.

It's also wise to follow Winfrey's example is taking precautions even after the vaccine, since it can take a week or two for the protective effect to kick in, and it's still unclear if a vaccine stops you from spreading the virus.

Washing your hands, wearing a mask, and social distancing are still helpful, experts recommend.