If you’re interested in trying out IV infusion therapy but you aren’t sure how it’ll make you feel, we’ll tell you exactly what to expect after you get a treatment.
It’s always nice to know what the setup is when you’re trying a new procedure, and especially what you need to be aware of once it’s complete. So if you’re wondering how you’ll feel, what you need to do after an IV infusion, and how long it will take to start feeling the effects, we’ve got all the information you need below.
What Is An IV Infusion?
IV infusion therapies involve a small tube being placed into your arm. It does involve a needle prick, but don’t worry, the placement doesn’t hurt any more than a blood test or vaccine would and you shouldn’t feel any pain during your treatment once the catheter is in place.
The solution in the IV bag includes hydration, vitamins, and medicines and it’s pumped directly into a vein. This allows the therapeutic ingredients to enter the bloodstream as quickly as possible by bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. So if you need immediate relief, you’ll be happy to know that the IV contents are distributed throughout your body much faster than an oral medication or vitamin.
IV infusion therapies are offered by specialty clinics, medical spas, and mobile IV clinics and are used to treat a variety of ailments. They can even be a part of a fitness or beauty regimen for anyone who’s healthy and just wants a quick boost.
Just a few of the many reasons a person would get IV therapy include:
- Stress management
- Workout recovery
How Long Will IV Therapy Take?
The average IV therapy takes about 30-60 minutes, but depends on a number of factors. Some nutritional and medicinal procedures can take a few hours.
An IV push is faster than IV drip and often takes just a few minutes. That’s because the practitioner uses a syringe to inject the medicine all at once rather than waiting on gravity to distribute the medications from a bag hanging over your head, running through the catheter, and into your bloodstream.
Regardless of whether you get an IV drip or IV push, you’ll remain seated during the procedure and will be free to watch TV, have a conversation, or use your phone with your free hand. There should be no pain while you wait.
The registered IV nurse who delivers your IV treatment can answer any questions you have during this time, watch your any abnormalities, and may observe you for a few minutes after the treatment is done to be sure you’re feeling well.
What To Do After An IV Infusion
When your IV treatment has been fully administered into your bloodstream, the certified practitioner by your side will carefully remove the catheter, and perhaps blot it with cotton and cover the area with a Band-Aid. They will help lead you through any post-treatment checks that are recommended to make sure your body responded well to the IV.
Some of the things an IV therapist might do (or that they might advise you to do on your own after your session) include:
- Checking the injection site for bruising or swelling
- Icing any bruising or swelling for 10-20 minutes at a time
When you get home, you’ll want to be gentle with the area around the IV site for a day or two, and continue to check for any abnormal bruising. If you still feel the need to ice the area, be sure to put a cloth in between the ice pack and your skin.
Most people are able to resume their normal activities the same day, depending on the treatment.
What To Watch For After IV Therapy
The goal of IV therapy is to make you feel better, so it’s rare to experience any complications. However, it’s important to be aware of any side effects that could indicate a reaction or infection. These include:
- Cough
- Facial flushing
- Fever or chills
- Headache
- Itching
- Muscle or joint pain and stiffness
- Nausea
- Rash or hives
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of hands, legs, ankles, or feet
- Swelling of the tongue, lips, or eyelids
An IV treatment can be a great reason to take it easy the rest of the day to fully recover, depending on the treatment you get. The healthcare professional who administers your treatment will be able to tell you exactly what to expect about recovery time. Reputable IV treatment companies will have a licensed medical professional on call to recommend a next course of action, if necessary.
When Should You Speak To A Medical Professional After An IV Infusion?
Serious side effects are rare, but you should be prepared to contact a doctor if you develop any signs of infection. This can happen if you don’t take proper care of the injection site or remove your band-aid immediately, allowing microorganisms such as bacteria to infect the area.
Signs of infection can include:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness
- Red streaks leading from the area
- Pus draining from the injection site
- A fever
How Should One Feel After An IV Infusion?
Discomfort and infection are rare side effects. In fact, most people feel great after getting an IV infusion.
Because the treatment ingredients go directly into your bloodstream, you will feel the effects of your IV infusion right away. Each type of treatment is designed to make you feel refreshed and energized, eliminating symptoms of everything from morning sickness, to hangover nausea, to migraines.
Of course, IV treatment can be used proactively as well for fitness, health, and beauty. So while there are plenty of people who seek out IV treatment to relieve discomfort, many get regular treatments for their wellbeing.
If you’re interested in on-demand, concierge IV hydration, check out resetiv.com to see which health or beauty package is right for you.