Regarding "second infection", here's what you need to know

Recently, many people have experienced sore throats, worrying about a second COVID-19 infection. In response, Wang Guiqiang, director of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Peking University First Hospital, believes that sore throats have various causes and should be objectively addressed after determining the underlying cause.

The currently prevalent XBB variant is a recombinant variant of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. Research data shows that compared to earlier Omicron variants, its transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities are stronger, but its pathogenicity has not changed significantly.

"Actually, there are many reasons for a sore throat; it can be caused by COVID-19 or influenza, and many bacterial infections can also cause it. These need to be treated differently. If it's COVID-19, treat it as COVID-19; if it's a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used if necessary." said Wang Guiqiang.

Wang Guiqiang stated that sore throats are a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections. Whether it's the influenza virus, the COVID-19 virus, or other bacterial infections, including mycoplasma and chlamydia, they can all cause sore throats. Because the upper respiratory tract and throat are gateways, any viral or bacterial infection will affect the upper respiratory tract, leading to some symptoms. This is not unique to COVID-19. Moreover, everyone's reaction is different; some people are more sensitive and will experience sore throats, scratchy throats, etc. Please be objective; not all sore throats are caused by COVID-19.

Generally speaking, the symptoms of "second infection" are mild. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, it's a type of wind-heat cold, exhibiting characteristics of wind-heat cold. Liu Qingquan, president of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, analyzed that many places are transitioning from spring to summer, with the weather gradually becoming hotter, leading to an increase in wind-heat-related illnesses. After a second infection, wind-heat cold symptoms such as sore throat, mild cough, and low fever appear. Using traditional Chinese medicine to treat wind-heat cold is very effective, such as using drugs that clear heat, relieve wind and cold, and benefit the throat. For those with low fever, these medications will gradually alleviate overall symptoms.

Wang Guiqiang stated that after a large number of people were infected at the end of last year, there is still effective protection, so even if re-infected, symptoms are generally milder. The course of the illness is also shorter, with the duration and intensity of fever being less severe than the initial infection. Of course, there are individual differences, but overall, the symptoms are generally milder than the initial infection.

Avoid crowded places. Maintain good hand hygiene. In crowded, enclosed environments, wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

High-risk individuals who have not been vaccinated are advised to get vaccinated to prevent severe illness.

"Maintain a healthy diet; a light diet is best." Liu Qingquan said that from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, wind-heat colds most easily affect people with accumulated internal heat. Frequently consuming foods high in oil, spice, and salt will quickly lead to internal heat accumulation, making one more susceptible to colds or COVID-19 infection. Therefore, maintain a light diet, keep the gastrointestinal tract clear, prevent gastrointestinal heat accumulation, and the chance of re-infection will decrease.

Vaccination: Continue to encourage elderly people to get vaccinated against COVID-19, increasing the vaccination rate for the full course and booster shots.

Reduce going out: Minimize going out, especially avoiding crowded, enclosed places. If you need to go out, be sure to wear a mask, pay attention to hand hygiene, avoid direct contact with external objects, and wash your hands frequently.

Chronic disease management: Manage underlying diseases well, take medication regularly, don't stop medication for fear of going to the hospital; family members can pick up medication.

Regular schedule: Stay relaxed, avoid stress, ensure adequate sleep, maintain a regular diet, drink plenty of water, and avoid smoking and drinking as much as possible.

Eat less fast food and fewer carbonated drinks. Children and adolescents have a yang-heat constitution. Frequently eating fast food and drinking carbonated drinks will produce internal heat, increasing the chance of COVID-19 infection.

After a child is infected, the chance of spreading it increases because children have more contact with people at school, making transmission easier. Maintain a regular schedule, go to bed early, and eat a light diet.

Wang Guiqiang stated that in dealing with "second infection," in addition to antipyretics and analgesics, high-risk individuals are advised to undergo antiviral treatment. Ordinary people can also consider using antiviral drugs in the early stages to reduce symptoms and shorten the course of the illness.

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