Falling ill after Chinese New Year? You are not alone

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SINGAPORE - Feeling fatigued after the recent Chinese New Year festivities?

It is not uncommon to fall ill as a result of activities during the festive period, and some doctors have seen a slight increase in patients with symptoms such as fever, lethargy, cough and sore throat since the start of Chinese New Year on Feb 12.

Doctors say this could be due to more intermingling with family members and friends, and an increased consumption of festive food such as bak kwa and pineapple tarts.

Dr Abdul Bashir, a senior resident at Thomson 24-Hour Family Clinic, saw a 15 per cent rise in patients with flu-like symptoms from Feb 12 to 18.

"The slight increase in flu-like cases may be due to the many hours preparing for Chinese New Year, lack of sleep and overeating, which can lower a person's immunity. People are also at higher risk of exposure to a person with upper respiratory infection during house visits and celebrations," he says.

Ms Tan Shiau Tse, a traditional Chinese physician from Heritage TCM Clinic, says a person's body can become heaty when he sleeps late or eats too many unhealthy and deep-fried snacks. This causes one's immunity to weaken and makes one fall sick more easily, she adds.

Dr Leong Choon Kit, a family physician at Mission Medical Clinic, also notes a slight increase in patients with fever and flu symptoms around Chinese New Year.

"They were suspected to have a viral infection, but tests returned negative," says Dr Leong, referring to swab tests for Covid-19.

He adds that most of the cases were likely related to inflammation of the upper respiratory tract due to patients' sensitivities or the food they ate.

He says: "Most of our patients attribute it to the increased consumption of Chinese New Year goodies such as cookies, bak kwa, love letters and pineapple tarts."

Some of the ingredients for these foods might have caused irritation to the mouth and other parts of the upper respiratory tract, he adds.

He advises people feeling under the weather to rest more, sleep earlier, drink enough water and stay away from fried, oily and spicy foods.

Dr Bashir adds that those unwell should eat light and non-greasy food such as porridge, brown rice and toast. Chicken and vegetable soups can also combat inflammation. He also recommends eating leafy, green vegetables as they are rich in fibre, vitamin C as well as iron and folic acid, which play an important role in supporting the immune system. Fruit high in vitamin C such as strawberries, guava and pineapple are also beneficial to the immune system.

He adds: "Any person who feels unwell should stay at home to rest, have light meals, drink enough fluids to keep hydrated and visit the doctor if the symptoms persist or worsen."

 

Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.

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