Concerns About COVID-19 Transmission After a Medical Visit

Transmission of COVID-19

Hello, I had dinner around 5:30 PM after class, and it seems that I got a fishbone stuck in my throat from eating tilapia.
My family took me to an ENT clinic, and after the examination, the doctor said he couldn't see anything, suggesting that I might have vomited it out after inducing vomiting.
He prescribed anti-inflammatory medication for pain relief.
However, my mom advised me to keep my distance from others and not to focus too much on my phone, as some people were coughing occasionally, and someone nearby sneezed while I was picking up my medication.
Later, when we got home, I felt a bit of discomfort in my throat, like there was phlegm or it was dry.
Although I felt some relief after taking the medication, I still had phlegm.
I was wondering, if I were to contract COVID-19, would the symptoms appear immediately? We were all wearing masks, so is it possible to get infected from brief contact? I'm worried about being infected and then getting scolded by my mom...
Even though she already scolded me, I'm concerned about potentially affecting them.
I just remembered that my grandfather has only received one vaccine dose, so I should be more careful not to put my family at risk.
Thank you for your response, doctor.

Mr. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/07

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine

Hello, after a COVID-19 infection, there is typically an incubation period of about 2 to 7 days, so it is unlikely for symptoms to appear that quickly.
In the clinic, if everyone is wearing masks and there is no direct contact, the risk of transmission should be very low.
It is recommended to monitor for symptoms, and only if relevant symptoms arise should you consider testing.
Thank you for your question.

Reply Date: 2021/09/07

More Info

It's understandable to have concerns about COVID-19 transmission, especially after a visit to a medical facility where you may have encountered other patients. Let's address your questions and concerns systematically.

1. Transmission Risk in Medical Settings: Medical facilities, including ENT clinics, are generally equipped with protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Most healthcare providers enforce strict hygiene practices, including mask-wearing, hand sanitization, and social distancing where possible. If you and your family members wore masks during your visit, the risk of transmission is significantly reduced. COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, and wearing masks is one of the most effective ways to prevent this type of transmission.

2. Symptoms and Onset of COVID-19: It’s important to note that COVID-19 symptoms typically do not appear immediately after exposure. The incubation period for the virus can range from 2 to 14 days, with an average of about 4 to 5 days. This means that if you were exposed to the virus, you would not likely experience symptoms right away. The symptoms you are experiencing, such as throat discomfort and the sensation of phlegm, could be related to other factors, such as irritation from the fishbone incident or even seasonal allergies, rather than COVID-19.

3. Short-Term Exposure: The likelihood of contracting COVID-19 from a brief encounter with someone who sneezed or coughed is relatively low, especially if you were wearing a mask. The virus requires a certain viral load to establish an infection, and short, casual interactions are less likely to result in transmission compared to prolonged close contact without masks.

4. Precautionary Measures: Given your concern for your family, especially your grandfather, it’s wise to continue practicing good hygiene. This includes frequent hand washing, wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, and maintaining physical distance when possible. If you start to develop symptoms consistent with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste/smell, it would be prudent to get tested and self-isolate until you receive your results.

5. Communication with Family: It’s understandable that your mother is concerned about your health and the health of your family members. Open communication about your precautions and the measures you’re taking to protect everyone can help alleviate some of her worries. Reassuring her that you are following guidelines and being cautious can foster a supportive environment.

6. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If they worsen or if you develop new symptoms, consider consulting a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on whether you should get tested for COVID-19 or if your symptoms are likely due to another cause.

In summary, while it’s natural to feel anxious about potential exposure to COVID-19, the measures you took during your medical visit—wearing masks and maintaining distance—significantly reduce your risk. Monitor your health, maintain good hygiene practices, and communicate openly with your family about your concerns and the steps you’re taking to stay safe. If you have further concerns or symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Similar Q&A

Should You Get Tested for COVID-19 After an ER Visit?

Hello doctor, my mother felt discomfort in her heart yesterday, so we went to the emergency room. However, the area next to the internal medicine department was filled with patients exhibiting symptoms like coughing and vomiting. We wore medical masks the entire time and did not ...

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine
Hello! Based on your description, the risk you are exposed to currently only requires self-health management. Although the emergency department is considered a high-risk area, it does not necessarily mean there will be cases. It is recommended that you pay close attention to the ...

Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risk After Close Contact with a Colleague

Hello Doctor, I was informed today that a colleague of mine has tested positive for COVID-19. I sat next to this colleague during a meeting for two hours two days ago, and we were very close to each other. Both of us were wearing masks during that time, but I am still very worrie...

Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Since both you and your colleague are wearing masks, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 from your colleague is generally lower, but it cannot be said that there is no risk at all. 2. If you are concerned about contracting COVID-19, you can first check yourself using...

Understanding Infection Risks: Should You Worry About COVID-19 Exposure?

Hello, doctor. Today I accompanied my mother to a temple to pray, and while waiting for her to ask something, I suddenly heard at the counter that a woman was being asked to leave and advised to see a doctor because the infrared thermal scanner indicated she had a fever, even tho...

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine
Hello! Currently, the most accepted mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, typically within a distance of about one meter, and with close contact lasting more than fifteen minutes. Based on your description, the distance and contact time are insufficient to cause t...

Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello, doctor. On Tuesday afternoon, I experienced fever, muscle aches, and mild diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. The fever subsided on Wednesday morning, leaving only slight diarrhea. On Friday, I noticed that my breasts were painful to touch. I haven't had any cou...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is no travel history or contact history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. It is suspected to be acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease outpatient clinic for consultation, and testing for COVID-19 may not be neces...