COVID-19 Vaccination and Safe Dining: Your Health Questions Answered

Q: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safe Dining: Your Health Questions Answered

Dear Anonymous Sir：<br>1) Which COVID-19 vaccine should I get (are there side effects)? <br>Answer： According to the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), starting from October 11, 2023, the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone aged 6 months and olde

Regarding COVID-19 vaccines and food delivery?

Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask the following questions: a.
I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on March 1, 2022.
I am now considering dining indoors safely.
1) Which COVID-19 vaccine should I get (are there any side effects)? 2) How many doses should I receive? 3) How long after should I get vaccinated again (which vaccine and how many doses)? 4) Are there any other vaccines I should consider (to dine out without worry), such as the flu vaccine (is it necessary)? *However, Doctor, I am concerned about potential short-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine (such as the lack of long-term human trials and factors like Emergency Use Authorization).
b.
1) As someone who frequently does food delivery (Uber Eats, Foodpanda) and rides outside, am I at risk for lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or other illnesses due to exposure to exhaust fumes and other pollutants? 2) If so, how can I prevent this? 3) What type of mask should I wear while delivering to protect against exhaust fumes and other pollutants to prevent lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or other illnesses? I apologize for the lengthy questions, and thank you for your hard work, Doctor.

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/16

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Anonymous Sir:
1) Which COVID-19 vaccine should I get (are there side effects)?
Answer: According to the regulations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), starting from October 11, 2023, the XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine is available for everyone aged 6 months and older.
After vaccination, please pay close attention to your physical condition, stay hydrated, and rest well.
Family members should also help monitor for any persistent symptoms such as fever lasting more than 48 hours, severe allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, asthma, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or widespread rash.
If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly to clarify the cause.
Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to the active ingredients or excipients in the vaccine, or those who experienced severe allergic reactions after previous doses of the Moderna original strain or bivalent vaccines, should not receive the vaccine.
2) How many doses should I get?
Answer: This winter, only one dose of the aforementioned COVID-19 vaccine is required.
3) How long after should I get vaccinated again (which type and how many doses)?
Answer: Future vaccinations will depend on the information released by the CDC (please check the CDC website for updates).
4) Should I get other vaccines (can I eat out without worry), such as the flu vaccine (is it necessary)?
Answer: Given your age and if you do not have any specific health conditions, you may consider getting the flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine at your own expense.
(Some public healthcare institutions may only provide public-funded vaccines, and currently, self-paid vaccines may not be available.
Please consult with public and private healthcare facilities before deciding.)
*However, Doctor, I am concerned about the short-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine (due to the lack of long-term human trials, emergency use authorization, etc.).

Answer: The XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine has been administered for nearly three months now, and there are no significant side effects reported.
If you are still worried, you may choose not to get vaccinated; however, you must accept the risk of contracting COVID-19 again.
b.
1) If I work long-term in food delivery (Uber Eats, Foodpanda) and ride outside, will I be at risk for lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or other illnesses due to inhaling exhaust fumes?
2) If so, how can I prevent this?
3) What type of mask should I wear while delivering to prevent exposure to exhaust fumes and reduce the risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, or other illnesses?
Answer: Yes, there is a risk; however, it is a complex issue that cannot be fully addressed in a few sentences.
I recommend wearing a mask while riding, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly in areas with good air quality, and considering regular self-paid health check-ups for early detection and treatment.

Reply Date: 2023/12/16

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination and safe dining practices, as well as your concerns about long-term health risks associated with food delivery work. Let’s address your inquiries one by one.

COVID-19 Vaccination
1. Vaccination Status and Recommendations: You mentioned that you received the first dose of the AZ vaccine on September 10, 2021, the second dose of BNT on November 24, 2021, and a booster dose of BNT on March 1, 2022. Given this vaccination history, you are well-protected against severe COVID-19. However, it is advisable to receive an updated booster, particularly one targeting the latest variants, such as the Moderna XBB.1.5 vaccine. This booster can enhance your immunity and is recommended for individuals who have completed their primary vaccination series.

2. Side Effects: Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines can have side effects, which are generally mild and temporary, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and mild fever. Serious side effects are rare. The benefits of vaccination, including protection against severe illness and hospitalization, far outweigh the risks of potential side effects.

3. Frequency of Boosters: The current guidance suggests that individuals should receive a booster dose annually or as recommended based on emerging variants. It’s essential to stay updated with local health authorities regarding the timing of your next booster.

4. Other Vaccinations: Regarding the flu vaccine, it is recommended to receive it annually, especially if you are in a high-risk category or frequently interact with the public. The flu vaccine can help prevent influenza, which can also lead to severe illness, particularly in those with underlying health conditions.

Safe Dining Practices
When dining out, especially indoors, it is advisable to continue practicing safety measures. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, maintaining good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper ventilation can help reduce the risk of transmission.

Health Risks from Food Delivery Work
1. Long-term Health Risks: Working in food delivery, particularly in urban areas, can expose you to air pollution, which has been linked to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and potentially lung cancer over time. Prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions and particulate matter can have detrimental effects on health.

2. Preventive Measures: To mitigate these risks, consider the following:
- Use a High-Quality Mask: A mask with a good filtration system, such as an N95 or KN95, can help reduce inhalation of harmful particles while riding.

- Limit Exposure: Try to avoid high-traffic areas during peak hours when pollution levels are higher. If possible, take routes that are less congested.

- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine health check-ups can help counteract some of the negative effects of pollution.

3. Mask Recommendations: For outdoor activities, especially in polluted areas, wearing a mask that filters out particulate matter (like N95 or similar) is advisable. These masks can help protect against inhaling harmful pollutants.

Conclusion
In summary, you are in a good position regarding your COVID-19 vaccinations, and it’s wise to stay updated with booster recommendations. For your work in food delivery, taking preventive measures against air pollution is crucial for long-term health. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and stay informed about the latest health guidelines. Thank you for your thoughtful questions, and take care!

Similar Q&A

Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks

Hello, doctor. I have been out with my family for the past couple of days. Since the onset of COVID-19, my sister has become very anxious, even though it seems that the situation in the country is not as dangerous now. Three months ago, I returned to Taiwan during spring break be...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, and there is currently no clear evidence of transmission through food. Therefore, the dietary aspect you mentioned should not pose a risk of infection. As for the situation at the station, there have been no confirme...

Is It Safe to Dine Indoors and Stay in Enclosed Spaces During COVID-19?

Hello, doctor. Currently, Taiwan has tens of thousands of confirmed COVID-19 cases daily. Is it safe to stay indoors for extended periods (such as in libraries or cinemas)? Is wearing a mask indoors sufficient for safety? What about dining indoors? If dining indoors is still not ...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
During the pandemic, it is generally recommended to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from others indoors and for both parties to wear masks, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, dining indoors carries a higher risk than simply being indoors. On...

Dining Out with Elderly: Safety Concerns and Health Tips

Hello, doctor. Tonight, my sister in Taipei invited me to take my mother to a seafood restaurant in Kaohsiung. Since my father passed away, my mother has somewhat lost her sense of purpose in life. I am the only child left in Kaohsiung, and due to work, I sometimes cannot go home...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is a certain level of social distancing, the risk of infection is relatively low, and currently, there is no risk of community transmission in Taiwan. Therefore, it is presumed that the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is minimal. However, if your mother can go ...

COVID-19 Vaccine Concerns for Young Adults with Health History

Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about COVID-19 vaccination. I am 22 years old and in March of this year, I was diagnosed with some cysts in my breast (some of which have slight calcification) during a visit to a breast surgeon. The doctor advised me to return for a follow...

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine
Hello, there are currently no specific contraindications for the vaccine for you. It is recommended to complete the vaccination as soon as possible; any brand is a good choice. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or tre...