When the symptoms of infection are finally reduced and the body gradually recovers, many will take it for granted that everything is over and that there is no need for review after the infection has recovered. This is, however, a highly neglected but extremely important area of error.
Although the infection appears to have been repelled, it may leave many “hidden traces” inside the body. In the case of respiratory infections, the lung may suffer from various levels of inflammation during the course of the disease. Even when symptoms such as cough and fever have disappeared, the lung damage is not necessarily fully healed. Some patients may suffer after-effects such as pulmonary fibrosis, which, without review, is difficult to detect in a timely manner and may increase over time, leading to a decrease in pulmonary function, an impact on the quality of life in the future and possibly even to chronic respiratory diseases.
Rehabilitation of the urinary system should also not be overlooked. Some of the more severe urinological infections may cause kidney damage, such as the inflammation of kidney balls. In the early stages of rehabilitation, patients may feel their urine is back to normal, but the nuanced kidneys may still be advancing. A review of screening programmes such as urine routines, kidney function, etc., allows for the timely detection of abnormal changes in kidney function in order to take early intervention to avoid further deterioration of kidney disease and to protect the health of the urinary system.
Post-rehabilitation review is of particular importance for specific infections, such as hepatitis B and C. These viruses may be ingrained in the body and may be re-active even if symptoms disappear after a period of treatment and the liver function is restored. Periodic review of indicators such as hepatitis B-5, hepatitis C virus load, liver function can help doctors to determine accurately whether the virus has been completely removed or whether there are signs of relapse, so that treatment programmes can be adjusted in a timely manner to prevent recurrence and to reduce the risk of serious complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.
In addition, post-infection rehab is important for assessing the immune status of the body as a whole. Infections can have a certain impact on the immune system, and by reviewing immunization-related indicators, such as blood lymphocytes, it is possible to understand the immune recovery of the body. If the immune function has not yet been fully restored, doctors can give appropriate advice, such as diet adjustment, moderate exercise, supplementary nutrients, etc., to help patients improve their immunity and prevent re-infection.
How, then, should the infection be reviewed after recovery? In general, within 1-2 weeks of rehabilitation, a preliminary review can be carried out, including a basic examination of blood, urine and liver and kidney functions, in order to understand the basic state of recovery. For specific infections, such as lung infections, there may also be a need for chest X-rays or CT examinations to see the recovery of the lung, while infections in the digestive system may require a review of gastrointestinal lenses or poop routines. Within 1 – 3 months of rehabilitation, there should also be a review to further confirm whether the physical indicators are stable and whether there are potential residual problems.
Post-rehabilitation review of infection is by no means an optional component. It is an important line of defence for our own well-being, capable of detecting and dealing in a timely manner with the problems that may remain after infection, and protecting our health. We should move away from the erroneous notion that “rehabilitation does not require review” and be proactive in working with doctors to review so that we can truly recover from the infection and regain a full life.
