COVID-19 Resurgence: How Does TCM View Symptoms Like Fever, Sore Throat, and Body Aches?
Many recently reinfected patients suffer from fever, sore throat, and body pain. Singapore Gong Fang Tang TCM expert Dr.Que Poh Yuen Albert explains that COVID-19 fever falls under "warm disease" in TCM, primarily caused by heat-toxin accumulation and dual depletion of qi and yin:
Persistent high fever: External pathogenic toxins invade the lung-defense system, triggering intense conflict between healthy and pathogenic qi that transforms into fire.
Severe sore throat: Heat-toxin attacks the throat, scorching meridians and causing local redness/swelling/ulcers.
Body aches: Heat pathogens block meridians, disrupting qi-blood circulation – "obstruction causes pain."
Common Misconceptions
Blindly inducing sweating: Worsens fluid depletion, may trigger convulsions.
Overusing cold-natured medicines: Damages spleen-stomach, leading to lingering fatigue/cough.
TCM Treatment Strategies
For post-infection symptoms like extreme thirst, profuse sweating, fever, and body pain, Dr. Que recommends White Tiger Decoction with Ginseng from Zhang Zhongjing's classical prescriptions:
Ingredients: Gypsum (Shigao), Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhimu), Japonica Rice (Jingmi), Licorice (Gancao), Ginseng (Renshen).
Gypsum (monarch herb): Pungent-sweet, intensely cold; clears lung-stomach excess heat
Anemarrhena (minister herb): Bitter-cold, moistening; enhances heat-clearing while nourishing yin
Rice/Licorice: Protect stomach fluids against cold herbs' side effects
Ginseng: Replenishes qi and fluids depleted by high fever
Modifications:
Knife-like throat pain: Add Isatis Root (Banlangen) 15g + Scrophularia (Xuanshen) 20g
Severe muscle pain: Add Notopterygium (Qianghuo) 9g + Kudzu (Gegen) 15g
Constipation: Add Rhubarb (Dahuang) 6g (added last)
Case Study
Patient: Mr. Chen, 32
Symptoms: Persistent fever >39°C, swallowing-impossible sore throat, body aches/fatigue, profuse sweating, thirst/restlessness
Examination: Deep red tongue with yellow, dry coating; full, rapid pulse
Diagnosis: Intense heat in qi phase with dual qi-fluid depletion
Prescription: Modified White Tiger + Ginseng Decoction
Formula: Gypsum 60g (pre-boiled), Anemarrhena 15g, American Ginseng 8g, Japonica Rice 30g, Isatis Root 18g, Scrophularia 20g, Kudzu 15g, Licorice 6g
Outcome:
1 dose: Fever reduced to 38.2°C, decreased sweating
3 doses: Normal temperature, 70% throat pain relief
5 doses: Full recovery without residual cough/fatigue
TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment, with personalized prescriptions. Dosage and administration must be modified through syndrome differentiation under the guidance of a licensed TCM practitioner. Strictly avoid self-medication without professional consultation.
