Coughing Everywhere in Taiwan! Doctor Reveals Causes Behind the 'Coughing Wave' – Seek Medical Help if Cough Lasts Over 3 Weeks

Recently, it's become increasingly common to hear people coughing nonstop while walking down the street or riding the metro. A user even posted on Threads about attending a concert at Taipei Dome and hearing people all around them coughing one after another. This is not a figment of imagination. Dr. Huang Hsuan, a critical care physician, pointed out on his social media that the current wave of coughing is not caused by a single factor, but by multiple respiratory viruses circulating simultaneously, compounded by environmental factors such as air conditioning and drastic temperature changes, leaving many people trapped in prolonged coughing episodes.

Rising COVID-19 cases lead to a 34.4% surge in medical visits

Dr. Huang highlighted that the most notable factor remains the ongoing resurgence of COVID-19, with some patients experiencing sore throat, fever, and persistent dry cough. Data from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) confirms this rebound: from July 5 to 11, outpatient and emergency visits related to COVID-19 reached 2,811, a 34.4% increase from the previous week, marking five consecutive weeks of growth. Additionally, between July 7 and 13, 17 new domestic cases of severe illness associated with COVID-19 were reported. Regarding public concerns about Type A influenza, Dr. Huang gave a clear answer: 'Yes, A-type flu can still occur in summer.' Although flu typically peaks in winter, it continues to spread during the summer due to frequent travel.

Mix of four common respiratory viruses and air conditioning temperature swings

According to Dr. Huang, in addition to COVID-19 and influenza, this summer's coughing wave involves other common viruses such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and human metapneumovirus. Furthermore, frequent use of air conditioning leading to sharp temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments, air pollution, increased allergens, and even 'post-viral cough' are all significant environmental factors contributing to cough symptoms lasting for weeks.

Seek medical attention immediately if cough lasts over 3 weeks with warning signs

Faced with relentless coughing, it's crucial not to dismiss it as a common cold and delay treatment. Dr. Huang warns that if a person has been coughing for more than three weeks and experiences high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, or decreased blood oxygen levels, they should seek medical evaluation promptly to avoid worsening conditions. Meanwhile, the CDC urges the public to strengthen personal preventive measures and receive the current season's COVID-19 vaccine to enhance immune protection, especially as domestic cases continue to rise.