Dr. Ken Jeong Answers More Medical Questions From Twitter | Tech Support | WIRED

Summary

In this hilarious and insightful episode of *Doc Support*, Ken Jeong answers a variety of quirky medical questions with his signature comedic style. From debunking myths about flu shots and scurvy to providing real advice on stress and alcohol consumption, Ken mixes medical facts with off-the-cuff humor. His playful sarcasm shines as he tackles everything from kombucha and antibiotics to the confusing nature of ear infections and blood pressure. Ken’s quick wit and medical expertise combine for a fun yet informative session that keeps viewers entertained while learning about health.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Ken Jeong brings humor and medical knowledge together, addressing various health questions in a lighthearted way.
• 😀 It's a myth that you can get the flu from a flu shot; the shot can only cause mild symptoms if you're already sick.
• 😀 Stress can compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness, so staying relaxed is key.
• 😀 There is no cure for the common cold, but symptoms can be managed until the illness runs its course.
• 😀 Day drinking can be problematic, and if you find yourself asking multiple questions in a tweet, it might signal you need help.
• 😀 When taking antibiotics, it's unclear if kombucha has a beneficial effect, but there’s no harm in trying it in moderation.
• 😀 Ear infections caused by earbuds (otitis externa) require a break from earphones for at least 7–10 days while treating the infection.
• 😀 White coat hypertension (nervousness in the doctor’s office) is common; waiting a few minutes and rechecking blood pressure can often normalize it.
• 😀 The placebo effect is real, and something that appears to be 'fake' may still have a therapeutic effect if it works psychologically.
• 😀 Scabies or vitamin C deficiencies (like scurvy) are rare in modern society, so cravings for orange juice are more likely to be due to a normal preference.
• 😀 Tetanus shots are recommended every 10 years, and it's important to get one if you’ve been exposed to a potential risk like a puncture wound.

Q & A

Can you get sick from flying from a hot place to a cold one?

Yes, you can get sick if there is an extreme change in temperature. Your body's immune response can be weakened, making it more susceptible to illness when transitioning between environments with drastically different temperatures.

How much drinking is considered too much?

The answer depends on the individual, but drinking four days a week or having more than two drinks per day can be problematic. If you're asking multiple questions in one tweet, it might be a sign of a deeper issue, such as alcohol dependence.

Is it true that you can get the flu from the flu shot?

No, that's a myth. You can't get the flu from the flu shot. However, if you're already sick when you get vaccinated, the combination of the flu shot and your illness might make you feel worse temporarily.

What can you do for a cold or a runny nose?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the common cold. You can only treat the symptoms, such as using decongestants or staying hydrated. Just wait it out and let your immune system fight it off.

What is E. coli and how is it different from iCarly?

E. coli is a type of bacteria that can cause severe infections, while iCarly is a popular TV show starring Miranda Cosgrove. While both may sound similar, they're entirely unrelated—though Ken does jokingly suggest that Miranda Cosgrove's name might sound like 'Miranda Rights,' which is a fun play on words.

Can stress make you sick?

Yes, stress can compromise your immune system, making you more vulnerable to illnesses like the common cold. It's important to manage stress and practice relaxation techniques to reduce your risk of becoming ill.

What is your favorite heart chamber and why?

Ken humorously claims that his favorite heart chamber is the left atrium because it works like a basketball assist to the left ventricle. He compares it to a legendary duo like Stockton and Malone, or Chris Paul and Blake Griffin—always working in tandem to keep things flowing.

Is drinking kombucha pointless if you're on antibiotics?

While the benefits of kombucha are still debated, it's unlikely to help much when you're on antibiotics for an ear infection. Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria, and they might also kill the beneficial bacteria in kombucha. Consult with a doctor for more personalized advice.

How long should you avoid using earphones after an ear infection?

If you've had an ear infection (like otitis externa), it's generally recommended to avoid using earphones for 7-10 days while you heal. This will help prevent further irritation or potential complications.

What should you do if you urinate a lot after drinking, and when should you see a doctor?

Frequent urination after drinking could be a normal response to beverages like caffeine, which is a diuretic. However, if you're urinating excessively or notice blood in your urine, it's important to consult with a doctor as it could indicate an underlying issue like a prostate problem.