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Dr. Elliot Francke

Infectious Disease Specialist

Dr. Elliot Francke is an infectious disease specialist practicing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Dr. Francke specializes in infections that are difficult to diagnose or unresponsive to treatments, such as HIV or airborne infections from a foreign country. Infectious disease specialists usually work with conditions that are not treatable by a primary physician but it is important to keep contact with the primary physician in order to receive information about the patients history and for deciding which diagnostic tests are appropriate.
Learn More About Me
Dr. Elliot Francke
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Northwestern University
  • Accepting new patients

Can I get the covid vaccine with a stuffy nose?

Thanks for the question.

Likely, you can receive the vaccine. If you have a fever, postpone the vaccine.

I'm having COVID vaccine (Pfizer) side effects?

Thanks for the question. Yes, see your doctor. The symptoms may or may not be related to the vaccine. Very rarely, the vaccine may be associated with heart inflammation or READ MORE
Thanks for the question.

Yes, see your doctor. The symptoms may or may not be related to the vaccine. Very rarely, the vaccine may be associated with heart inflammation or pericardial inflammation.

Am I eligible for the covid booster?

Thanks for the question. The UK supports a booster dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine for people over 65. It should be 6 or more months after the last dose. That should complete READ MORE
Thanks for the question.

The UK supports a booster dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine for people over 65. It should be 6 or more months after the last dose. That should complete your vaccination.

Do I have a parasite?

Thanks for the question. I'm not clear what I'm looking at here. If you are showing something emanating from the skin, bring it to your doctor for attention, along with the photos. READ MORE
Thanks for the question. I'm not clear what I'm looking at here. If you are showing something emanating from the skin, bring it to your doctor for attention, along with the photos. Not all such excresences are worms. There is a syndrome called Morgani's Syndrome, with protein that looks worm-like.

COVID vaccine side effects?

Thanks for the question. Your body's immune system is responding to the vaccine with two different types of immunity, one immediate and one delayed. There is no danger involved READ MORE
Thanks for the question.

Your body's immune system is responding to the vaccine with two different types of immunity, one immediate and one delayed. There is no danger involved in either. Subsequent injections may cause a more or less severe local reaction. There is no reason not to obtain the follow-up injection, but discuss it with your doctor.

My covid booster?

Once you are off the prednisolone, wait a week.
Thanks for the question.

Covid contagious?

Thanks for the question. Even a mild headache counts as symptomatic. To be conservative, you are considered contagious for about 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. This is not READ MORE
Thanks for the question. Even a mild headache counts as symptomatic. To be conservative, you are considered contagious for about 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. This is not absolute, however. I would not advise sharing a room or traveling for 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms. And don't forget to mask. N-95 mask is preferable, and it is to protect others from you, not you from others.

Question about the vaccine?

Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict the effect of the vaccine if you already carry the virus. That may be part of the purpose of the study. READ MORE
Thanks for the question.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict the effect of the vaccine if you already carry the virus. That may be part of the purpose of the study.

Are these symptoms of covid?

Thanks for the question! Your symptoms are not suggestive of COVID, but with exposure, you do need to quarantine. 7-10 days after last exposure would do. You should try to READ MORE
Thanks for the question!

Your symptoms are not suggestive of COVID, but with exposure, you do need to quarantine. 7-10 days after last exposure would do. You should try to get tested. Your local pharmacy or doctor can help.

I'm still suffering from covid for 6 months?

Thanks for the question.

Symptoms of COVID can last months. Treatment is symptoms-based, and your doctor should help you. If not, try a University clinic.

Am I contagious?

Thanks for the question.

You are no longer contagious two weeks after the onset.

AstraZeneca Vaccine?

Thanks for the question. The answer is yes.

i'm spitting up blood (not coughing) w' a possible inflamed respiratory system (a result of the covid vax itself, not anything else)?

Thanks for the question. If you are spitting up blood, see your doctor. The test and vaccine for Covid were developed in 2020, not 2018, and are unrelated to your symptoms. READ MORE
Thanks for the question.

If you are spitting up blood, see your doctor. The test and vaccine for Covid were developed in 2020, not 2018, and are unrelated to your symptoms.

How do you think this COVID-19 injection would affect my heart?

Thanks for the question! There are rare reported cases of heart inflammation from the vaccine for Covid. The risk of disease causing the same or worse inflammation is higher. READ MORE
Thanks for the question!

There are rare reported cases of heart inflammation from the vaccine for Covid. The risk of disease causing the same or worse inflammation is higher. Please discuss your concerns with your doctor.

My feet really hurt after covid?

Thanks for the question. You may have a mild form of Guillain Barre Syndrome from Covid. This symptom is also caused by nerve damage due to diabetes, poor circulation, or READ MORE
Thanks for the question.

You may have a mild form of Guillain Barre Syndrome from Covid. This symptom is also caused by nerve damage due to diabetes, poor circulation, or alcohol, or other causes, such as thiamine deficiency. Please see your doctor for further evaluation.

Period & covid vaccine?

Thanks for the question, Shoulder pain is almost certainly unrelated to the vaccine, unless it is at the injection site. Injection can cause local sterile inflammation. READ MORE
Thanks for the question,

Shoulder pain is almost certainly unrelated to the vaccine, unless it is at the injection site. Injection can cause local sterile inflammation.

Can you get covid antibodies by blood transfusion?

Thanks for the question.

Unfortunately, the answer is no. And even if you could, passively infused antibodies will last only a few weeks at most.

Why am I a medical mystery?

Thanks for the question. Your condition is complex, and has a long differential diagnosis. The main considerations are Infectious, connective tissue, and hormonal. Some testing READ MORE
Thanks for the question.

Your condition is complex, and has a long differential diagnosis. The main considerations are Infectious, connective tissue, and hormonal. Some testing and exam are imperative. The initial presentation suggests Guillain Barre Syndrome, which occurs after several infections that could also cause myocarditis or immune- mediated renal dysfunction, in turn causing fluid retention and weight gain. You should seek out further examination and testing.

The AstraZeneca vaccine?

Thank you for your question. Although it is not quite as effective as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, you have been adequately vaccinated.

is it okay to take a Maxalt Wafer?

Thanks for the question! There is no interaction between Maxalt and the vaccine. You can take it.