Dr. Amy Chai MD

Internist

714 Chase Parkway 6 Waterbury CT, 06708 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Dr. Amy Chai is an internist practicing in Waterbury, CT. Dr. Chai specializes in the medical treatment of adults. Internists can act as a primary physician or a consultant to a primary physician. They manage both common and rare diseases. Dr. Chai provides comprehensive care and manages treatment with surgeons as well. Internists establish long-term relationships with their patients and incorporate disease prevention and mental health care into their practice. Dr. Chai has specialized training in obesity management and opioid addiction treatment.

Education and Training

The Johns Hopkins University Biology 1985

University of Alabama School of Medicine 1989

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish

Dr. Amy Chai MD

Dr. Amy Chai MD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Does dengue virus spread from one person to another?
Dengue virus is transmitted from person to person INDIRECTLY through a "vector." The vector is a mosquito. There are two types of mosquito species that can transmit dengue, both of them are of the genus Aedes. The mosquito lands on an infected person and then the mosquito becomes infected. About a week later, the infected mosquito is able to transmit the virus into the next human that it bites. Dengue was originally a monkey disease, but it began infecting humans a couple hundred years ago, and the mosquito species traveled around the world on cargo ships. Now these Aedes mosquito species are very common in many parts of the world. The disease is most common in hot and rainy places or places with a rainy season that tends to allow lots of mosquito breeding to take place. Even though these mosquito species are common in the southern US, dengue is super rare to almost non-existent in our country due to the fact that there are not that many people outside in large groups getting tons of mosquito bites. Almost all of the dengue cases in the US have been immigrants or travelers. You cannot "catch" dengue from a dengue patient. Even if a mosquito bit the dengue patient, it would take around a week for the mosquito to be infectious. Chances are that you are not going to get bitten by that mosquito, at least not in the US. There are four different types of dengue virus, and you will not get immune if you get one type and then get exposed to a different type. This means that you can get dengue four different times. Dengue is a potentially deadly disease. You don't want to get dengue. I suggest wearing DEET (bug spray) when you travel to subtropical or tropical areas. You can get the moist DEET wipes and put them in your luggage, the single application kind. This is because on an airplane, you can't bring the aerosol. Also, don't expect to purchase DEET in other countries. I was in China in the mountains and they sold cheap perfume to ward off the mosquito swarms. It did NOT WORK as you can imagine. Anything that gets rid of mosquito populations will work. There is a new vaccine against dengue that is out. Also, new vaccines against mosquito saliva might protect against a broad spectrum of mosquito virus diseases. Ultimately, the answer is going to be VACCINES. Got to love vaccines. I do. READ MORE
What tests are available to me to confirm possible hearing loss?
The proper specialist to evaluate your hearing is ENT audiology. The ear, nose, and throat specialist examines the ears and the audiologist performs hearing tests. Your primary physician can provide you with a referral if necessary. READ MORE
What supplements should I have to recover from jaundice?
When your liver has been injured, the proper response is to allow the organ to rest instead of making it work harder. The liver has a difficult job when it has to metabolize foreign substances. My advice would be to avoid all supplements that are not specifically prescribed for you, because many of them can damage the recovering liver cells. Avoid all alcohol, avoid all tylenol, avoid all dietary supplements, especially those used for weight loss, body building, immune support, depression, and sexual health. The incidence of liver failure has been rising lately due to people randomly taking supplements. Liver damage is the number one reason that prescription drugs get pulled from the market, but supplements do not share the same sort of oversight. I would suggest eating healthy whole grains, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Avoid processed, high sugar, high fat foods. You can continue to have your coffee because studies show that a cup of joe is good for your liver. Eat lean proteins and avoid greasy and fried items. Take any vitamins suggested by your doctor but avoid the rest. Get well soon! READ MORE
Why is my daughter's skin getting burnt?
I suggest investing in stylish SPF style rash guards for both boys and girls to wear in the water. Coupled with a wide brimmed hat and a cute beach tent or umbrella, your child can remain outdoors for longer without suffering burns. Also consider taking a shaded lunch break at mid day, while the sun is strongest. Many websites specialize in sun protective clothing and accessories. Have fun and be safe! READ MORE