expert type icon EXPERT

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.
Dr. Elliot Francke
  • Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Northwestern University
  • Accepting new patients

Going back to work question?

Thanks for the question. You should not be indoors without a mask and distancing. Sorry.

When may the COVID shot be available to teenagers?

Studies are in progress to obtain the data needed to submit applications for approval. I expect several months will be needed.
Thanks for the question.

Vaccine issue?

Thanks for the question. The issue is not whether the second vaccine will work, but if you have side effects, which vaccine caused them. It is best to wait the 14 days. You don't READ MORE
Thanks for the question. The issue is not whether the second vaccine will work, but if you have side effects, which vaccine caused them. It is best to wait the 14 days. You don't want to be denied your second dose of the Covid vaccine because of side effects from the Shingrix.

Working out past Covid infection?

Some people do have myocarditis. Workouts can begin as tolerated about 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms are gone. If you are concerned, you can request a cardiac stress test from your READ MORE
Some people do have myocarditis. Workouts can begin as tolerated about 2 to 3 weeks after symptoms are gone. If you are concerned, you can request a cardiac stress test from your physician.
Thanks for the question!

Leg/hip pain?

Thanks for the question. These medications will not interfere with the vaccine.

Covid vaccine?

Yes, but you should contact your state health department to find out how and when you will receive it.

What is the common sign of covid in children?

According to the Mayo Clinic, fever, headache, cough, nausea, diarrhea, runny nose, poor feeding, loss of taste and smell. Be aware there is a multi-system Inflammatory syndrome READ MORE
According to the Mayo Clinic, fever, headache, cough, nausea, diarrhea, runny nose, poor feeding, loss of taste and smell. Be aware there is a multi-system Inflammatory syndrome in children as well, with multiple organ involvement. To date, we have 60 cases in Minnesota.
Thanks for the question!

Flowmax?

Thanks for the question. That is something you must ask your doctor directly. Sorry.

When to get the rapid Covid-19 test when coming back from holiday tomorrow?

Thanks for the question! The best time to test is 5 to 7 days after the last potential exposure. Meanwhile, quarantine!

Flu recovery quandary?

Thanks for the question. Technically, no, but recovery rarely takes weeks. Please see your doctor, and be sure you did not have COVID or another infection.

What exact medicine can I buy to cure chicken pox?

There is a prescription medicine your doctor can order called Acyclovir. However, the diagnosis must be confirmed by your doctor, and most of the time, we would not treat it in READ MORE
There is a prescription medicine your doctor can order called Acyclovir. However, the diagnosis must be confirmed by your doctor, and most of the time, we would not treat it in children. Do NOT take aspirin! It can cause a bad syndrome when you have active Chicken Pox.
Thanks for your question.

Covid results?

I would suggest testing at least 5 days after the exposure, then retesting if negative after another week or more.
Thanks for the question!

Flu shot reaction and Covid vaccine?

Yes. The side effects are similar, but there is no cross-reactivity with the flu vaccine, and you have tolerated others with those same side effects. Thanks for the question. READ MORE
Yes. The side effects are similar, but there is no cross-reactivity with the flu vaccine, and you have tolerated others with those same side effects.
Thanks for the question.

Covid antibody test results?

A high score is a good thing. It means you are very immune.
Thanks for the question!

Covid 19 vaccine and HIV plus autoimmune disease?

Only live vaccines are dangerous. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines should be safe.

Do I need to quarantine myself?

If you did not wear a mask or distance yourself, you only need to quarantine if you had more than 15 minutes of close exposure.

Why have I tested positive for COVID for so long?

Many people test positive for weeks or months after the infection. The test picks up the viral nuclear material long after the virus can no longer invade or multiply.

Is coronavirus dangerous to toddlers?

It is less severe in children, but a small percentage develop the Multisystem Inflammatory Disease Syndrome, a very severe illness attacking multiple organs. Infected children READ MORE
It is less severe in children, but a small percentage develop the Multisystem Inflammatory Disease Syndrome, a very severe illness attacking multiple organs. Infected children also are contagious to adults, with possible severe consequences.
Thanks for the question. Please wear masks and distance yourself and your children outside the home. Protect your family and friends.

Why is the flu more deadly in children than covid-19?

Thanks for the question. These are different viruses, not related, although both attack the respiratory system. They have different effects on children.