Various Illnesses - Fast of 17th of Tammuz
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Question
Hello Rabbi. Taking medication due to depression (medically diagnosed), while undergoing therapeutic (psychological) treatment simultaneously, with the diagnosis clearly indicating a process of recovery from depression, is there a general rule regarding the fast of the 17th of Tammuz? And if one needs to fast, how should one take medication that has a taste? Another question: is there a general rule regarding the aforementioned fast for someone who had COVID and mononucleosis and feels body weakness, although it was years ago, and it's hard to say what it's from. But it's clear that certain foods immediately weaken them. (Which seemingly indicates an influence from the past). Another question regarding someone who had a virus last week and still has post-viral cold symptoms regarding the aforementioned fast. Thank you very much.
Answer
Shalom and blessings
A. A treated state of depression exempts one from fasting. If one feels capable, they may start and see if it does not adversely affect their mood.
B. COVID and mononucleosis after a long period, there is no need to worry. One should fast unless it is known that problems remain.
C. A virus that was defined as an 'illness', fever, general weakness, etc., if it has not completely passed, do not fast.
But if the virus was only a cold and the like, one should fast.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 559