Influenza Q&A

Should You Isolate from Your Partner After COVID-19 Infection?

After being diagnosed with COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question regarding COVID-19. After I tested positive, my live-in girlfriend developed symptoms the next day and tested positive on a rapid test, indicating that she likely contracted the virus from me. In t...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
Hello, since both individuals tested positive one day apart while living together, it is likely the same strain of the virus, so there should be no issue of cross-infection. However, it is still important to get adequate rest and maintain good personal hygiene. If necessary, medi...

Concerns About Infection Risks After Handling Birds: A Medical Inquiry

Wound infection issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I rescued a chick by picking it up with gloved hands and placing it in a cardboard box. However, when I handed it over to the animal protection personnel, he touched the chick with his bare hands and then handed me a pen. Later, o...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
If a wound is not properly managed, it can easily lead to infection, resulting in redness, swelling, heat, and pain associated with cellulitis. Therefore, if there are any wound issues, it is advisable to seek medical attention for proper treatment. Thank you.

Post-Influenza Symptoms: Understanding Complications and Recovery

Late symptoms of influenza? Hello Doctor, I am a 16-year-old high school student who has had influenza A for 9 days. Initially, I was misdiagnosed with a gastrointestinal flu by a clinic doctor. After a week without improvement, I went to the emergency room and discovered it was ...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
Influenza can potentially lead to complications, so it is recommended to seek medical attention in person for clinical evaluation by a physician.

Can Rabies Virus Be Transmitted Through Shoe Contact?

Rabies issues A few days ago, I visited the Tianchi area along the Southern Cross-Island Highway. After returning, I experienced intense itching on my foot. Due to the severe itchiness, I rubbed the affected area with the sole of my shoe, which felt like it might have caused some...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
According to current guidelines, the primary transmission route of the rabies virus is through bites or scratches from animals at risk of rabies.

Do I Need Rabies Vaccination for Field Research in Taiwan and China?

Rabies vaccine I am a graduate student conducting long-term field research on biological collection. Although my subjects are not wild vertebrates, there is a high likelihood of encountering wildlife such as the striped skunk and the white-nosed coati. I would like to inquire whe...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
In Taiwan, wild animals such as the ferret badger and the white-nosed coati have recorded cases of rabies caused by the rabies lyssavirus. Mainland China is also an area endemic to rabies. Therefore, if there is a risk of being bitten by wild animals, it is still recommended to r...

Managing Persistent Fever After Flu Diagnosis with Diabetes and Hypertension

Persistent fever after diagnosis? I apologize for your situation. You have been diagnosed with a fever above 38°C and have a history of diabetes and hypertension. The doctor prescribed antiviral medication, but you experienced edema after taking it for one day, so you stopped. Yo...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
If diagnosed with influenza, it is recommended to take antiviral medication within 48 hours for better effectiveness. If fever persists, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications.

Understanding Flu Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice

Influenza Issues Hello, doctor. I started experiencing a scratchy throat and cough on October 8, along with body aches, but I was still able to move around a bit. On October 9, I continued to feel body aches (which improved slightly after noon compared to the previous day), the c...

Dr. Chen Mingong Reply:
Hello: Feeling unwell intermittently for three days, it is advisable to see a doctor. The principle of an ear thermometer is to use infrared technology to measure the temperature of the tympanic membrane inside the external ear canal. Therefore, when measuring, you should pull th...

Does COVID-19 Vaccination Affect Rapid Test Accuracy?

Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect the results of rapid tests? Hello Doctor: I received the next-generation vaccine yesterday, and I've been experiencing some throat discomfort in the past few days. My previous rapid tests were all negative, but today the rapid test came back ...

Dr. Chen Mingong Reply:
Hello: After vaccination, the vaccine enters the human bloodstream and lymphatic system, and it does not interfere with or affect the results of rapid tests. Therefore, a positive result is indeed positive, indicating a confirmed case. However, individuals who have been vaccinate...

Does COVID-19 Vaccination Affect Rapid Test Accuracy?

Does the COVID-19 vaccine affect rapid test results? Hello Doctor: I received the next-generation vaccine yesterday, and I've been experiencing some throat discomfort in the past few days. My previous rapid tests were all negative, but today the rapid test came back positive...

Are Some People Immune to Flu? Exploring the Mystery of Natural Resistance

Is there really a chosen one? I have not been diagnosed yet, but I might be an asymptomatic carrier. Recently, my boyfriend contracted the flu and even infected his colleagues and friends. As his partner, I surprisingly have not been infected at all; I haven't even experienc...

Dr. Chen Mingong Reply:
Hello, Yu: Indeed, there are so-called "chosen ones." Generally speaking, after being infected with a virus, it is not guaranteed that symptoms will manifest 100% of the time; some viruses have an attack rate of only 80% or 90%. Therefore, in such cases, there is still ...

Can You Go to Work with the Flu? Understanding Contagion and Recovery

Can you go to work with the flu? Since I was diagnosed with influenza type A yesterday, the doctor didn't specifically advise against anything or mention how many days I should rest at home. I would like to know if it's okay to go back to work. Am I still contagious? Sh...

Dr. Chen Mingong Reply:
Hello, Ms. Wang: Generally, during an influenza infection, whether it is type A or type B, the infectiousness is higher when there is a fever (body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius). Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from attending school or work while feverish. You m...

Can I Get the Fifth COVID Vaccine After Lymph Node Swelling?

COVID-19 vaccine After receiving the fourth dose of the BA.1/2 COVID-19 vaccine, I experienced swelling and pain in my armpit for about a week before returning to normal. Upon researching, I found that the side effect of the vaccine could be lymphadenopathy. I would like to ask t...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
After receiving the fourth dose of the BA.1/2 COVID-19 vaccine, I experienced swelling and pain in the armpit of the vaccinated arm, which returned to normal after about a week. Upon checking, I found that the side effect of the vaccine could be lymphadenopathy. I would like to a...

Can I Get the Fifth COVID Vaccine After Lymph Node Swelling?

COVID-19 vaccine After receiving the fourth dose of the BA.1/2 COVID-19 vaccine, I experienced swelling and pain in my armpit, which returned to normal after about a week. Upon researching, I found that the side effect of the vaccine could be lymphadenopathy. I would like to ask ...

Post-Isolation Room Disinfection Guidelines After COVID-19

Disinfection of the room after isolation for COVID-19? Hello, Doctor. I have been in isolation for 5 days since my diagnosis, but my rapid test is still positive. I would like to ask you: 1. Do I need to wait until the rapid test is negative before I can start disinfecting the ro...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
1. Do I need to wait until the rapid test is negative before starting to disinfect the room, or can I disinfect after completing 5 days of isolation? There is no specific timing for disinfection; the environment can be disinfected at any time during the confirmed case period. 2....

Post-COVID Symptoms: Sudden Hand Numbness and Weakness Explained

Numbness and weakness in the hands after being diagnosed with COVID-19? I was diagnosed on December 22 and started isolation. My symptoms include nasal congestion, cough, and sore throat. This morning (December 25), I suddenly noticed numbness in my right hand, making it difficul...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
It is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as the quarantine period is over. However, if there are any signs of deterioration during the home quarantine period, please seek medical care immediately.

Can You Be Contagious with a Negative Rapid Test Result?

Does a negative rapid test indicate that a person is not contagious? A colleague tested negative on a rapid test yesterday but had some uncomfortable symptoms. They were in the office all day today, and out of concern, I also took a rapid test, which was negative. However, I rece...

Dr. Pan Fengjuan Reply:
Hello: "Dr. Lin Jun-you, the Deputy Director of Kaohsiung Municipal Min-Sheng Hospital, stated at a recent Kaohsiung epidemic prevention press conference: 'There are several possible reasons that need to be considered. A negative result may indicate that there is no inf...

Impact of Flu Vaccine on COVID-19 Symptoms and Recovery Insights

COVID-19 Hello, I received the flu vaccine the afternoon before testing positive on a rapid test. Does this mean the vaccine is ineffective? Could it worsen the symptoms of the confirmed infection, or have any other effects on my body? Additionally, after finishing the 3-day medi...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
If a rapid test came back positive and the flu vaccine was administered the afternoon before, does that mean the vaccine is ineffective? Will it worsen the symptoms of a confirmed case, or will it have any impact on the body? The flu vaccine is designed to prevent influenza types...

Does Mixing COVID-19 Vaccines Affect Side Effects? Insights on Moderna Boosters

The occurrence of side effects from mixed COVID-19 vaccinations may be related to the types of vaccines received in previous doses? Hello Dr. Yang: I am planning to schedule an appointment for the fourth dose of the Moderna next-generation vaccine. I have heard that some friends ...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
The occurrence of side effects after each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is not related to the type of vaccine received in previous doses. Currently, the Central Epidemic Command Center permits mixed vaccination.

Choosing the Right Vaccine: Considerations for Your Health Conditions

Which vaccine is suitable for me? Due to the side effects of each vaccine and the news surrounding them, I feel a bit apprehensive. Although I work from home, I recently realized that I still need to exercise, which requires going outside. However, I have difficulty choosing a va...

Dr. Pan Fengjuan Reply:
Hello, any vaccination is considered a medical procedure and must be conducted by a physician who will perform an assessment through a consultation. Thank you for your response.

Post-COVID Care: When to Seek Medical Attention and Medication

Medical Care and Medication After COVID-19 Diagnosis Hello, my mother-in-law is 85 years old. She has been diagnosed for five days, and she has finished the medication prescribed by the doctor. A rapid test shows a faint second line, but she no longer has any discomfort. Should s...

Dr. Yang Zongyan Reply:
If there are no symptoms or discomfort, you can rest and monitor the situation; however, if you experience any discomfort, it is still advisable to seek medical attention.

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