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 Influenza
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...[Read More] Understanding Flu Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
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 Influenza
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...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Vaccination Affect Rapid Test Accuracy?
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...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
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...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Vaccination Affect Rapid Test Accuracy?
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 Influenza
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 ...[Read More] Are Some People Immune to Flu? Exploring the Mystery of Natural Resistance
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 Influenza
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...[Read More] Can You Go to Work with the Flu? Understanding Contagion and Recovery
Understanding the Meaning of Non-Fully Vaccinated in COVID-19 Context
The term "Non-Fully Vaccinated" refers to individuals who have not completed the full vaccination schedule Hello Doctor, in the context of COVID-19 vaccination, when referring to the BNT vaccine, "Fully Vaccinated" means having received "2 doses or more.&...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello: fully vaccinated means two weeks after you receive the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, which is 14 days after completing both doses.[Read More] Understanding the Meaning of Non-Fully Vaccinated in COVID-19 Context
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, doctor! Regarding <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/181390">#181390</a>, I have some additional questions: 1. If there is no direct hand contact with bird droppings (such as tou...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello: 1. In this situation, a healthy person is unlikely to become infected with Cryptococcus. 2. Alcohol can kill most viruses and can also kill fungi, including Cryptococcus. 3. No, it won't happen. If you are concerned, you can seek help from a hospital to test for Crypt...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Concerns About Infection Risks from Contaminated Surfaces
Infectious disease-related issues? Hello, doctor! I am currently still in school. Since it was raining today, I used an umbrella. When I returned a book at the library's return box, the umbrella may have brushed against a stain on the wall (I'm not sure if it actually d...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello: Generally, healthy individuals do not contract this type of cryptococcal infection, unless they have severely compromised immune systems or are patients with AIDS. The incubation period ranges from two to thirteen months, with an average onset of about six to seven months.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Contaminated Surfaces
Understanding Long COVID: Risks, Symptoms, and Vaccination Insights
Long COVID-19 sequelae Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: 1) After contracting COVID-19, are individuals with moderate to severe cases more likely to experience Long COVID symptoms, while those who are asymptomatic or have mild cases are relatively less likely to have Long COVID ...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello: 1. Severe COVID-19 symptoms are associated with a higher incidence of sequelae, so the most important measures are vaccination and the early use of antiviral medications. 2. There is no direct correlation between the COVID-19 virus and the influenza virus, so we will not i...[Read More] Understanding Long COVID: Risks, Symptoms, and Vaccination Insights
Does COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Against Severe Cases Diminish Over Time?
What is the issue of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing severe cases? Hello Doctor: It is known that the protective antibodies from vaccines diminish over time. Does this mean that the protection against severe illness also decreases or disappears over time?
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello: The number of antibodies decreases, which reduces the ability to prevent infection; however, the human body still has other immune cells (T cells) that provide protection. These remaining functions help protect individuals from severe illness or hospitalization. Therefore,...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness Against Severe Cases Diminish Over Time?
Understanding Unusual Stool Colors: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Bowel issues Hello, two Saturdays ago, after using the restroom, I noticed that the water in the toilet had a dark coffee color with a hint of red, resembling coffee with a reddish tint (not clots, but seemed mixed together). Could this be a symptom of colorectal cancer or other ...
Dr. Chen Mingzhi reply Surgery
Your family history is of low risk; however, since the presence of blood in your stool persists, it is recommended that you see a colorectal specialist for an examination. A sigmoidoscopy should be sufficient for diagnosis. As for whether you need to undergo another colonoscopy, ...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Stool Colors: Should You Worry About Colon Cancer?
Understanding Red Blood Streaks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
There are bright red streaks of blood on the surface of the stool? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed bright red streaks of blood on the surface of my stool. Last time, there were streaks of blood on the latter part of the stool, but this time, there are streaks all over ...
Dr. Chen Mingzhi reply Surgery
Having undergone a colonoscopy in March, there should be no concern regarding colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, or blood in the stool due to anal fissures. A colorectal surgeon can easily diagnose your condition using an anoscope, and your situation seems to align more with this sc...[Read More] Understanding Red Blood Streaks in Stool: Causes and Concerns
Post-Appendectomy Complications: Understanding Fever, Diarrhea, and Jaundice
Post-appendectomy My husband was hospitalized for appendicitis and underwent surgery on the night of October 22. Since then, he has been experiencing low-grade fever, sweating, and diarrhea. Additionally, his eyes have become yellow and cloudy after the surgery, which I have neve...
Dr. Chen Mingzhi reply Surgery
It's not quite normal. You may need to have a thorough discussion with your physician, as there might be other diagnoses to consider.[Read More] Post-Appendectomy Complications: Understanding Fever, Diarrhea, and Jaundice
Understanding Painful Breast Nodules: When to Seek Medical Attention
Nipple lump There is a small hard lump on the right nipple that has been present for 1 to 2 years without pain, and I have seen a doctor about it. However, in the past two days, it has suddenly become painful. I recently gave birth a little over a month ago and am not breastfeedi...
Dr. Chen Mingzhi reply Surgery
Hello: Most lesions on the nipple or areola are related to the skin. Based on your medical history, it is most likely a follicular issue, with recurrent infections that may vary in size. A personal examination may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis, so I recommend consulting...[Read More] Understanding Painful Breast Nodules: When to Seek Medical Attention
Should You Remove a 4cm Breast Fibroadenoma? Key Considerations
Does a 4 cm breast fibroadenoma need to be removed? Hello, Doctor. 1. When the doctor mentioned that I have a breast 'fibroma,' could it actually be 'fibroadenoma'? 2. My breast fibroadenoma measures 4.15 × 1.71 cm. Is it necessary to remove it? 3. If remova...
Dr. Chen Mingzhi reply Surgery
Hello: 1. Yes. 2. 3. 4. If you have specialists regularly monitoring your condition, given your age, surgery may not be necessary unless there is suspicion of other conditions such as phyllodes tumor, etc. Consideration can be given to minimally invasive surgery under local anest...[Read More] Should You Remove a 4cm Breast Fibroadenoma? Key Considerations
Understanding Post-Vaccine Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Advice
Side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine? After receiving the BNT vaccine on September 28, I experienced side effects including headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain. However, even after a week, on October 4, I still felt unwell. Occasionally, I experience sudden sharp pain...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello, Student Lu! The side effects of general BNT usually alleviate gradually within a week. Currently, Student Lu is experiencing chest pain, headache, and pain at the injection site that have not yet resolved, which is affecting sleep quality. A medical examination is needed, ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Side Effects: When to Seek Medical Advice
Is It Normal to Have a Low-Grade Fever After AZ Vaccine?
One week after receiving the AZ vaccine? Hello, doctor. I received the AZ vaccine about a week ago. A few days after the vaccination, I experienced severe headaches and a slight fever, but it wasn't too serious; taking one pain reliever helped a lot. However, today marks the...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello, Chu! A body temperature ranging from 37 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, if not accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, or abdominal pain, generally only requires you to drink plenty of water during the day and can be monitored further.[Read More] Is It Normal to Have a Low-Grade Fever After AZ Vaccine?
Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Bowel movement and rectal bleeding issues? For the past few months, after bowel movements, I have repeatedly noticed blood on the toilet paper, although it is not a large amount—at most the size of a thumbnail, and most of the time just small dots, about the size of sesame seeds....
Dr. Chen Mingzhi reply Surgery
Hello: Your symptoms seem more like an anal fissure, so there is no need to worry too much. It is recommended to consult a colorectal specialist for an anoscopy, which can provide an immediate diagnosis of the underlying cause![Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding: Causes and When to Seek Help
Post-Operative Severe Pain After Robotic Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Severe pain after laparoscopic (Da Vinci) surgery? Hello, doctor. My father, who is 80 years old, had a tumor measuring 2 to 3 centimeters located in the upper part of his stomach. After undergoing a robotic-assisted surgery (Da Vinci surgery) for its removal, he experienced seve...
Dr. Chen Mingzhi reply Surgery
Hello: This situation is quite common. In minimally invasive surgeries, carbon dioxide is infused to facilitate the procedure. Upon awakening from anesthesia, the level of pain may be more pronounced compared to traditional surgeries. However, several hours after waking, the pain...[Read More] Post-Operative Severe Pain After Robotic Surgery: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Your Symptoms: Flu Concerns for High School Students
Feeling a sense of heaviness or discomfort in the body? Hello doctor, I am a high school student. Recently, I've been feeling a bit hot and stuffy. At first, my temperature was 37 degrees Celsius, and later it peaked at 37.6 degrees. Although my temperature hasn't been ...
Dr. Chen Mingong reply Influenza
Hello! If there is no history of exposure (TOCC), you may consider purchasing an antigen rapid test at your own expense, which costs around a few hundred dollars. If people around you have similar gastrointestinal or respiratory symptoms, it is advisable to have a physician evalu...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Flu Concerns for High School Students