Understanding COVID-19: Addressing Taste and Smell Issues
COVID-19 Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and started experiencing severe nasal congestion three days after testing positive. I still have taste (I can distinguish different foods), but I need to be very close to objects to smell them (though my sense of smell is not c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Yes. 2. Most people will gradually recover; it just takes some time. 3. This is not certain; each individual's constitution is different. However, after more than a week, most symptoms should gradually improve. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding COVID-19: Addressing Taste and Smell Issues
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal pain? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask a question. When I was lying down watching a video, I suddenly felt a sharp pain just above my navel on the left side (below the rib cage), but when I stood up and rubbed the area, the pain subsided after about 5-10 seconds. Alt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the areas you mentioned are most commonly the stomach and intestines. Lying face down can indeed lead to indigestion, which may cause discomfort in these areas. Avoiding this position should help improve the situation. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective
Infection issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. Is there a concern about contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from using a seated toilet? - It is a home toilet that hasn't been used for a while. - I have wiped the toilet seat but did not disinfect it with alcohol. 2. Is...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the two conditions you mentioned should not raise concerns about sexually transmitted infections. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective
Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective
Infection issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. Is there a concern about contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from using a sitting toilet? - It is a home toilet that hasn't been used for a while. I have wiped the toilet seat, but I did not use alcohol for disinfection. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the two conditions you mentioned should not raise concerns about sexually transmitted infections. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective
Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
Please ask your question? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a slight itch on my elbow, where I have two or three small bumps. I'm wondering if this is due to an insect bite or some unusual disease. I happened to come across information about HIV, but I have not eng...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Based on your images, it is likely folliculitis or eczema; however, it should not be caused by HIV. A definitive diagnosis may require evaluation by a dermatologist. 2. Hello, I recommend receiving the Moderna next-generation vaccine, as there are no concerns regard...[Read More] Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
Concerns About Bacterial Contamination During Vaginal Ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus? I went for a transvaginal ultrasound, and the nurse first placed a paper drape in the buttock area. Later, she flipped the pillow over, which raised concerns about bacteria and viruses from the bed and pillow getting onto the drape. I was wo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, hospitals have specific disinfection protocols for their instruments. The situation you mentioned should not lead to a vaginal infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Bacterial Contamination During Vaginal Ultrasound
Common Health Questions: Hand Hygiene and Post-Bath Urination Issues
Please ask the doctor again? Hello Doctor, I am the inquirer #191371 and would like to ask you again: 1. Does washing hands with water before using the restroom help to eliminate some dirt and bacteria? I always feel that my hands are not clean enough. 2. Doctor, sometimes after ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Handwashing can remove most pathogens, but it does not eliminate 100% of all bacteria. However, the reduction in bacterial load is less likely to impact human health. 2. It is possible that the urethral opening may be slightly inflamed during the bathing process. If...[Read More] Common Health Questions: Hand Hygiene and Post-Bath Urination Issues
Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. Is there a concern about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections from the doorknobs of public restrooms or private bathrooms? 2. Can hot shower water or frequent wiping of the anal area cause...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. The chance of infectious disease transmission is very low. 2. If you rub too vigorously, it can indeed cause skin inflammation. 3. Most pathogens can be eliminated. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks
Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?
Infectious disease inquiries? Hello Doctor, today after lunch with my department, my supervisor invited us to go karaoke, which was a place similar to the one in "Light the Night." I touched the microphone while singing and drinking. I have some acne on my face, and alt...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to an infection of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV, so there is no need to worry. Thank you.[Read More] Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?
Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, may I ask if there is a concern about the transmission of infectious diseases when encountering birds flying by or taking off nearby while walking or riding a bike? Additionally, can bacteria or viruses carried by birds be transmitted through t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the pathogens in these birds are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. As you mentioned, simply flying by does not cause infection unless there is prolonged close contact, such as feeding them. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?
Common Health Questions: Hand Hygiene and Post-Bath Urination Issues
Please ask your question, doctor? Hello Doctor, I am the inquirer #191371 and would like to ask you again: 1. Does washing hands with water before using the restroom help to eliminate some dirt and bacteria? I often feel that my hands are not clean enough. 2. Doctor, sometimes af...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Handwashing can remove most pathogens, but it does not eliminate all bacteria 100%. 2. It is possible that the urethral opening may be slightly inflamed during the bathing process; if there are no subsequent symptoms, there is no need to worry. Thank you for your questi...[Read More] Common Health Questions: Hand Hygiene and Post-Bath Urination Issues
Can You Get HIV from a Sharp Object Injury? Prevention Options Explained
HIV infection While cleaning up in the sink, I suspect I was cut on my finger by a sharp object like a toothpick from a customer, causing bleeding (the object should not have had any blood on it). The customer was here about 10 minutes ago. Is there a risk of HIV infection from t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the likelihood of infection in the situation you mentioned is very low. Unless it is confirmed that the other person has HIV, there should be no need for prophylactic medication. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Sharp Object Injury? Prevention Options Explained
Understanding Rapid Test Results: What to Do When You Get No Clear Outcome
The rapid test takes more than 15 minutes to yield results? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you a question. My last high-risk behavior (unprotected intercourse) was on September 27, 2022. I conducted a rapid test on January 10, 2023, and after waiting 15 minutes, there were n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, all rapid test kits have their own interpretation time points. Once that time point is exceeded, there is a higher likelihood of false positives. It is recommended to carefully read the instructions provided with the test kit, as there will be suggested interpretation time...[Read More] Understanding Rapid Test Results: What to Do When You Get No Clear Outcome
Inhalation of Smoke from Overcooked Microwave Food: Should You Worry?
Inhalation of smoke from microwave charring? Hello, Doctor: Today, while microwaving a convenience store meal at home, I accidentally overcooked it due to uncertain wattage settings, as the dial only indicated medium power. This caused the food to burn and smoke. When I came out ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, currently most microwave-safe materials do not produce lethal gases, so if you are not experiencing any discomfort, you can just observe the situation for now and there is no need for any special treatment. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Inhalation of Smoke from Overcooked Microwave Food: Should You Worry?
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Persistent Back Pain
Urinary tract infection and subsequent lower back pain follow-up? Hello, I have already gone to a large hospital for examination due to concerns about bacteremia. After blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, and kidney ultrasounds, the doctor said there were no significant issues. Howe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if these tests have been done, it will take some time to improve. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and get more rest. However, if you suddenly experience a fever or increased pain later on, you will need to return to a major hospital for a detailed examination. T...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Persistent Back Pain
Concerns About Inhaling Smoke from Microwave Food: Health Risks and Advice
Inhalation of smoke from microwave charring? Hello Doctor: Today, while microwaving a convenience store meal at home, I accidentally overcooked it due to uncertain wattage settings, as the dial only indicates medium power. The food became completely burnt and started smoking. Whe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, currently most microwave-safe materials do not produce lethal gases, so if you are not experiencing any discomfort, you can just monitor the situation for now and there is no need for any special treatment. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Inhaling Smoke from Microwave Food: Health Risks and Advice
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Urinary tract infection and subsequent lower back pain? Due to a urinary tract infection, I have been undergoing medication treatment for 12 days. The first 10 days included three medications: Paran (Panadol), Ikodin, and Urogen. However, since the treatment effects were limited,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it's difficult to say that lower back pain is definitely due to a kidney infection, as muscle strains can also cause back pain. This aspect requires a physician's direct assessment for a more accurate diagnosis. If a urinary tract infection is accompanied by bact...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Abdominal issues? Hello, for the past few days, I've been experiencing a slight pain in the abdominal area next to my left side of the navel. It doesn't feel like typical stomach pain or sharp pain; it resembles more of a dull ache similar to back pain. I visited a gast...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, the most likely diagnosis is an abdominal muscle strain, possibly caused by recent exercises similar to sit-ups. Typically, allowing the abdominal muscles to rest will lead to improvement. As for any potential intestinal issues, ultrasound may not revea...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Blood report Due to work requirements, I underwent a health check, and the report indicates abnormalities in the blood test results! White blood cells: 10.53, Red blood cells: 5.22, Hemoglobin: 11.6, Platelets: 414. Which specialty should I consult for these abnormal indicators? ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, you are likely referring to a slightly elevated white blood cell count and a slightly low hemoglobin level, correct? For the white blood cell count, the normal range for healthy individuals is approximately 3.0-10.0. Your level is only slightly elevated, which could be due...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Which Specialist to Consult?
Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Syphilis/HIV Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. What is the typical diameter of syphilis rashes? Are they round or irregularly shaped? Are they independent lesions or do they form a confluent area? Do they appear flat or raised? Are the colors light red or dark red? 2. If one...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Syphilis rashes are usually not itchy or painful, initially appearing as light red spots that can progress to red or dark red, and are typically round in shape. 2. When there are only one or two spots, it can be difficult to distinguish whether they are caused by syp...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients