Understanding Close Contacts of COVID-19 Patients: Key Questions Answered
Some issues regarding close contacts of COVID-19 confirmed cases? Hello, Doctor: I would like to inquire about issues related to close contacts. My mother and I received our third dose of the BNT vaccine on June 1. My mother tested positive on June 21, and according to her, she h...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The level of viral load does indeed affect the results of rapid tests. A negative rapid test indicates a low viral load and low infectiousness, but it does not mean that you are not infected with COVID-19. Based on your description, I believe you may have been infected ...[Read More] Understanding Close Contacts of COVID-19 Patients: Key Questions Answered
Loss of Taste and Smell: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery Tips
Loss of smell and taste? Hello, my BMI is approximately 37. I tested positive for COVID-19 on September 7 and had a telemedicine consultation with a Western medicine clinic on the same day, where I received medication (my only symptoms at that time were discomfort in my tonsils a...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the sense of smell and taste, most individuals experience improvement within a few weeks to a month, but a small percentage may have persistent symptoms lasting up to six months. Currently, there are no specific medications to treat the ...[Read More] Loss of Taste and Smell: Understanding Symptoms and Recovery Tips
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns After Gastrointestinal Issues
Light tapping on the abdomen causes pain? Hello doctor, I have gastrointestinal issues caused by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The symptoms have improved significantly, but now I feel pain when lightly tapping my abdomen, and there is no possibility of pregnancy. Could yo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The stomach is typically located in the upper left part of the abdomen. If this area is tender to touch or painful, the organs to consider include the stomach, intestines, pancreas, or spleen. Given your condition, it is possible that you may be experiencing gastritis or b...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and Concerns After Gastrointestinal Issues
Discovering Blood While Cleaning Your Belly Button: When to Seek Help
Blood stains found while cleaning the navel? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I felt a sharp pain while cleaning my navel with a cotton swab, and later I noticed blood on the cotton swab. I immediately stopped cleaning. The next day, I woke up without any discomfort, and my navel was...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, it seems that the slight abrasion of the belly button was likely caused by cleaning it with a cotton swab. If there is no pain, redness, swelling, or discharge from the belly button, you may not need to seek medical attention at this time. Regard...[Read More] Discovering Blood While Cleaning Your Belly Button: When to Seek Help
Does Incorrect Injection Site Affect HPV Vaccine Efficacy?
Is the HPV vaccine administered in the abdomen? Two months ago, I received the first dose of the nine-valent HPV vaccine at my own expense. During the administration, Nurse A informed me that the HPV vaccine is different from regular vaccines and should be injected in the abdomen...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The Gardasil 9 HPV vaccine should be administered intramuscularly. If it is given subcutaneously, it may result in increased pain at the injection site and more pronounced side effects. If you do not experience any significant discomfort at the injection site or in your bo...[Read More] Does Incorrect Injection Site Affect HPV Vaccine Efficacy?
Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?
Is it possible to get infected with COVID-19 through a wound on the hand? Hello Doctor: I visited the hospital today, and after using my right hand to grip the outpatient door handle without disinfecting, I then touched a small wound on my left thumb, which is about 0.5 cm in siz...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The main transmission routes of COVID-19 are as follows: 1. Inhalation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles containing the virus. 2. Direct splashing of virus-laden droplets onto the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose. 3. Direct contact of hands with vir...[Read More] Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?
Understanding Chronic Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: IBS or Nerve Issues?
Follow-up Question #186095 Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, Thank you very much for your response and guidance in the consultation regarding my inquiry #186095. I have greatly benefited from it. I would like to ask Dr. Lin the following questions: Q1. My issue of bloating in ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) primarily include abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, constipation, and diarrhea, among others. These symptoms typically persist for several months or longer. Additionally, IBS is classified as a "functi...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Right Lower Abdomen Discomfort: IBS or Nerve Issues?
Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort: A Guide
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, At the end of 2017, after having a somewhat sour orange for dinner, I experienced an inability to pass gas when I went to bed that night. I ended up running to the bathroom to have a bowel movement and pass gas four times. The next day, the gas...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Based on the location of your abdominal discomfort, it may be related to issues with the liver, gallbladder, large intestine, kidneys, or urinary tract system. If there have been no significant changes or worsening over the past five years, common considerations include...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Right Lower Abdominal Discomfort: A Guide
Understanding Hand Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Soreness in both hands? Hello, several months ago, I experienced soreness in the thenar muscles under the thumbs of both hands. I suspected it was caused by holding a child with my hands. It gradually improved, but over the past two weeks, I've started to feel something unus...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, the discomfort in your hands may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome, or it could be caused by overuse leading to tendon and ligament inflammation. It is recommended that you consult a rehabilitation specialist.[Read More] Understanding Hand Discomfort: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing bloating and nausea for almost three months. I have taken medication, but my symptoms fluctuate. Additionally, I have been experiencing hair loss. The doctor suspects it may be due to autonomic nervous system dys...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the discomfort you described, it may be necessary to consider the possibility of pregnancy. Additionally, you might want to consult a doctor to check thyroid function and arrange for an endoscopy.[Read More] Understanding Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Throat Irritation and Coughing Concerns
COVID-19 diagnosis, experiencing a tickling sensation in the throat that triggers the urge to cough? Hello, doctor. I kindly request your guidance. Thank you. After my diagnosis, my throat has been persistently dry and itchy. Although it’s not severe enough to cause constant coug...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: After a COVID-19 infection, it is quite common to experience a persistent cough, which may last for several weeks to months. The primary concern is potential lung issues. It is recommended that you visit a family medicine or pulmonary medicine specialist for a chest X-ray....[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Persistent Throat Irritation and Coughing Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Hardness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Inquiry Consultation Hello Dr. Lin, While I was taking a shower, I noticed a slight discomfort in my abdomen, so I used my hand to lift my belly for cleaning. I felt a "lump" (or "patch") that is slightly hard about one centimeter below my navel. It’s not ext...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If you notice that a protrusion below your navel becomes hard when you exert your abdominal muscles, it suggests that this protrusion may be related to the abdominal wall muscles. The cause of the protrusion could be associated with the tissue and organs within the laye...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Hardness: When to Seek Medical Advice
Rapid Heartbeat and Nausea: Understanding Common Family Medicine Symptoms
Rapid heartbeat. Nausea and the urge to vomit? I sometimes experience sleep issues, but last night I slept well due to exhaustion. This morning, I felt okay, but suddenly during breakfast, I felt nauseous and had the urge to vomit, along with a rapid heartbeat and slight cold swe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description, your discomfort seems to be related to transient hypotension. There are many potential causes for transient hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension, dehydration, food or medication effects, anemia, endocrine disorders, and heart diseases, ...[Read More] Rapid Heartbeat and Nausea: Understanding Common Family Medicine Symptoms
How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive Outside the Body?
The survival time of the rabies virus outside the host? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask how long the rabies virus can survive at room temperature (such as 29 degrees Celsius) or in the air? Can the virus survive in water? Is it possible to wash away the virus with just water? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The rabies virus survives in air and water for only a few hours. 2. Rinsing with clean water can wash away the virus, but if the infection occurs through a wound, the virus may have already entered the body, making the effectiveness of rinsing less ideal. 3. Rabies is p...[Read More] How Long Can Rabies Virus Survive Outside the Body?
Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Taking Fish Oil? Understanding Side Effects
Health supplements Doctor, why do I experience dizziness and a feeling of sinking whenever I take fish oil? I've switched brands three times and still have the same issue. Am I not suitable for fish oil, or can fish oil also have side effects?
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The components in "fish oil" are Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort and an increased risk of bleeding. The components in "cod liver oil" are vitamin A and vitamin D. The side effec...[Read More] Why Do I Feel Dizzy After Taking Fish Oil? Understanding Side Effects
Understanding Anemia: Differentiating Iron Deficiency from Thalassemia
Anemia issues Hello, doctor. I had a physical examination today, and my hemoglobin level is 12.7 g/dL, and my mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 68.5 fL, both of which are highlighted in red. The other results are in blue. I would like to know how to determine whether I have iron d...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The most accurate way to diagnose iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia is through a blood test. Additionally, you may inquire whether any family members also have a history of anemia. If you are concerned about bleeding, and considering you have gastrointestinal discomfo...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Differentiating Iron Deficiency from Thalassemia
Understanding Heat Exhaustion Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Suspected heat exhaustion? Hello Doctor: For the past two to three days, I have been feeling a lot of heat in my head, neck, and back, along with tightness in my neck and headaches. My body temperature has been around 37.5°C, and I have been experiencing fatigue, but I do not hav...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Heat exhaustion is defined as a condition that occurs after engaging in strenuous work or activities in a hot environment, leading to excessive sweating, dehydration, and an imbalance of electrolytes, resulting in mild shock symptoms. If you are not in such an environme...[Read More] Understanding Heat Exhaustion Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding Post-COVID Fatigue: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Generalized weakness and fatigue? Hello, doctor! I was diagnosed in June and isolated at home for seven days. After recovering, I returned to work normally, but about half a month later, I started to feel noticeably fatigued, dizzy, and generally unwell. (I had a platelet count o...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the information you provided regarding your fatigue, several possibilities should be considered: 1. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC): This may persist for 1-3 months, or even up to six months, but it should gradually improve. 2. Anemia: You have ...[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID Fatigue: Symptoms and Possible Causes
Understanding Umbilical Skin Issues and Their Possible Connection to Diarrhea
Umbilical dermatitis Hello Doctor, I have two questions I would like to ask: 1. A few days ago, I noticed a patch of broken skin next to my navel, and the navel itself appears red, swollen, and peeling, with a slight aching sensation. I went to the pharmacy to ask the pharmac...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The ingredients in the Yuan Chao Shuyi Skin Ointment include antifungals, steroids, and antibiotics, which should be effective for general epidermal infections. However, if the infection around your navel has penetrated deeper into the tissue, you may need to seek medic...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Skin Issues and Their Possible Connection to Diarrhea
Post-Car Accident Pain: Which Specialist Should You See?
Car accident injuries? A few weeks ago, I was injured in a car accident and had X-rays and a CT scan, both of which showed no issues. However, the inner thigh near the groin still hurts a lot. It hurts when I sleep on my side or lie flat, and I walk with a limp. Which specialty s...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, there may be concerns regarding issues with the pelvis or hip joint. It is recommended that you consult an orthopedic specialist.[Read More] Post-Car Accident Pain: Which Specialist Should You See?