Is Annual Flu Vaccination Necessary for Your Health?
Is it necessary to get the flu vaccine every year? Hello, Doctor: My boyfriend is 36 years old and works as an engineer in a tech company. The company offers a benefit where a limited number of employees can register each year for a free flu vaccine (Fluarix Tetra). He has been t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Vaccines do not work by using disease to combat disease; rather, they stimulate the body to develop immunity against pathogens, thereby reducing the risk of infection and preventing severe illness following infection. 2. The influenza vaccine has been administered for o...[Read More] Is Annual Flu Vaccination Necessary for Your Health?
Is Annual Flu Vaccination Necessary for Your Health?
Is it necessary to get the flu vaccine every year? Hello Doctor: My boyfriend is 36 years old and works as an engineer in a tech company. The company offers a benefit where employees can register for a limited number of free flu vaccinations (Fluarix Tetra) each year. He has been...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Vaccines do not work by using a "like cures like" approach; instead, they stimulate the body to develop immunity against pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and preventing severe illness following an infection. 2. The influenza vaccine has been administe...[Read More] Is Annual Flu Vaccination Necessary for Your Health?
Do You Need to Clean After Getting a Manicure Before Touching Baby Items?
The effects of nail art? Hello doctor, may I ask if when getting a manicure, should I clean or be cautious before touching any baby items? Or is there any additional cleaning I should do? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended to discuss this with the nail technician regarding the ingredients in the nail products, whether any components may leach from the nails, and the cleanliness of the nails, among other concerns. If you have any doubts, it is advisable to wash your hands wi...[Read More] Do You Need to Clean After Getting a Manicure Before Touching Baby Items?
Concerns About Disease Transmission After a Possible Needle Incident
Infectious diseases Hello Dr. Lin, I am currently in Vietnam with my family. Just now, while having dinner, I encountered a man who appeared to be Korean, accompanied by a woman. For some reason, he seemed to bump into my left chest as he walked by. At that moment, I thought he w...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally, there is a difference between the sensation of being pricked and being bumped, unless it is a very fine needle. Additionally, there are no obvious puncture wounds or marks on your chest, and typically, needles are handled with hands, so it is more likely that it...[Read More] Concerns About Disease Transmission After a Possible Needle Incident
Do Nail Treatments Affect Baby Care? Essential Hygiene Tips
The effects of nail art? Hello doctor, may I ask if when getting a manicure, should I clean or be cautious before touching any baby items? Or is there any additional cleaning I should do? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended to discuss this with the nail technician regarding the ingredients used in nail products, whether any components may leach from the nails, and nail hygiene, among other concerns. If you have any doubts, it is advisable to wash your hands with soap and wat...[Read More] Do Nail Treatments Affect Baby Care? Essential Hygiene Tips
Vaccine Concerns: Nail Growth Issues After COVID-19 Shots
Vaccine administration After receiving the first two doses of the AZ vaccine and the third dose of the BNT vaccine in January last year, I experienced interrupted nail growth on both big toes, followed by the appearance of Beau's lines. By November last year, the nails had n...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally, vaccination does not significantly affect nail growth or cause Beau's lines. It is advisable for you to seek medical evaluation to check for any infectious diseases, cardiovascular issues, malnutrition, or other conditions that may impact nail growth. If no...[Read More] Vaccine Concerns: Nail Growth Issues After COVID-19 Shots
Flu Vaccine Concerns and Common Health Issues Explained
Vaccine issues and other health concerns? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. If I currently have some allergy symptoms (runny nose) and mild cold symptoms, is it safe to receive the flu vaccine? 2. Recently, I suddenly noticed that the veins on the top of m...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If there is no fever and only allergy and mild cold symptoms, it is still possible to receive the influenza vaccine. 2. The visible blue veins in the hands are actually venous blood vessels. Common reasons for their prominence include: thin subcutaneous fat (due to agin...[Read More] Flu Vaccine Concerns and Common Health Issues Explained
Overcoming Chronic Pain and Anxiety: A Path to Normal Life
Long-term pain in the hands, feet, waist, and neck, along with anxiety and psychosomatic issues, how can one return to a normal life? Hello doctor, I have been suffering from various ailments for 5 years and have not worked for 3 years. It started with numbness in my left leg due...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Here are some personal suggestions regarding the issues you raised: 1. Anxiety disorder + hypochondriasis + autonomic nervous system dysregulation with palpitations + left-sided headache and numbness: - It is recommended to continue taking psychiatric medications to alle...[Read More] Overcoming Chronic Pain and Anxiety: A Path to Normal Life
Is It Safe to Get a Tetanus Booster with a DTaP Vaccine?
Is there any issue with repeated administration of the tetanus vaccine? Because my baby is about to be born, I plan to schedule a vaccination for whooping cough to ensure the baby's health. After inquiring at nearby clinics, I found that only the Tdap vaccine (which includes...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Currently, there is no standalone pertussis vaccine available in Taiwan, so only the combination vaccine can be administered. To protect newborns from pertussis infection, it is still recommended to receive the combination vaccine. Additionally, the likelihood of experienc...[Read More] Is It Safe to Get a Tetanus Booster with a DTaP Vaccine?
Do You Need Special Cleaning After Sharing a Washing Machine?
Is special cleansing or makeup removal necessary? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask if clothes washed in a shared washing machine with someone who wears makeup can be cleaned properly. Is any additional cleaning necessary? Furthermore, since I am unsure if items or corners may ha...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. Generally, washing machines should not leave any residue of cosmetics after washing, but the cleaning effectiveness may vary among different brands and types of washing machines. If there are concerns, it is advisable to wash the clothes again. 2. If there is a concern ...[Read More] Do You Need Special Cleaning After Sharing a Washing Machine?
Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Rabies issues I would like to ask the doctor, a few days ago, I was scratched by a stray cat in Ita Thao, Sun Moon Lake. The wound is about 0.5 cm and bled slightly. That same night, I received a tetanus shot. After observing the cat for the past few days, it seems to show no sig...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Although Taiwan is currently classified as a rabies-endemic area, the primary animals affected are wild ferrets and civets found in the central, southern, and eastern regions. Stray cats are not commonly known to contract rabies, and since you observed that the stray cat t...[Read More] Rabies Risk After Cat Scratch: Should You Get Vaccinated?
Do I Need More COVID Vaccines After My Previous Doses?
Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask, I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BNT) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BNT) on March 1, 2022. I would like to know if I need to get v...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Due to the continuous mutations of the COVID-19 virus, new vaccines are being developed to address the emerging variants. Typically, these new vaccines are expected to provide better protection against the currently circulating strains of the COVID-19 virus compared to old...[Read More] Do I Need More COVID Vaccines After My Previous Doses?
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Persistent low-grade fever that won't subside? I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for a week now. My temperature in the morning before work is 37.2°C, but it rises to 37.7°C after I start working, with a maximum recorded temperature of 37.9°C. In the evening, it drop...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you have a persistent low-grade fever for a week, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause. Based on the symptoms you described, it is more likely to be an infection (such as viral or bacterial). Psychogenic issues are generally considered only ...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Can I Take Hiros Capsules on an Empty Stomach Before Bed?
Medication consultation I would like to ask if "Yongsheng" Hiros extended-release micro-particle capsules can be taken on an empty stomach before bedtime, or should they only be taken after meals? Will taking them on an empty stomach harm the stomach? Additionally, I wo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: "Yongsheng" Xi Luo extended-release micro-particle capsules contain two active ingredients: Cetirizine and Pseudoephedrine. - Cetirizine is an antihistamine primarily used to relieve runny nose. Possible side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth...[Read More] Can I Take Hiros Capsules on an Empty Stomach Before Bed?
Does Cardiovascular Medication Increase Heat Stroke Risk?
Does taking cardiovascular medications increase the risk of heat stroke? Hello Dr. Lin, in 2015, I was diagnosed with left coronary artery atherosclerosis. In 2020, due to atrial fibrillation, I underwent two catheter ablation procedures. Since then, I have been taking five medic...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. The medications you are taking that are more likely to cause discomfort in your body include: - Isosorbide Dinitrate: Its primary function is vasodilation, and it may cause side effects such as dizziness, palpitations, and hypotension, among others. - Propafeno...[Read More] Does Cardiovascular Medication Increase Heat Stroke Risk?
Understanding Weight Fluctuations: Diet, Hydration, and Exercise Impact
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation? Hello doctor, today I weighed myself and my weight has increased to 91.7 kg. I would like to ask if this could be due to factors such as diet, hydration, and exercise? Thank you for your response.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Body weight can fluctuate frequently due to factors such as diet, water intake, sweating, and bowel and urinary movements. Therefore, it is recommended to measure your weight at a consistent time each day for comparison. The time that is usually least affected by other fac...[Read More] Understanding Weight Fluctuations: Diet, Hydration, and Exercise Impact
Can Bats Leave Rabies Virus on Clothing? Understanding the Risks
Rabies Issues Hello Doctor, I am Mark, who previously inquired about <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/199351">#199351</a>. I forgot to ask a question: on August 6th, a bat entered my room, and there were socks in the room. Although I did not see the bat l...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Theoretically, if you are not scratched or bitten by a bat, the likelihood of contracting rabies is low.[Read More] Can Bats Leave Rabies Virus on Clothing? Understanding the Risks
Is Your Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Changes
Weight loss Hello Doctor, on August 25th, I weighed 92.8 kg (on the fourth day of my menstrual period). On August 28th, my weight was 91.5 kg (on the seventh day of my menstrual period), and today, August 29th, my weight is 90.9 kg. I have recently been controlling my diet (eatin...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The typical rate of weight loss for individuals with a normal weight is about 0.5 to 1 kilogram per week. Based on your description, a loss of 1.9 kilograms in just four days is somewhat excessive. However, it is more common to see such fluctuations due to exercise and deh...[Read More] Is Your Weight Loss Normal? Understanding Healthy Weight Changes
Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Inquire about wrist pain symptoms? Hello, I would like to inquire about experiencing intermittent hand pain over the past few years. The intensity of the pain varies each time, usually presenting as pain or soreness, without any numbness. The pain starts at the wrist and sometime...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your hand pain may be due to carpal tunnel syndrome. It is recommended that you visit a rehabilitation department, either at a hospital or a clinic.[Read More] Understanding Wrist Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Does Rinsing Medication with Water Affect Its Effectiveness?
The efficacy of medications washed with water? Hello doctor, I have been taking Genvoya and accidentally dropped it on the floor. I rinsed it with water; will this affect the medication's efficacy? Thank you for your response!
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The medication Biktarvy you are taking has a film-coated tablet, so rinsing it with water should not affect the efficacy of the active ingredients.[Read More] Does Rinsing Medication with Water Affect Its Effectiveness?