Common cold, Family Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue After a Common Cold: When to Seek Help

Cold, dizziness, and general weakness? I initially thought I had contracted influenza A from my family, but after visiting the clinic, the doctor diagnosed me with a common cold. My symptoms included fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, and nausea. However, on the fifth day of t...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, since you have already had a fever reduction, it indicates that the infection is likely improving. However, the residual discomfort from the infection may still persist. At this time, it is advisable to refrain from exercising, as the lack of app...

[Read More] Understanding Dizziness and Fatigue After a Common Cold: When to Seek Help


Unexpected Cold Symptoms: Understanding Causes and Concerns

Catching a cold for no apparent reason? One morning I woke up with a sudden sore throat, and shortly after, I developed a fever. Initially, I tested for COVID-19 at home, but the result was negative. Later, I went to the hospital to test for influenza A, which also came back nega...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
The incubation period for the common cold virus is approximately 1 to 3 days, typically starting with a sore throat, followed by the potential development of other symptoms. If there are any concerns, you may visit a family medicine or general internal medicine clinic for evaluat...

[Read More] Unexpected Cold Symptoms: Understanding Causes and Concerns


Consulting About Drug Interactions: Ergot Alkaloids and Cold Medications

Medication consultation This week, I used ergotamine as a uterine contraction agent, but today I have nasal congestion, cough, and runny nose. I would like to know if taking common cold medications like Tylenol or Theraflu will interact with ergotamine. If I go to see a doctor, s...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It interacts with cardiovascular medications and should be avoided in combination with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors. It should also not be taken with grapefruit juice. You may refer to "Indications, Ingredients, Dosage, Side Effects of ERGONOVINE - KingNet National Networ...

[Read More] Consulting About Drug Interactions: Ergot Alkaloids and Cold Medications


Persistent Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: When to Seek Medical Help?

Persistent fever due to COVID-19? I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling unwell. This morning, I suddenly developed a fever. I had tested negative yesterday, so I thought it was just a common cold and went to see a doctor, where I received medication. However, when I got...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! COVID-19 fever may last approximately 3-4 days, and treatment is primarily symptomatic. If there are high-risk factors, please seek medical attention promptly for antiviral medication. Monitor your respiratory status, and if you experience wheezing or worsening symptoms, i...

[Read More] Persistent Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: When to Seek Medical Help?


Choking on Food: Understanding Coughing, Phlegm, and Chest Discomfort

Choking with excessive phlegm? Hello, doctor. A couple of days ago (on May 24), while eating a hamburger and drinking milk tea, I was talking to a colleague and accidentally choked. I felt embarrassed to cough it out, so I swallowed hard and then went to the restroom to cough for...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing throat inflammation and hoarseness due to the process. The inhalation cough may indicate that a small foreign body has entered the respiratory tract, and the ability of the respiratory system to handle the...

[Read More] Choking on Food: Understanding Coughing, Phlegm, and Chest Discomfort


Understanding Multiple Pains: Chest, Head, and Back Discomfort Explained

Multiple areas of pain for three days? Two days ago, I experienced chest pain (located in the middle, slightly to the left). Although the pain has subsided, I noticed small raised bumps above the previous pain area (which are not itchy). Subsequently, I began to feel pain in the ...


Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello, Miss: I believe that your widespread pain throughout your body should first consider the possibility of a viral infection. Given the current season, the likelihood of influenza virus infection should be taken into account, and if there is a history of exposure to COVID-19,...

[Read More] Understanding Multiple Pains: Chest, Head, and Back Discomfort Explained


Understanding Your Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?

Physical issues Hello, Doctor Yeh. Let me describe my physical condition: I remember taking a cold shower on April 24th, and the next afternoon (April 25th), I started experiencing headaches, body aches, and then developed a fever in the evening. Strangely, by the next day (April...


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Based on your description, it may be an acute respiratory infection, but I cannot provide a diagnosis. I recommend that you monitor your symptoms, and if they persist, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.

[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Is It Just a Cold or Something More?


Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings

Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. Last week I had a bit of a cold and went to see an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication. The doctor said my lungs sounded fine, but I sometimes have a sore throat along with phlegm and nasal discharge, so I was...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ning Ning: 1. The Wuhan pneumonia virus (COVID-19 virus) belongs to the second type of coronavirus (also known as β-coronavirus); it is an enveloped RNA virus with a large genome (26-32 kb) and is classified as a zoonotic virus. Currently, the primary transmission rout...

[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings


Do Cold Medications Really Help? Understanding Home Remedies and Recovery

Do you need to take medication to recover from a cold? 1. My family keeps telling me that I need to take medicine for a cold to get better. Is that really true? 2. Isn't it true that the internet says there are no specific medications for a cold and that it will resolve na...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Liao: 1. Is it true that my family insists I need to take medication to recover from a cold? The common cold is caused by viruses such as the parainfluenza virus and rhinovirus, leading to respiratory symptoms, fatigue, and fever. Most cases resolve naturally within 3 t...

[Read More] Do Cold Medications Really Help? Understanding Home Remedies and Recovery


Could Your Symptoms Indicate HIV Infection? Understanding the Risks

Could the presence of various symptoms in the body indicate HIV? Hello, Doctor. I apologize for the late inquiry, but I hope to receive your assistance. About two months ago, in early July (on July 1 and 2), I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior (unprotected) with my girlfriend....


Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Regarding your issue, I recommend that you visit the Infectious Disease and Dermatology clinics. If you suspect an infection, you can also go to an anonymous testing site for examination. I hope this helps, and I wish you a speedy recovery!

[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate HIV Infection? Understanding the Risks


Concerns After Drinking Unsealed Milk: Health Risks and Next Steps

Ingesting an unknown beverage? Hello: On March 16, I bought a one-liter carton of milk from a convenience store. When I drank it on March 19, I noticed there was no plastic pull tab, and the contents were about three-quarters full. I thought a family member had already opened it,...


Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
Many foodborne illnesses are self-limiting, with an incubation period typically within one week, and most do not result in chronic infections or carriers. Generally, when dining with others, the risk of infectious diseases is minimal. If milk has been opened, it is important to c...

[Read More] Concerns After Drinking Unsealed Milk: Health Risks and Next Steps


Post-Influenza Care: When to See a Doctor After Type B Flu

Post-treatment for Influenza B Hello doctor, my wife tested positive for influenza B with a rapid test. After taking medication, her fever has subsided, but now she is experiencing throat discomfort and persistent coughing. I would like to ask which specialty we should see after ...


Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, Akai user: If your symptoms do not improve after taking the medication, you may visit a family medicine physician for further evaluation to check for any other changes.

[Read More] Post-Influenza Care: When to See a Doctor After Type B Flu


Is It a Cold or Flu? Understanding Your Symptoms

Is it a cold? Hello, doctor. I woke up today feeling a sensation of something stuck in my throat... (I've had nasal congestion since January). I asked my family to take a look, and my tonsils are red, which looks like inflammation. Later, I started to develop a fever. Are th...


Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, it is still recommended to consult a physician in person to confirm your condition. Changhua Hospital cares about you.

[Read More] Is It a Cold or Flu? Understanding Your Symptoms


Should You Finish Your Cold Medication? Understanding Antibiotic Use

Is it necessary to finish taking cold medicine? Hello, Doctor: I caught a cold yesterday, experiencing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and runny nose. I visited a clinic and after taking a packet of cold medicine, my cold improved. However, I noticed that the prescription i...


Dr. Chen Zonglin Reply:
The common cold is mostly caused by viral infections. Since antibiotics cannot kill viruses, and most individuals with normal immune function tend to recover on their own, treatment primarily focuses on symptom management. Antibiotics are only considered if there is suspicion of ...

[Read More] Should You Finish Your Cold Medication? Understanding Antibiotic Use


Understanding Persistent Body Pain After Fever: A Guide for Patients

The frustrating symptoms make it difficult for me to live normally? A little over a month ago, I experienced a series of sudden fevers. After taking medication, the fever returned a few days later. At that time, I did not see a doctor and instead went to a local pharmacy to get s...


Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is possible that you are experiencing some muscle inflammation as a sequela of a viral infection, such as the common cold. It is recommended that you consult a rehabilitation specialist for a detailed diagnosis and treatment.

[Read More] Understanding Persistent Body Pain After Fever: A Guide for Patients


Distinguishing Between Tuberculosis and Granulomatous Disease

Is it tuberculosis or sarcoidosis? Hello, Doctor. Recently, due to work, I underwent a health check-up, and the X-ray report indicated "suspected bilateral upper lung calcified nodules." Feeling anxious, I searched online for the term "nodules" and discovered ...


Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the chest X-ray shows suspected bilateral upper lung calcified nodules, which typically indicate that there has been a past chronic inflammatory response in that area that has healed, resulting in calcification. Chronic pulmonary inflammation ...

[Read More] Distinguishing Between Tuberculosis and Granulomatous Disease


Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Risks, and Solutions

Leukopenia Hello Doctor: I recently had a physical examination; the results showed a fasting blood glucose level of 109, liver function tests with GOT at 35 and GPT at 51, no Hepatitis B or C, urine with 1+ occult blood, and a white blood cell count of 3.8, which is below the nor...


Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, a slight decrease in white blood cell count may not have clinical significance, as common colds or viral infections can also lead to lower levels. In cases of malignant diseases, the decrease in white blood cells can be significantly below nor...

[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes, Risks, and Solutions


Post-Cold Symptoms: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist?

Post-cold issues? Hello, since mid-October, after my cold symptoms have eased, I have started experiencing chest pain when swallowing. Should I see an otolaryngologist or a pulmonologist for this condition?


Dr. Lai Junlong Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, symptoms related to the common cold can be evaluated by an otolaryngologist or a family medicine physician. Thank you.

[Read More] Post-Cold Symptoms: When to See an ENT or Pulmonologist?


Why Do I Feel Weaker After Getting the Flu Vaccine?

Influenza Issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask why I feel weaker and more susceptible to colds during the week after receiving the flu vaccine. Does this mean that it is not suitable for me to get vaccinated? Thank you!


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: The purpose of receiving the influenza vaccine is to prevent the influenza virus. Common cold viruses are unrelated to it. If you are feeling weak and prone to catching colds, it may simply be due to your overall health condition during that time and is not necessarily rel...

[Read More] Why Do I Feel Weaker After Getting the Flu Vaccine?


Understanding Your Symptoms: When to See a Doctor for Ongoing Issues

Are you feeling unwell? Hello Doctor: Last week I had a cold with a fever, but I only took leftover medication from a previous cold. The fever subsided, and I didn't see a doctor. This week, I first experienced stomach discomfort and pain all day, and then over the next few ...


Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Common colds are typically caused by viral infections, and the purpose of medication prescribed by doctors is to alleviate cold symptoms and the overall discomfort caused by the cold. Sometimes, colds can also be accompanied by gastrointestinal discomfort, including loss o...

[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: When to See a Doctor for Ongoing Issues


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