Understanding Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Effects
Regarding the progression from mild to moderate symptoms and related sequelae? Hello Dr. Lin, I was infected and confirmed positive for COVID-19 on December 28 of last year due to exposure from a household member. I isolated at home for five days and have since completed my isola...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Although the infection caused by the COVID-19 virus primarily presents with respiratory symptoms, it can actually affect various organs and systems throughout the body, which means gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur. 2. The progression from mild to moderate or sev...[Read More] Understanding Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Effects
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a slightly elevated temperature (37.2-38.2°C) for the past three weeks. I visited a clinic, but my temperature continues to fluctuate. The most noticeable symptoms are drowsiness and headaches. Should I conside...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms of fever, lethargy, and headache may be due to a COVID-19 infection or influenza virus infection. However, since your discomfort has persisted for three weeks, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation to rule out other serious infections or conditions (such...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
How to Access Your Vaccination Records in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Where can I check my vaccination records? Hello, doctor. A few years ago, I received vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis B, and some other vaccines, but today when I used the health passbook feature in the National Health Insurance app, I only found records of the vaccines admini...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The following information is provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare: Individuals or medical institutions can inquire about vaccination records through the following three channels: 1. Since 2014, contracted medical institutions can connect to the "National Imm...[Read More] How to Access Your Vaccination Records in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
Tingling sensations in the left calf and chest? Hello: After being diagnosed with COVID, I noticed that my heart beats very strongly. I have seen a cardiologist, had an electrocardiogram and a Holter monitor, and had blood tests, all of which were reported as normal. Recently, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The sensations of a strong heartbeat, discomfort in your left calf, and chest tightness with stabbing pain may be related to a confirmed COVID-19 infection, specifically long COVID symptoms. Currently, the management of long COVID sequelae primarily focuses on symptom cont...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
Tingling in the left calf and chest? Hello, after being diagnosed with COVID, I noticed that my heart beats very strongly. I have seen a cardiologist who performed an electrocardiogram and monitored my heart rhythm, and after blood tests, the doctor said everything was normal. Re...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The sensations of a strong heartbeat, discomfort in your left calf, and chest tightness with stabbing pain may be related to a confirmed COVID-19 infection, specifically long COVID symptoms. Currently, the management of long COVID sequelae primarily focuses on symptom cont...[Read More] Understanding Leg Pain and Chest Discomfort After COVID-19 Recovery
HPV Nine-Valent Vaccine: Should I Delay the Second Dose After COVID-19?
Regarding the HPV nine-valent vaccine vaccination issues? Hello doctor, I received my first dose of the HPV nine-valent vaccine on October 21, and I plan to receive the second dose on December 21. However, I tested positive for COVID-19 on December 9. Should I postpone the second...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Actually, after the quarantine for COVID-19 is over, if there are no specific discomforts, you can receive the HPV nine-valent vaccine. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it is fine to delay the vaccination; however, the interval between the second and third doses sho...[Read More] HPV Nine-Valent Vaccine: Should I Delay the Second Dose After COVID-19?
Is It COVID-19 or a Cold? Understanding Symptoms in Children
COVID-19 Hello Doctor: My daughter, who is 10 years old, had a fever reaching 39 degrees Celsius (with slight headache) on December 10. On the morning of December 11, a rapid test was negative. After visiting the doctor, she was prescribed medication and her fever subsided, and t...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, with the recent drop in temperature, there has indeed been an increase in cases of respiratory viral infections. The existing home rapid tests for COVID-19 can be used to determine if there is an infection; however, most other pathogens do not have specific tests and are p...[Read More] Is It COVID-19 or a Cold? Understanding Symptoms in Children
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Is it possible to be diagnosed with tonsillitis? Since last Friday (12/9), swallowing saliva has not been painful, but drinking water causes throat pain. On Friday, I looked in the mirror and did not see anything unusual, but starting Saturday, swallowing saliva also became painf...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it is indeed very likely that you have tonsillitis. 2. Since the symptoms of COVID-19 can manifest in various ways, it is possible to have both tonsillitis and a COVID-19 infection simultaneously, so I recommend that you take a rapid test for ...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Guidance
COVID-19 I would like to ask, as a pregnant woman, I am experiencing symptoms such as severe headache, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and occasional wheezing. On the evening of December 4, I took a rapid test at home which showed two very faint lines. After going to the hos...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the antiviral medication course is five days, and it is recommended to complete the treatment. If the quarantine period continues with severe discomfort, please contact your prescribing physician for evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical ...[Read More] COVID-19 in Pregnancy: Managing Symptoms and Treatment Guidance
Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
What is the likelihood of a false positive result for the TPHA test? In January, I donated blood and tested negative. However, in August, I was informed that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In November, I went to the infectious disease department for testing, and the r...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! Syphilis infection typically enters the body through skin and mucosal lesions, but it is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse; sharing bathroom facilities, kissing, hugging, and similar activities in daily life do not pose a risk. According to the self-reported...[Read More] Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
Interpreting COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: Understanding T and C Lines
COVID-19 Rapid Test Determination Hello Doctor: I performed the Taiwan Salt rapid test twice today, and both times the T line appeared first. The C line is present but faint and not very clear, although it takes longer to show. How should I interpret these results? Thank you.
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: I suggest that you let a physician assess the situation on-site. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Interpreting COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: Understanding T and C Lines
Choosing the Right COVID Vaccine Booster: BNT vs. Moderna for Adults
COVID-19 vaccine Hello, doctor. Today the news reported that individuals aged 18 and older who meet the criteria can choose any next-generation vaccine for their booster shot. I have already received three doses: AZ, BNT, and BNT. After seeing this news, I am considering choosing...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The BNT vaccine contains only the "prototype strain mRNA" of the COVID-19 virus, while the Moderna next-generation bivalent vaccine contains both the "prototype strain mRNA" and the "Omicron BA.1 variant RNA." Given the current prevalence of t...[Read More] Choosing the Right COVID Vaccine Booster: BNT vs. Moderna for Adults
Prolonged Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
COVID-19 I started experiencing symptoms on September 13, and tested positive with a rapid test in the early hours of September 15. During the isolation period, I had fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, and gastrointestinal symptoms. It has been over five weeks since I te...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your symptoms may be indicative of "Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection," commonly referred to as Long COVID. Generally, symptoms of COVID-19 infection tend to resolve within a few weeks to a month, but some individuals may experience symptoms that persis...[Read More] Prolonged Cough After COVID-19: Understanding Symptoms and Concerns
Supporting Elderly Recovery: Navigating Health Challenges After Illness
The elderly person was generally healthy but is unable to get up after a serious illness? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask for advice regarding medical management for my grandfather, who is currently 97 years old. Two years ago, he experienced confusion upon waking up and had l...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: 1. In elderly patients with fever and shortness of breath, the primary consideration is infection, especially pneumonia. If there are confirmed cases in the household, it is likely that the grandfather may also be infected (rapid testing at the emergency department may be ...[Read More] Supporting Elderly Recovery: Navigating Health Challenges After Illness
Understanding Body Aches and Restlessness During Sleep: When to Seek Help
Feeling body aches all over while sleeping and constantly tossing and turning? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been experiencing body aches while sleeping, particularly in my lower back, back, and legs. I do fall asleep, but I feel like I'm constantly tossing and turning....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Given your age, the most common causes of generalized body aches are usually due to overwork or intense exercise. If neither of these situations applies, it may be worth considering whether an infection is present, such as influenza or COVID-19, both of which can cause sym...[Read More] Understanding Body Aches and Restlessness During Sleep: When to Seek Help
Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine Since receiving the COVID-19 vaccines, my reactions have varied with each dose. Last year, after the first dose of AstraZeneca (AZ), I experienced swollen tonsils (commonly referred to in Taiwanese as "柱仔") and visited an ENT special...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: It is difficult to determine whether your knee pain is related to the COVID-19 vaccine. You mentioned visiting a rheumatology clinic, where objective examinations revealed synovitis and mild degenerative arthritis. However, the presence of synovitis and mild degenerative a...[Read More] Understanding Joint Pain After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Saliva issues Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask if, after someone speaks and saliva lands on my belongings, wiping it off with a dry tissue and then rinsing my hands with water for about 2 seconds is sufficient for cleanliness. After that, if I rinse my mouth with water, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. For cleaning items, in addition to using dry paper towels, it is recommended to use alcohol or bleach solution if possible. For hand hygiene, besides rinsing with water, it is advisable to use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Diseases transmitted throu...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Concerns About Saliva Exposure While Riding a Motorcycle
Saliva issues and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? 1. There are many people riding bikes without masks on the road now. When I pass by them, I often worry that they might suddenly spit on me, my hair, or my helmet because I am shorter. However, while riding, I can't chec...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The main concern about coming into contact with someone else's saliva is the potential transmission of diseases through respiratory droplets, such as COVID-19, influenza, etc. 2. People who spit while riding a bike are likely to be a minority with poor hygiene habi...[Read More] Concerns About Saliva Exposure While Riding a Motorcycle
Can You Get the HPV Vaccine After Recovering from COVID-19?
Consultation on administering the HPV vaccine after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the HPV vaccination. I was recently diagnosed with COVID-19, but I have completed my isolation. I have not received the HPV vaccine before. Q1: Can I...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: There is no conflict between being diagnosed with COVID-19 and receiving the HPV vaccine. As long as you have completed your isolation and are not experiencing any significant discomfort, you can receive the HPV vaccine at any time. Additionally, there are no time interval...[Read More] Can You Get the HPV Vaccine After Recovering from COVID-19?
Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?
If the symptoms are gradually improving, can I feel more at ease? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with COVID-19 yesterday and have been taking medication for two days. My symptoms have progressed from fever, dry cough, and fatigue yesterday to just a dry cough today. I'm feeli...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Given your age, if you do not have any significant comorbidities or chronic illnesses, and considering that you have been vaccinated, the likelihood of developing severe illness after contracting COVID-19 is relatively low. Additionally, based on the fact that your current...[Read More] Is My Gradual Improvement a Sign of Lower COVID Severity Risk?