Concerns About Rabies After Biking Incident with Unknown Animal
Collided with an unidentified creature while riding a bike? Hello Doctor, on the night of April 3, 2023, while riding a bike in the Shulin District of New Taipei City, my left knee collided with an unidentified creature, which I suspected to be a small bat. When I got home, I not...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The discomfort you described is more likely to be caused by contact dermatitis or a skin allergic reaction due to exposure to an unknown organism. Common symptoms of rabies include fever, sore throat, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, cough...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Biking Incident with Unknown Animal
Understanding Monthly Illness in Mothers: Causes and Solutions
The mother falls ill every month for no apparent reason? My mother is fifty years old, 162 cm tall, and weighs 41 kg. About a year ago, she started getting sick once or twice a month, and in recent months, this has become more frequent. Her weight has decreased from approximately...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to make a comprehensive assessment based solely on the text description. It is recommended to take the elderly to a regional hospital or higher-level family medicine clinic for evaluation. After the doctor assesses the patient's condition, they will ar...[Read More] Understanding Monthly Illness in Mothers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Post-Vaccine Injection Site Swelling: When to Seek Help
Swelling at the injection site one month after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I received my fifth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the BA4.5 Moderna next-generation vaccine, on March 10. After the vaccination, I experienced soreness, f...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The redness, swelling, and pain in your arm initially may be a "local injection site reaction" following the administration of the Moderna vaccine. This typically resolves gradually within a week. Based on your description, although the discomfort in your arm has...[Read More] Understanding Post-Vaccine Injection Site Swelling: When to Seek Help
Persistent Low-Grade Fever After COVID-19: Is It a Long-Term Effect?
Since being re-diagnosed at the end of January this year, my body temperature has remained elevated? Hello, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time at the end of January this year, and I tested negative three days later. However, my body temperature has been slightly el...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: It is normal for body temperature to fluctuate after general activities. If your temperature is within the normal range in the morning and you do not have any discomfort, the likelihood of post-COVID syndrome is lower. I suggest you relax and develop a habit of e...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever After COVID-19: Is It a Long-Term Effect?
Understanding High Fever During Colds: When to Use Antipyretics
Whenever I catch a cold, I develop a high fever above 39°C, and I need antipyretics to reduce the fever? Hello Dr. Chen, in the past, I was able to remain active even with a fever of 39 degrees Celsius. Even though I felt very uncomfortable, I would mistakenly think I had recover...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, each person's constitution and medical condition is different. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to visit a family medicine or internal medicine clinic at a regional hospital or higher for evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding High Fever During Colds: When to Use Antipyretics
Managing Norovirus in Children: Safe Use of Suppositories for Fever and Vomiting
Norovirus Hello, Dr. Lin! I would like to ask about my 11-year-old daughter who had a fever and persistent vomiting during the night. We rushed to the clinic in the morning, and the doctor said she was infected with norovirus. We were advised not to give her water initially and t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The pharmacological effects of antipyretic suppositories and antiemetic suppositories are different and they generally do not have significant drug interactions, so there is no need for a specific interval between them. However, since medications typically take about 30...[Read More] Managing Norovirus in Children: Safe Use of Suppositories for Fever and Vomiting
Understanding Urine Changes After Eating Pineapple: What You Need to Know
About urine? Hello, doctor. After eating pineapple yesterday, I had to use the restroom, and afterward, I noticed a faint, pungent smell of pineapple in the bathroom. Three years ago, I had blood tests for liver, kidney, and blood sugar levels, and my doctor said everything was n...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pineapple-like odor in your urine may be caused by ammonia present in the urine, which is commonly associated with factors such as holding in urine, dehydration, or urinary tract infections, among others. Additionally, dietary factors could also be a concern, such as g...[Read More] Understanding Urine Changes After Eating Pineapple: What You Need to Know
Feeling Hot and Tired Without a Fever: Possible Causes Explained
Feeling warm and lethargic, but without a fever? Hello, doctor. Since yesterday morning, I've been feeling a bit warm, but I'm not sweating. I feel somewhat lethargic, but both my ear and forehead temperatures are normal, and my appetite is fine. I usually eat out for a...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, A-Yuan: I'm not sure how to respond.[Read More] Feeling Hot and Tired Without a Fever: Possible Causes Explained
Fever Mimicking Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Fever resembling a cold? Measure palm temperature every 1 to 3 hours, which ranges from 39.3 to 39.5 degrees Celsius; forehead temperature is between 37.3 and 37.9 degrees Celsius; temple temperature ranges from 37.2 to 38.4 degrees Celsius. Rapid test for COVID-19 is negative. R...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yun: If you are experiencing persistent fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and cough, it is important to consider the possibility of infections from pathogens other than COVID-19 and influenza, as well as rare causes. Additionally, rapid testing for COVID-19 can y...[Read More] Fever Mimicking Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Risk of Hantavirus Infection After Contact with Dead Mouse
The transmission rate of hantavirus? Yesterday morning, I had no choice but to park my scooter next to a dead rat. The rat was quite fresh and appeared to have just been crushed, with blood still oozing out. When I finished work at 5 PM, the dead rat seemed to have been moved a f...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Diseases that may be transmitted by rodents include viruses (Hantavirus, Lassa virus, Arenavirus, etc.), bacteria (plague, rat-bite fever, Salmonella, Leptospira, endemic typhus, etc.), and parasites (Toxoplasma, Coccidia, Echinococcus, Amoeba, etc.). If you have come i...[Read More] Risk of Hantavirus Infection After Contact with Dead Mouse
Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Viral Infection: What to Know
Since a certain day when I caught a chill, I have been experiencing a persistent low-grade fever? Since last Tuesday, there has been continuous wind, and starting from Wednesday, I experienced mild throat pain along with a body temperature ranging between 37°C and 37.8°C. The nex...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, there are many possible reasons for an elevated body temperature, with the most common being infections. Other potential causes include inflammatory diseases or tumors. If the high temperature persists, it is advisable to have an evaluation by an infectious disease special...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Viral Infection: What to Know
Exploring the Link Between Fatigue and Vitamin D Deficiency
The association between fatigue and vitamin D deficiency? I have been experiencing fatigue and excessive sleepiness for about 6 to 7 years. I have seen various internal medicine specialists and undergone tests for thyroid function, hormones, etc. I even visited a sleep clinic, an...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Vitamin D deficiency may have the following effects: decreased immune function, anxiety, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, dry skin, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Based on your description of physical discomfort, some of it may indeed be related to vitamin D deficiency. Since...[Read More] Exploring the Link Between Fatigue and Vitamin D Deficiency
Accidental Ingestion of Cooling Spray: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Accidental ingestion of cooling spray? I woke up at 7:30 AM with a bit of a scratchy throat. I usually spray some propolis, but instead, I grabbed the Thai Snake Brand cooling spray and used it four times. Afterward, I rinsed my mouth to remove any residue and drank a large amoun...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main ingredients of cooling sprays are water, alcohol, and plant-based essential oils (such as menthol). Ingesting these substances should not cause symptoms like fever, muscle pain, or dizziness. Your discomfort may not be related to the accidental ingestion of the co...[Read More] Accidental Ingestion of Cooling Spray: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
HIV-related issues In mid-December, I had unprotected intercourse with someone. Since then, I have been monitoring my temperature daily and have not experienced any fever or other acute HIV symptoms. I would like to know if this means that the likelihood of being infected is very...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The incubation period for HIV can range from a few weeks to several years, and the initial symptoms may resemble mild flu-like symptoms. If you are concerned about the possibility of HIV infection, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
Concerns About Mouse-Borne Diseases After Visiting an Internet Cafe
Rodent-borne disease issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, when I was about to leave an internet café, I noticed what seemed to be mouse footprints on the armrest of the chair. During my time there, my clothes and hands came into contact with the armrest, and I also ordered food to e...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The information from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control is as follows: Diseases that can be transmitted by rodents include plague, rat-bite fever, endemic typhus, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, Lyme disease, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, and rickettsial s...[Read More] Concerns About Mouse-Borne Diseases After Visiting an Internet Cafe
Chills Without Fever: Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Symptoms
Feeling cold and shivering without a fever? Hello doctor, in recent years, whenever the weather gets cold, I suddenly feel cold and start shivering at night, to the point where my teeth chatter. This condition can last for over an hour, but I have never had a fever. I usually use...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if an infection has been ruled out, there may be other physical conditions that still need to be evaluated. It is advisable to consult your family physician for assistance, and depending on the situation, they may refer you to other subspecialtie...[Read More] Chills Without Fever: Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Symptoms
Understanding Nosebleeds After Vomiting: Causes and Concerns
There is a slight nosebleed? Hello Doctor: I developed gastroenteritis the day before yesterday, with symptoms of vomiting and fever. While I was vomiting, I had a bit of a runny nose. Today, when I blew my nose, I noticed a little bit of blood on the tissue. It wasn't flowi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The microvasculature in the nose is quite dense, so during winter or dry conditions, the fragile nasal mucosa can easily rupture and bleed due to external forces. Please blow your nose gently, and if bleeding persists, seek treatment from an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Understanding Nosebleeds After Vomiting: Causes and Concerns
Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time. I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection. The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish. The second route is through direct infection via the skin,...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
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