How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?
Inquiries about disinfection matters? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the current situation regarding the pandemic. If I have paper items like postcards or books that cannot be wiped down with alcohol, what is the best way to disinfect them? Should I just leave them ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jianhe: 1. When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations: 4 to 5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2 to 8 hours on alum...[Read More] How to Safely Disinfect Paper Items During the Pandemic?
Can I Take 800 IU of Vitamin D with Heart Issues and Low Blood Pressure?
The issue of vitamin pigs? I'm sorry, but I'm not sure if I can take it. I have moderate mitral valve insufficiency, as well as panic disorder, and my blood pressure is low, around 95/55. Can I take 800 IU of vitamin D per day? I've heard it can enhance immunity ag...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your age, the recommended dosage of vitamin D is 600 IU per day. In fact, a daily intake of up to 4000 IU is considered safe. With your current intake of 800 IU of vitamin D per day, theoretically, there should be no side effects. The primary concern with vitamin ...[Read More] Can I Take 800 IU of Vitamin D with Heart Issues and Low Blood Pressure?
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Blood test issues? About two years ago, a medical examination revealed low white blood cell counts. However, in July of last year, all five types of white blood cells were normal. At that time, my family medicine doctor explained that some individuals naturally have lower white b...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin: 1. Leukopenia refers to a decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood; the most common form of leukopenia is neutropenia, while lymphopenia is less common. Common causes of leukopenia include aplastic anemia, megaloblastic anemia, autoimmune diseases,...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: When to Seek Further Evaluation
Understanding COVID-19 Symptoms and Negative Test Results: What to Do Next
COVID-19 Hello, doctor. I have a question to ask you. Currently, my parents, sister-in-law, and niece were diagnosed with COVID-19 seven days ago, and I live with them. About four days ago, I started experiencing symptoms, initially mild sneezing and a runny nose. The rapid test ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, your likelihood of being infected is quite high. As for why both rapid tests came back negative, you may want to consider the following three possibilities: 1. Testing issues: Each test can be affected by variations in the sampling technique, whi...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Symptoms and Negative Test Results: What to Do Next
Concerns After Eating Expired Nuts: Taste Changes and Health Effects
After consuming a 450g can of spoiled black nut granola, I feel that my sense of taste is off and my body seems to be deteriorating? One day, I found a can of nuts that I had purchased a while ago (similar to commercially packaged powdered milk cans) and thought it should be fine...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main concern with accidentally consuming spoiled canned nuts is the risk of bacterial infection, which commonly presents with symptoms such as abdominal pain or diarrhea. However, since you do not have gastrointestinal discomfort and your symptoms of altered taste have...[Read More] Concerns After Eating Expired Nuts: Taste Changes and Health Effects
Can COVID-19 Cause Bruise-Like Marks on the Chest?
Pneumonia issues I would like to ask about whether COVID-19 can cause marks on the chest that resemble those from gua sha. My boyfriend was diagnosed on Monday, and yesterday he noticed light marks on his chest that look similar to gua sha marks. They are not very prominent, but ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Skin manifestations are rare in COVID-19 infections; when they do occur, the most common presentations are rashes or erythema. Of course, the marks on your boyfriend's chest that resemble abrasions are also a possibility. It is advisable to monitor your boyfriend'...[Read More] Can COVID-19 Cause Bruise-Like Marks on the Chest?
Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Left chest tightness and pain? Hello, doctor! I've been experiencing left chest tightness and pain for the past two days. Sometimes the pain is closer to the nipple, but there is no pain on the right side. The tightness persists throughout the day. My menstrual period just e...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Yu, 1. When a clinician addresses the issue of chest pain, the first four critical conditions to rule out are myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, and aortic dissection. If none of these conditions are present, the differential diagnosis shoul...[Read More] Understanding Left Chest Pain: Causes and Concerns for Women
Exposure to COVID-19: Assessing Your Risk After Contact with Positive Cases
Contact with confirmed cases? Doctor, I would like to inquire about my mother who tested positive in a rapid test. I went to the hospital to register and pick up antiviral medication, and I was surrounded by confirmed cases, standing less than two arm lengths away from them for o...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Risk of infection: This can be discussed in terms of factors that lower and increase the risk of infection: - Factors that lower the risk of infection: You are wearing two layers of masks. - Factors that increase the risk of infection: The distance from confir...[Read More] Exposure to COVID-19: Assessing Your Risk After Contact with Positive Cases
Vaccinated but Infected: Understanding Breakthrough Cases After BNT Booster
Just got vaccinated and then contracted the virus? My boyfriend just received his third dose of the BNT vaccine on May 26 (the first two doses were also BNT). He developed a fever on the night of vaccination, and the fever persisted the next day. We thought it was just a normal v...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Although your boyfriend contracted the virus after receiving the third dose of the vaccine, the vaccine is still effective. Both vaccination and infection with COVID-19 stimulate the production of antibodies in the body, and their effects do not cancel each other out. In t...[Read More] Vaccinated but Infected: Understanding Breakthrough Cases After BNT Booster
Vaccinated but Infected: Understanding Breakthrough Cases After BNT Shot
Just got vaccinated and then contracted the virus? My boyfriend just received his third dose of the BNT vaccine on May 26 (the first two doses were also BNT). He developed a fever on the night of vaccination, which persisted into the next day. Initially, we thought it was just a ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Although your boyfriend contracted the virus after receiving the third dose of the vaccine, the vaccine is still effective. Both vaccination and COVID-19 infection stimulate the production of antibodies in the body, and their effects do not cancel each other out. In the fu...[Read More] Vaccinated but Infected: Understanding Breakthrough Cases After BNT Shot
Understanding High WBC and Ketone Levels: What Your Test Results Mean
Ketones and elevated white blood cell (WBC) count? Hello Doctor, here are the results from my blood and urine tests conducted yesterday: - WBC esterase: Trace - Ketone: 4+ (160) - Protein: Trace (15) - Segment: 76 - Creatinine: 0.53 - Lymphocyte: 17.9 - Eosinophil: 0.6 - Basophi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: An elevated white blood cell count typically indicates an infection or inflammation in the body. Given your symptoms of abdominal pain and diarrhea, there may be a concern for gastrointestinal infection or inflammation, as well as potential issues with other intra-abdomina...[Read More] Understanding High WBC and Ketone Levels: What Your Test Results Mean
Understanding Jaw Pain After Oral Sex: Causes and Tests
Lateral facial pain A few days ago, I performed oral sex on my boyfriend without a condom. He has no previous sexual experience, and I didn't have any wounds in my mouth. However, about 8 to 10 hours later, I experienced a mild pain near my left jaw close to the chin. Could ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
You may continue to monitor your condition, and if you experience persistent discomfort, please visit a family medicine clinic. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain After Oral Sex: Causes and Tests
Understanding Discrepancies in COVID-19 PCR Results Among Family Members
Why is it that some family members test positive for COVID-19 via PCR while others test negative? It's truly puzzling whether those who tested negative have recovered from the infection or if they never contracted the virus at all? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to first descri...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry, I will explain it in three aspects: 1. Positive and negative results of rapid tests and PCR: The sensitivity of both tests depends on the viral load and the sampling process (the latter has a lower probability). Additionally, rapid tests may have ...[Read More] Understanding Discrepancies in COVID-19 PCR Results Among Family Members
Understanding High Copper Levels in Urine: What You Need to Know
Elevated copper levels in health check-up? Hello Doctor, I had a health check two weeks ago, and my urine test showed the following results: copper (+++), protein (+-), and white blood cells (+). All other parameters like creatinine and uric acid were normal. What could be the ca...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the elevated ketone levels in your urine test, the most common reason is due to fasting prior to the health examination. Fasting can lead to a decrease in blood glucose levels, causing the body to switch from utilizing glucose to metabolizing fatty acids into ket...[Read More] Understanding High Copper Levels in Urine: What You Need to Know
Understanding Umbilical Skin Issues: When to See a Dermatologist
Umbilical abrasion The umbilical area is broken, with surrounding skin redness. There is a small amount of blood when wiped with a cotton swab. There was pus the day before, but after disinfecting with hydrogen peroxide, there is no more pus, only blood stains. Should I see a der...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding the issue with the skin around your navel, the presence of redness and discharge may indicate cellulitis. The location of the navel is quite unique, and if not properly managed, it could lead to abdominal wall infection or even more serious infections. It is advi...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Skin Issues: When to See a Dermatologist
The Risks of Maggots to Human Health: What You Need to Know
The harm of maggots to the human body? Hello, doctor! As mentioned, I am currently a student and working part-time as a cleaner at school. Yesterday, when I lifted the lid of a trash can, a lot of small insects, likely fruit flies, flew out. I also discovered several maggots on t...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The harm caused by maggots to the body primarily occurs when they burrow into the host's tissues and feed, resulting in severe damage to the host's body tissues. The infected areas typically produce foul-smelling secretions and may become ulcerated, leading to or...[Read More] The Risks of Maggots to Human Health: What You Need to Know
Understanding Head Heaviness: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Head heaviness? Hello, doctor. Recently, for the past 3-5 days, I have been experiencing a heavy feeling in my head, a poor appetite, and occasional muscle twitching in my legs. What should I do to address these issues?
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your discomfort, due to the severe COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended that you take a rapid test for reassurance. If the rapid test is negative, you should consider other infections, electrolyte imbalances, or abnormalities in liver or kidney function. If your ...[Read More] Understanding Head Heaviness: Causes and Solutions for Your Symptoms
Accidentally Swallowed Live Ants: Should You Worry About Parasites?
Accidentally swallowing live ants is unlikely to cause a parasitic infection. Generally, ants do not carry parasites that can infect humans. There is no need to take antiparasitic medication in this case. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, it is advisa...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The little ants you accidentally ingested should be killed by stomach acid, so usually no medication is needed. However, if you are concerned, you can monitor for any abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea over the next few days. If you experience any of these symptoms, you...[Read More] Accidentally Swallowed Live Ants: Should You Worry About Parasites?
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Temperature issues Hello Doctor: My condition started on the 7th of this month, when I felt a sensation of body heat for about four days (I didn't take my temperature, as I have experienced this occasionally before, and it has never been a real fever; just a warm neck, along...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to conserve internal heat, the body red...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Post-Meal Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights
Postprandial diarrhea I have been experiencing diarrhea for over a week. Last week, I visited a doctor who prescribed me anti-diarrheal medication, and there has been some improvement, with diarrhea occurring twice a day now. However, I still feel the urge to have a bowel movemen...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your diarrhea issue, it is indeed important to consider the possibility of a concurrent infection, which is commonly viral or bacterial. If there is blood or mucus in the stool, it is more likely to be a bacterial infection, and I recommend seeking medical attent...[Read More] Post-Meal Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Insights