Infection, Family Medicine FAQ

Concerns After Massage: Joint Sounds, Skin Reactions, and Health Risks

Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my first massage today. It was at a regular establishment, but I am currently in Vietnam. During the massage, I sometimes heard a cracking sound from my bones; does that indicate any joint issues? Additionally, for...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: [Feeling a popping sound in the bones during massage]: This may be the sound produced by the movement of ligaments colliding and rubbing against the bones. [What bloodborne diseases can be transmitted through massage?]: The premise for bloodborne diseases is the pr...

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:
Hello: 1. Vaccines do not work by using the virus against itself; rather, they stimulate the body to develop immunity against pathogens, reducing the risk of infection and preventing severe illness following infection. 2. The influenza vaccine has been administered for over a dec...

Understanding Menstrual-Related Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Help

Menstrual cramps may cause lower back pain, but it's uncertain if they are directly related? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right lower back for about three days. Since it coincides with my menstrual period, I initially thought it was just the usual menstr...

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Given your age and the description of your lower back pain accompanied by discomfort in your thigh, the following issues should be considered: 1. Herniated Disc: This typically worsens with sitting and bending forward, while lying down or lying flat may relieve the pain. I...

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:
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...

Is Annual Flu Vaccination Necessary for Your Health?

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
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...

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:
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...

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:
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...

Understanding Digestive Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice

Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I felt some discomfort in my abdomen while having a bowel movement. At first, it was formed, but then it became somewhat watery. I tried to push to clear it out, but later some sticky, mucus-like substance came out (and the stool was a bit ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Niko: 1. Stool is a mixture of undigested food remnants, digestive juices, and secretions that remain after the digestion and absorption of food through the gastrointestinal tract. Approximately 1,500 c.c. of chyme, which is a semi-liquid substance digested by digestive...

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:
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 ...

Can Shower Water Inhalation Lead to Amoebic Infection Risks?

Accidentally inhaling tap water while showering? Hello doctor, recently while taking a shower at home, I accidentally tilted my head back and inhaled tap water. I've been hearing a lot about amoebic parasites lately. Could you please tell me if inhaling tap water while showe...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, water treatment plants in Taiwan commonly add chlorine gas to disinfect and kill pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and amoebic protozoa. Therefore, using tap water generally does not pose a risk of amoebic protozoan infection, unless contaminated water source...

Can You Catch Hepatitis or Other Diseases from Saliva?

Salivary transmission I would like to ask if using a cup that has been licked by a stranger's preschool child could lead to the transmission of hepatitis or other diseases spread through saliva. I'm really worried.

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Diseases that can be transmitted through saliva typically fall under fecal-oral transmission or droplet transmission. The risk of infection through mere contact is low. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with the eyes, mouth, and nose.

Can Monkeypox Be Transmitted Through Small Skin Cuts?

Transmission of monkeypox through skin lesions? Hello doctor, could you please tell me about the transmission routes of monkeypox? Today, I cut my hand with a utility knife while unpacking a package at a convenience store. The cut is about 1 centimeter long and only has a little ...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! This should not be contagious, provided that there are no secretions from an infected person. If you have any concerns, please consult an infectious disease specialist.

Understanding Shingles: Symptoms, Triggers, and Arginine Intake

Shingles Previously, I was physically exhausted and underwent a blood test, which revealed that I had shingles. Later, I learned that I had chickenpox as a child; however, I have never experienced symptoms related to shingles, such as a rash. I do occasionally have brief episodes...

Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! A blood test can only confirm if you have had chickenpox. Chickenpox and shingles are diseases caused by the same virus; the initial infection is called chickenpox, and after that, the virus remains dormant in the body. When the immune system is compromised, it can reactiv...

Can Using Tap Water for Nasal Irrigation Lead to Brain-Eating Amoeba Infection?

Regarding the use of tap water for nasal irrigation, is there a risk of infection from Naegleria fowleri? Hello, doctor. I recently saw news reports about cases of amoebic infections, and I have a question. Last week, I had a cold and experienced nasal congestion, so I rinsed my ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ah Wei: 1. The so-called primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) caused by Naegleria fowleri refers to an infection that occurs when a person immerses their nose or head in water contaminated with this amoeba. The organism enters through the nasal passages and invades...

Rabies Concerns: What to Do After a Stray Cat Scratch

Rabies Issues Hello, doctor. There is a stray cat that was drooling, meowing loudly, and acting erratically yesterday, unable to stay still and moving around a lot. Today, it hasn't shown up at all (it used to come out on time for meals and was never aggressive). While obser...

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Symptoms of rabies infection in cats include agitation, excessive salivation, photophobia, and hiding in dark places, among others. Typically, symptoms appear 2 to 4 days before the onset of paralysis and death. Although your stray cat exhibits similar symptoms, rabie...

Understanding Urinalysis Results: When to Consult a Specialist

Urinalysis Hello, during a recent routine check-up, several urine test results were found to be above the normal range: - Leukocytes: (++), 100/uL - Occult Blood: (++), 50/uL - RBC: 6-9 HPF (reference value: 0-5) - WBC: 20-29 HPF (reference value: 0-5) - Crystals: Ammonium urat...

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The results of your urine test do suggest a possible urinary tract infection; however, since you do not have symptoms such as fever, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, or back pain, it is advisable to increase your fluid intake rather than immediately resorting to an...

Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?

Rabies issues Hello Doctor, 1. A few weeks ago, I discovered a large amount of bat droppings on the rooftop of my house. My father and I cleaned it up, but my father’s forearm came into contact with a small amount of the droppings. Should he get a rabies vaccine in this case? ...

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through wounds caused by the bites and scratches of infected animals, and it is not commonly spread through feces. Currently, Taiwan is considered a rabies-endemic area, but the main animals affected are wild ferrets and civets ...

Post-Illness Fatigue in an 83-Year-Old with Heart Issues: What to Know

An 83-year-old mother has recovered from a cold but is experiencing generalized weakness. She has a history of hypertension and has undergone stent placement in her heart? Dear Dr. Tsai, Hello. My mother is 83 years old and has hypertension, with a stent placed in her heart. She...

Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: 1. Patients with heart failure may experience fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath while walking, and palpitations. If they also have cold sweats and pale complexion, it is essential to go to the emergency room (myocardial infarction). 2. Cold symptoms can also cause ...

Can You Wash Kids' Clothes After Bathroom Accidents?

Clothing washing issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a situation where a child accidentally touches the toilet or a dirty corner of the environment after using the restroom. Regarding the handling of the clothing, can it be directly thrown into the washing machine? Wi...

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: When it comes to cleaning dirt and stains, factors such as the level of soiling, the washing machine's capabilities, and the effectiveness of laundry detergents should be considered. Additionally, if there is a concern about bacterial infection on the clothing, it is ...

Can You Wash Kids' Clothes After Bathroom Accidents?

Clothing washing issues? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about a situation where a child accidentally touches the toilet or a dirty corner after using the restroom. Regarding the handling of the clothing, can it be directly thrown into the washing machine? Will the washing mach...

Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: When it comes to cleaning dirty laundry, factors such as the level of soiling, the washing machine's capabilities, and the effectiveness of the laundry detergent should be considered. Additionally, if there is a concern about bacterial infection in the clothing, it is...

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