Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Low-grade fever, chills, weakness, headache? Hello, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for three to four days (body temperature around 37.3-37.5°C). I also have a headache, fatigue, and slight chills. I took a home rapid test for COVID-19 yesterday, which came back negati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, other viral infections, urinary tract infections, irregular lifestyle, high stress, and menstrual periods can all contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, exercise, and have a balanced diet, as well as to drink plenty of...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Does it matter if the test results are obtained more than 24 hours after the needle puncture? During surgery, I was accidentally punctured by a brand new needle, which immediately drew blood. However, my gloves had already come into contact with the patient's blood. Blood wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There is no immunoglobulin available to prevent HIV, but there are oral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications. It is recommended to first inquire verbally or check cloud-based records to see if the patient has any bloodborne infectious diseases. If it is confirmed or...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Understanding Left Side Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Pain in the left lateral rib cage area? Hello, Dr. Hsieh. I apologize for bothering you. Recently, I have been experiencing intermittent pain in the left side of my chest, specifically in the area of the ribs. The pain is more pronounced when I press on it, and it extends from th...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the hospital's pulmonology department for a consultation. First, a chest X-ray should be performed to check for any abnormalities. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Left Side Rib Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Sleep Issues: Concerns for Your Aging Parent's Health
Sleep issues Hello Dr. Hong, I am inquiring on behalf of my mother, who is currently 58 years old and works a regular job from Monday to Friday. I am quite worried that she is overexerting herself. While she doesn't seem to have issues at work, during her off hours, she ofte...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that your mother may have sleep apnea, likely of mild to moderate severity. It is recommended to wait until the pandemic situation stabilizes before scheduling a sleep study at a major hospital's sleep clinic to identify the underlying cau...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues: Concerns for Your Aging Parent's Health
Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Generalized heat sensation? The patient is a young girl with asthma and a history of frequent bronchitis. Her normal body temperature typically ranges from 36 to 36.7 degrees Celsius, not exceeding 37 degrees. However, since early last year, her temperature has been between 37.2 ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely cause seems to be related to your menstrual cycle. I recommend observing whether you experience this reaction during each menstrual period. If so, you may consider consulting a gynecologist. Another possibility is that recent significa...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Understanding HIV Testing: Your Concerns and Results Explained
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse on April 12th, and afterwards I was very worried about the possibility of contracting HIV. Three months later (a few days after July 12th), I conducted a self-test, which came back negative. However, I was stil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there have been no unsafe sexual behaviors after April, your risk of infection should be very low. It is recommended to continue monitoring unless you experience any potential symptoms, in which case further testing would be necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Your Concerns and Results Explained
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Chronic Dermatitis
Vaccination inquiries? Hello Dr. Hong, I visited the dermatologist last week for a follow-up appointment. The doctor said I have chronic eczema and advised me to continue applying the medication. It seems to be improving as I no longer see any flakes. Last time, there was slight ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your provided skin condition, whether it is psoriasis or another diagnosis, it will not affect the administration of vaccines. The choice of vaccine type should also not be impacted, and you can receive the vaccine. The quality of the AZ vaccine is certified by th...[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Chronic Dermatitis
Managing Health Issues: Can I Get the AZ Vaccine with My Conditions?
Health issues I woke up in the morning feeling very sore, so I lay back down thinking I could get up later. After a while, I felt uncomfortable again, with body aches, and I lay down for a bit before finally getting up. I have a history of allergic rhinitis, severe sleep apnea, a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, do you have any other symptoms? For example, fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, etc.? If you do, it may be a sign of a cold or another illness. If not, it could be due to irregular sleep patterns, high stress, or poor posture. These factors should not affect y...[Read More] Managing Health Issues: Can I Get the AZ Vaccine with My Conditions?
Managing Lower Back Pain: Tips Beyond Exercise for Relief
Back problems I have been experiencing soreness in my lower back, which I believe is related to not exercising my back muscles and spending long periods lying in bed. 1. Could it be that the prolonged bed rest and lack of back exercises have led to muscle weakening, resulting in ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, there are many reasons for back pain. It's important to identify the underlying issue before addressing it. I recommend visiting a rehabilitation or orthopedic specialist for an evaluation. After the assessment, further steps can be determined. Thank you for your ques...[Read More] Managing Lower Back Pain: Tips Beyond Exercise for Relief
Heart Palpitations After Moderna Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Palpitations after receiving the Moderna vaccine? I received the Moderna vaccine this morning. On the same day, I experienced only arm soreness and a mild fever. However, at night, while lying flat, I felt a noticeable heartbeat. I measured my heart rate multiple times, and it ra...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the discomfort you described is indeed a common side effect of the Moderna vaccine, typically occurring within 48 hours. Most symptoms improve within this timeframe. If you still feel unwell after 48 hours or experience chest pain, it is advisable to seek medical attention...[Read More] Heart Palpitations After Moderna Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Hypothyroidism Treatment Issues Hello Doctor, I am a patient with hypothyroidism. I have been undergoing treatment for about three years and have been taking thyroid hormone, but there has been little improvement in my lab values or physical condition. Dietary changes and exercis...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Generally speaking, patients with hypothyroidism who regularly take their medication to keep thyroid hormone levels within the normal range are less likely to experience symptoms of hypothyroidism. Based on your description, it is recommended to first consult with an endoc...[Read More] Struggling with Hypothyroidism: Seeking Effective Treatment Solutions
Assessing HIV Risk from Unprotected Oral Sex: A 10-Week Saliva Test
The possibility of contracting HIV through unprotected oral sex? I previously performed oral sex without a condom on my ex-boyfriend, and there was no ejaculation, only exposure to pre-ejaculate fluid. There were no significant bleeding injuries in my mouth. Afterward, I felt ver...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The behavior you described should still be considered unsafe, so there is indeed a possibility of HIV infection, although the risk is relatively low. 2. The saliva test you mentioned is likely one that can be purchased at a pharmacy. The quality of these rapid tests ...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk from Unprotected Oral Sex: A 10-Week Saliva Test
Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Persistent abdominal bloating? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing bloating for the past month. I've seen four or five doctors, and due to accompanying cold symptoms (nasal congestion, itchy throat, etc.), most diagnosed it as a gastroenteritis. While the cold symptom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it does appear to be a cold, which indicates a higher likelihood of an upper respiratory tract infection given the current community situation in Taiwan. It is advisable to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. If the COVID-1...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Dizziness After Late Nights: Causes and Recovery Time
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Thank you for your response, doctor. I went to bed earlier yesterday and felt a bit better, but I still occasionally feel dizzy when using my phone. However, pressing on the back of my neck alleviates the dizziness. I wou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed a matter of the body not being properly adjusted, and the instability you mentioned is certainly a negative reaction to staying up late. It should improve after a few days of regular sleep patterns. These are all normal physiological phenomena. Thank you for y...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness After Late Nights: Causes and Recovery Time
Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Red spots on the feet? Hello Doctor: I have multiple sclerosis (MS), and for the past two months, I have been experiencing red spots on the inner sides of my ankles. They are not painful or itchy, but they recur and tend to spread upward. Sometimes, red spots also appear on the d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The small red spots on your skin may also be due to ruptured blood vessels or vasculitis. A dermatologist should provide you with their preliminary suspected diagnosis. As for the ANA of 160 and RF of 32.8, these are just initial screening indic...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Red Spots on Ankles: Possible Causes and Insights
Understanding Fever Fluctuations and Muscle Pain: Key Insights for Parents
Fever that subsides and then returns? On the morning of June 14, I had a fever with an ear temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius. After taking an over-the-counter medication, my temperature remained between 37.5 and 38 degrees until around 5 PM on June 14, when it dropped to 36.5 d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed important to first be cautious about COVID-19, so I recommend doing another PCR test for confirmation. Additionally, you can also perform a PCR test for influenza. Any respiratory infection, including COVID-19, influenza, or other vi...[Read More] Understanding Fever Fluctuations and Muscle Pain: Key Insights for Parents
Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Family History, and When to Test
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Dr. Hong from Tainan Hospital. I have a family history of lupus erythematosus, with my grandmother, two aunts, and my mother (currently under examination). In the past year, I have suddenly noticed some symptoms appearing, which has made m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the skin manifestations you mentioned are not typical of erythematous lupus. Additionally, if you do not have other symptoms such as joint pain, the likelihood of erythematous lupus is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Symptoms, Family History, and When to Test
Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Numbness in the cheeks, unexplained fever, and heart rate issues? Around 1 AM on June 2, my family member received a notification from the "Taiwan Social Distancing" app indicating possible contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. They went to work in the morning, but in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! It is common to experience palpitations and other discomforting symptoms during a fever. A single negative test result does not definitively confirm that you are negative for the virus. If you still have the same symptoms after 3-4 days (which is now), it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues