Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Inquiry about influenza and vaccines? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a barbecue with a friend who is currently serving in the military. Towards the end of our conversation, he mentioned that there seemed to be a lot of colds or flu going around. After he returned, he developed s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The incubation period for influenza is typically around 3-5 days. 2. Physicians usually determine whether the symptoms are new or existing, as well as consider your age and any underlying health conditions, to decide whether to prescribe antiviral medications like Ta...[Read More] Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risks of Abrasions: Tetanus and Infection Concerns
Issues related to contusions? Hello, today I went on an overnight trip with my family to hike and stay in a cabin. While waiting for a table at a noodle shop during lunch, a strong wind caused a large umbrella used by a nearby fruit vendor to fall over. I managed to dodge it, but...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the photos, it appears to be a superficial abrasion. Since you have applied medication, the chance of infection should be very low. I recommend continuing to monitor the condition of the wound. You should seek medical attention only if you dev...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Abrasions: Tetanus and Infection Concerns
Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
The issue of the common cold? Hello, Doctor Hong. I visited an ENT specialist yesterday, and the doctor said it was just a cold. However, I would like to ask how long it typically takes for a common cold to resolve with medication. I usually prefer to let it run its course natura...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be a mild cold, which is usually caused by common viral infections. Currently, in Taiwan, most cases are still imported from abroad. If your work does not frequently involve contact with foreigners, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is ...[Read More] Understanding Common Cold Duration and Risks for Family Health
Understanding HIV Exposure Risks: Skin Contact and Mucosal Transmission
HIV exposure 1. If my hand came into contact with an unknown liquid on the back of my hand, and if that liquid contained HIV-infected bodily fluids, would I be at risk of infection if I have a small unnoticed cut on my skin? 2. If my underwear came into contact with HIV, would w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there have been no reported cases of HIV infection resulting from contact between fluids and clothing, so it is unlikely that infection would occur. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Exposure Risks: Skin Contact and Mucosal Transmission
Can Food Particles Get Stuck in Your Throat and Nose?
Can food particles get stuck in the nasopharynx? Hello, doctor. While I was having dinner, I suddenly felt like some rice particles were stuck in my throat and that a little bit had gone into my right nostril. No matter how much I blew my nose, there was no mucus. After a while, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, any foreign object, including food, entering the nasal cavity can cause a severe reaction such as sneezing and a runny nose; these are protective mechanisms of the body. If these symptoms improve and the person feels no discomfort, it is reasonable to assume...[Read More] Can Food Particles Get Stuck in Your Throat and Nose?
Concerns About Mosquitoes: Health Risks and Symptoms Explained
The issue of mosquitoes? Hello, I was called back to my hometown by my family to help with some rituals. I usually stay in the northern part of Taiwan, where there aren't many mosquitoes near my home. However, at my grandmother's house, I didn't notice them during ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, mosquitoes primarily transmit bloodborne diseases through their bites, such as dengue fever. Direct contact does not transmit specific diseases. Therefore, based on your description, unless you are bitten, you should not contract any specific diseases, unless you have an a...[Read More] Concerns About Mosquitoes: Health Risks and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Mild Chest Pain: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
Mild discomfort in the chest area? Hello, Doctor Hong. For the past couple of days, I've been experiencing a slight pain near the upper left side of my chest, which seems to be around the bone area when I touch it. Sometimes, when I move my left arm near the back of my armpi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The symptoms of arrhythmia typically include palpitations, usually felt near the left anterior chest. These symptoms do not worsen with arm elevation, so your condition is likely not arrhythmia. 2. Based on the symptoms you described, the most probable cause is a st...[Read More] Understanding Mild Chest Pain: Should You Worry About Heart Issues?
Unexplained Right Side Discomfort: Muscle Strain or Appendicitis?
Strange sensation in the right side of the waist? Doctor, when I try to sit up in bed, I suddenly feel a twitching sensation on my right side of the waist. It doesn't really hurt, but now I have a bit of soreness from the right side of my waist to the back. Could this just b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, appendicitis typically causes pain in the lower right abdomen, and it can be painful even when lying flat. It is often accompanied by feelings of nausea. Based on your description, it does not seem to be another possibility, which is a urinary tract infection combined with...[Read More] Unexplained Right Side Discomfort: Muscle Strain or Appendicitis?
Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Waking up with a clear mind but unable to control the body, and always feeling very fatigued upon waking? Hello, doctor. This issue has been intermittently bothering me for several years. I am in my twenties, and it started when I was preparing for university in high school. Some...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you described is a type of sleep disorder, which is quite common among people in Taiwan. There are many potential causes, including irregular sleep patterns, stress, and airway obstruction. It is recommended that you consult a sleep medicine clinic, where a s...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Ask the doctor some questions? Hello doctor, my health check report shows an ALT level of 45, and it seems my lymphocytes are elevated at around 60, while other values are slightly low and abnormal, prompting the recommendation to see a hematologist. At that time, the doctor aske...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description of general discomfort along with elevated liver enzymes and increased lymphocytes, it is indeed more likely to be a viral infection. However, the viruses referred to here are common viruses, such as respiratory viruses, commonly known as &quo...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: What Elevated ALT and Lymphocytes Mean
Fasting Blood Tests: Do You Really Need to Avoid Water?
Blood test? Hello, Dr. Hong. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask if, when doing a 12-hour fasting blood test that includes cholesterol testing, I should avoid drinking any water at all for the full 12 hours. Previously, there was a nurse who told me that because I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There are two situations regarding fasting. The first situation is when undergoing a CT scan or surgery, where fasting means that no food or even water can be consumed to prevent the risk of vomiting during the procedure. The second situation is for blood tests, such ...[Read More] Fasting Blood Tests: Do You Really Need to Avoid Water?
Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Issues in Infectious Disease Prevention Hello Dr. Hong, today and tomorrow I have a day off and I'm accompanying my boyfriend to have dinner and go shopping with his mother for the first time. I graduated last year and am currently working in RCC at a hospital in Linkou, nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding tuberculosis, it is primarily the open form of pulmonary tuberculosis that can cause airborne transmission in closed spaces. During caregiving, as long as proper N95 masks are worn and basic protective measures are taken, there should be no concern about contract...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Intermittent unexplained fever Hello doctor, my daughter has been experiencing a fever since the end of March, and it continues to this day. Her recorded temperatures have ranged from a low of 36.5°C to a high of 40.3°C, fluctuating back and forth, with an average temperature abo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but I assume she is likely a child. In cases of unexplained fever, about 20% may persist without a known cause, and sometimes it can take one to two years for the actual diagnosis to emerge. Therefore, if she can maintain her nor...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR and TPHA Explained
Syphilis testing consultation Hello Dr. Hong, I have undergone RPR (STS) syphilis testing at 39, 111, and 270 days after engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse, and all results were negative (Negative, Non-reactive). I would like to ask Dr. Hong: (1) Does three negative RPR t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the VDRL test can fluctuate with the onset or resolution of disease, so a negative result indicates that you have never been infected or that you have been infected but have since recovered. However, one drawback of the VDRL test is that certain autoimmune diseases can als...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR and TPHA Explained
Could Minor Accidents Lead to Internal Injuries? A Medical Perspective
Is internal injury possible? Hello Doctor, about four or five years ago, shortly after I got my driver's license, I was riding my motorcycle when the car in front of me suddenly stopped at the roadside. Although the car wasn't going fast, I remember I had to brake sudde...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that it is likely just a minor abrasion, which would result in some superficial injuries and should not cause any damage to internal organs. Therefore, if there are no symptoms, a full-body examination should not be necessary. Thank you ...[Read More] Could Minor Accidents Lead to Internal Injuries? A Medical Perspective
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Suspected vasculitis Hello Doctor: My mother is 73 years old and has hepatitis C, an autoimmune disease (Sjögren's syndrome), and dry eyes. She often experiences headaches and upper back pain (which she has had for many years). She has been seeing a rheumatologist and is on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the clinical manifestations of hepatitis C or autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome) can include vasculitis. However, most symptoms present as petechiae, which are typically painless or slightly painful, and itching is rare, let alone severe itching. It is a...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Severe Dizziness and Vomiting: Understanding Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Severe dizziness with three to four episodes of vomiting? Hello Dr. Lin: Last week, one morning when I woke up and opened my eyes, I suddenly felt dizzy, and my eyes involuntarily rolled towards the upper left corner. I had to use my willpower to bring them back to normal. I mana...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
It is recommended to first consult with a neurologist or an otolaryngologist.[Read More] Severe Dizziness and Vomiting: Understanding Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Chest Bone Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Chest bone issues Hello, doctor. I have allergic rhinitis, and when I have a lot of nasal discharge, I tend to cough. While carrying my side backpack, I felt that the angle was just right for my cough, and I sensed that the strap of my backpack was pressing against my chest. Alth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Under normal circumstances, pneumothorax or brittle bones are not common. Pneumothorax typically occurs due to individual predispositions, while fractures are associated with osteopenia combined with excessive force on the thoracic cage. Based on your description, pneumothorax or...[Read More] Understanding Chest Bone Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, doctor. I have been out with my family for the past couple of days. Since the onset of COVID-19, my sister has become very anxious, even though it seems that the situation in the country is not as dangerous now. Three months ago,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, and there is currently no clear evidence of transmission through food. Therefore, the dietary aspect you mentioned should not pose a risk of infection. As for the situation at the station, there have been no confirme...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Anxiety: Concerns About Safety and Infection Risks
Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns
Abdominal issues? Doctor, I would like to ask you about something. Yesterday at noon, I ate about 8 pieces of watermelon, and I also swallowed the seeds. Recently, my stools have been shaped like a log but are somewhat watery, not diarrhea. I noticed that when I stand up straight...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when you mention the lower abdomen, are you referring to the area close to the groin, which is also near the scrotum? If that is the case, and if the abdomen bulges more when you exert yourself or stand, you should be cautious as it may indicate a hernia. I recommend visit...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Distension: Causes and Concerns