Negative COVID Tests but Persistent Fever: What Could It Mean?
Two negative rapid tests but still experiencing a fever? Hello doctor, I am fifteen years old and have recently been quarantined at home due to close contact. I have taken two rapid tests, both of which were negative, but I continue to have a fever, with a maximum temperature of ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: It should not be the case. Besides COVID-19, there are also some seasonal infections, such as influenza, urinary tract infections, the common cold, and even allergies that may occur. Remember to take protective measures and practice contact isolation.[Read More] Negative COVID Tests but Persistent Fever: What Could It Mean?
Is a White Blood Cell Count of 19.5 Indicative of Bacterial Infection?
A white blood cell count of 19.5 may indicate a bacterial infection, but it is not definitive on its own. Elevated white blood cell counts can occur due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, stress, or other medical conditions. Further evaluation, including clin...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's not possible to distinguish this way! The tumor itself can cause an increase in white blood cells and fever, but infections can also do the same. Therefore, it ultimately relies on the clinical judgment of the physician; the laboratory data alone cannot different...[Read More] Is a White Blood Cell Count of 19.5 Indicative of Bacterial Infection?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Unnoticed Cuts
HIV infection During one occasion when I returned home, I noticed two very small circular wounds on my hand, both of which were bleeding slightly. However, I have no idea when they appeared or felt anything. Could it be that I was punctured by a sharp object contaminated with the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be categorized into three main pathways: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Unnoticed Cuts
Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
The diagnosed patient is coughing up sputum with a slight trace of blood? I tested positive on May 19. Initially, I had a cough but no phlegm. By the morning of May 21, I noticed blood streaks in my phlegm when I coughed it up. My wife said that my coughing technique might be wro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 patients may experience some microvascular bleeding in the throat during severe coughing, which can lead to blood-tinged sputum. Symptomatic treatment is recommended, and it should gradually improve. However, if there is persistent fever, chest pain, or severe sho...[Read More] Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
Should I Stop Spironolactone? Understanding Bruising and Next Steps
Spironolactone Doctor, I have been taking spironolactone and recently noticed a bruise on my thigh that has not disappeared for over two months. I visited a hematologist recently, and they said my blood coagulation function is normal. Should I stop taking the medication, or shoul...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, spironolactone is a diuretic that primarily affects electrolytes, such as potassium ions, and it should not impact coagulation function. Additionally, since your hematology tests are normal, it is reasonable to conclude that your blood function is likely not an issue. I re...[Read More] Should I Stop Spironolactone? Understanding Bruising and Next Steps
Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
The relationship between ankylosing spondylitis and vaccines? Hello Doctor, I am a 51-year-old male patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine in October last year and the second dose in January this year. I would like to ask if the symptoms ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Is my chest pain more likely caused by the vaccine or by smoking? --> Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause chest pain, and the likelihood may be higher than the side effects from the vaccine, so it is unlikely to...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vaccination
Understanding Thyroid Function: TSH Levels and Health Concerns
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Hello Doctor, my recent thyroid blood test results are as follows: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): (Reference range: 0.35-4.94) - 111/3/15: 1.193 IU/ml - 111/4/7: 1.121 IU/ml - 111/5/18: 0.818 IU/ml Free Thyroxine (FT4): (Reference range: 0....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Currently, it seems unlikely to flare up. 2. There shouldn't be any cause for concern. 3. It's not considered low. 4. This value appears to be normal. 5. They usually occur simultaneously. 6. There won't be any changes in the short term; follow-up is n...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Function: TSH Levels and Health Concerns
Red Spots After Moderna Vaccine: Should You Be Concerned?
Red spots appeared subcutaneously after receiving the Moderna vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, I received my first dose of the Moderna vaccine on May 14 (Saturday). Since the vaccination until today, May 18 (Wednesday), I have only experienced arm pain and no other side effects. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the photo you provided, it appears to be more like skin inflammation rather than bleeding or a blood clot. It is likely caused by contact with an allergen or friction leading to inflammation. Currently, there is no need for medical attention; observation should su...[Read More] Red Spots After Moderna Vaccine: Should You Be Concerned?
Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Inquiry about complement C1Q? The C1q-CIC value is 8.2, which is considered equivocal based on the reference values (Negative: < 4.4 μg Eq/ml; Equivocal: 4.4 - <10.8 μg Eq/ml; Positive: >= 10.8 μg Eq/ml). Currently, there are no autoimmune diseases, with negative antinuc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. C1q is a protein related to immune function in the body, while CIC (Circulating Immune Complex) refers to immune complexes circulating in the blood, which are protein aggregates formed by antibodies and antigens. In principle, the body normally...[Read More] Understanding C1q-CIC Levels: Implications for Autoimmune Diseases
Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis experiences chest pain, they should first consult a rheumatologist? Hello Doctor, I am 51 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, which I developed at the age of 45. My symptoms initially included only buttock pain and morning...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend seeing a rheumatologist first, as the duration of pain and the pain pattern may resemble that of ankylosing spondylitis, and it could potentially be related to it. If you still have concerns, you can discuss your anxiety about cardi...[Read More] Chest Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Which Specialist to See First?
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Is there a possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if a showerhead comes into contact with a small amount of urine from a previous user (since they did not use the toilet flushing mechanism but inste...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you referred to, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?
Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes
Significant weight loss with normal thyroid function tests? Hello Dr. Lee, In early November last year, during my health check-up, my height and weight were 181 cm and 58.7 kg, respectively. Aside from being underweight, all other indices were normal (including CEA and fecal occ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function is normal, it may be advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to investigate whether the weight loss is related to chronic diarrhea.[Read More] Unexplained Weight Loss with Normal Thyroid Levels: Possible Causes
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Regarding normal uric acid levels but slight discomfort in the big toe? Hello Director Gao, I apologize for disturbing you, but I would like to consult you regarding a patient. About ten years ago, the patient experienced sudden severe pain in the foot and was diagnosed with gou...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Can gout occur even with normal uric acid levels? For example, if someone suddenly consumes a large amount of seafood or red meat, or if they haven't been drinking enough water recently, could this trigger a mild...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Normal Uric Acid Levels and Foot Discomfort
Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
For vomiting blood or coughing up blood, which medical specialty should be consulted? I would like to ask about my father, who is 67 years old and has been coughing up blood. He was hospitalized in the chest medicine department for two weeks. After returning home, he seemed to re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to ask if your father often experiences severe coughing or frequently produces phlegm? If so, this could be due to damage to the mucosal epithelium causing bleeding, which needs to be addressed along with the original cough issue and reducing the frequency of ...[Read More] Understanding Coughing Up Blood: Causes and Medical Guidance
Understanding Hematuria: Causes, Tests, and Kidney Health Concerns
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, Last September, during a urine test, I had a trace of hematuria (1+) with red blood cells (3-5), while all other indices were normal. An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) was performed, and the doctor said everything was normal and that it could be due t...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry: 1. If you have not undergone a renal ultrasound, you may consider this examination. 2. Given your current condition, if the renal ultrasound results are normal, you can continue with regular monitoring. 3. If subsequent urine tests still show hematuria, it ...[Read More] Understanding Hematuria: Causes, Tests, and Kidney Health Concerns
Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Blood Exposure?
HIV infection The nurse took a container with a yellow sharp object box that had some blood stains on it. Then the nurse handed me something or touched me. At that time, I had a small skin injury next to my thumb nail that was bleeding a little, and there was a small cat scratch ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the contact situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of HIV infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Minor Cuts and Blood Exposure?
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Medical Waste Containers?
HIV infection I have some small cuts next to my thumb nail that are bleeding, and during the process, my hand accidentally came into contact with a medical device, specifically a container used for disposing of used disposable needles. I would like to know if this could lead to a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the contact situation you mentioned does not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Medical Waste Containers?
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Medical Waste Containers?
HIV infection I have some small cuts next to my thumb nail that are bleeding, and during the process, my hand accidentally came into contact with a medical device, which is a container used for disposing of used disposable needles. I would like to know if this could lead to an HI...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the contact situation you mentioned does not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Medical Waste Containers?
Concerns About Infection After Shrimp Injury: What You Need to Know
Infection issues Hello Doctor: During dinner, while eating risotto with shrimp, I accidentally got pricked by the shrimp head when I was peeling it. At that moment, I noticed a small drop of red blood, which I squeezed out, then washed my hands and disinfected the area with hydro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you were stung by a shrimp, you should be very cautious about infections from Vibrio species, such as Vibrio vulnificus or Clostridium botulinum. The risk of infection from cooked shrimp is relatively low. It is advisable to monitor for any signs of fever, redness, swel...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Shrimp Injury: What You Need to Know
Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know
After receiving the AZ vaccine, I experienced joint stiffness and pain? Doctor: Hello, I received my first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine on July 30, 2021; the second and third doses of Moderna on October 3, 2021, and March 14, 2022. I am approximately 50 years old. About 1 to 2...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Currently, among your series of rheumatic disease test results, only the ESR is slightly elevated, and I recommend continuing to monitor it. After receiving this type of new vaccine, there is indeed a higher chance of...[Read More] Joint Stiffness and Pain After AZ Vaccine: What to Know