Understanding COVID-19 Diagnosis and Isolation: Key Questions Answered
Some issues related to COVID-19 diagnosis? I'm sorry, but I don't know which specialty to ask. On the afternoon of October 14th, I suddenly felt a strong urge to cough, and it was severe. Even after getting home from work that night, I took a rapid test which came back ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is advisable to maintain a proper distance for the time being, as there may still be a low viral load present. 2. Yes, that's correct. When the viral load is low, there is a possibility of false negatives. 3. No, currently other diseases do not cause false p...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Diagnosis and Isolation: Key Questions Answered
Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Ten days after diagnosis, the rapid test is still positive? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old and today marks the 10th day since my diagnosis. I still test positive on the rapid test (the test line is faint, not as dark as when I was first diagnosed). On the first day of my diagnos...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. A positive result still indicates that viral proteins remain in the body, which does not necessarily mean that the immune system is weak or that there is a high viral load; some individuals may naturally retain certain viral proteins. 2. The presence of a positive re...[Read More] Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
If diagnosed with COVID-19 and symptoms are becoming milder, is there a significant chance of suddenly progressing to moderate or severe symptoms? Hello Doctor: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, I saw a doctor and received medication (it seems like the medication is mostly for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have previously been diagnosed, your body will still have some antibodies; however, these antibodies will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, if there is a long interval since the last infection and your immune system is not functioning well, it is indeed possi...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Dizziness, feeling of heaviness in the head, and lightness in the legs? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling a bit dizzy these past few days. It's not severe, and I feel dizzy whether I'm standing or sitting, but I don't feel anything when lying down. I visited a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are indeed many factors that can cause dizziness. Based on your situation, the following possible factors may apply: 1. Staying up late or irregular sleep patterns 2. Excessive stress 3. Anemia 4. Side effects of cold medications 5. Inner ear imbalance. It is recomme...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Immune system diseases Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. This past March, I experienced a persistent low-grade fever for a month and had blood tests done, which indicated elevated immune system markers suggesting rheumatoid arthritis. I was then referred to a r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Should taking quinine prevent fever? I informed you that I had a fever for a while that day! But if I haven't been examined, which department should I consult to find out where the inflammation is? --> Fever ...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It’s like after normal breathing, there’s a sudden loud exhale, and it feels like I have tightness in my chest and can’t breathe out properly. I’m not sure ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to ensure that your lungs are healthy. If it is alr...[Read More] Understanding Unusual Breathing Sounds: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Nail color consultation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something I noticed this morning when I looked at my nails, particularly the area near the lunula on my thumb, which appears to have a deeper, slightly purplish color. It's most noticeable when viewed from the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you do not experience shortness of breath while walking, the likelihood of hypoxia is low. As for the color of your nails appearing darker, it should still be within the normal color range. A small number of people may have darker nail coloration due to temperature chan...[Read More] Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Immune system issues Hello doctor, I started experiencing chills and fever on the night of August 4, 2022. The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with a common cold. I took medication for three days, and while I felt somewhat better, the fever returned. After ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In your test results, the presence of IgM antibodies indicates an acute infection, so it is important to consider Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma, whil...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
Allergic Rhinitis and Reactions After Novavax COVID-19 Vaccination
Allergic rhinitis and reactions after COVID-19 vaccination? Hello, doctor. I have a history of allergies, including allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. I usually experience a runny nose and nasal congestion upon waking up, which lasts until noon. On August 9th, I received th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The runny nose caused by the vaccine typically resolves within 24 hours. Therefore, your condition may be due to an infection or other allergens. It is recommended to first test for COVID-19. If the result is negative, you can proceed with symptomatic treatment. 2. I...[Read More] Allergic Rhinitis and Reactions After Novavax COVID-19 Vaccination
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Elevated rheumatoid factor issue? Hello, Doctor. Last month, at the end of July, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up and unexpectedly found that my rheumatoid factor was elevated (242 IU/ml, with a reference range of below 20 IU/ml). All other health check items were almo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The health check report indicates that a small number of healthy individuals may also have elevated RF factors—if I have no symptoms, should I not worry too much? --> Some symptoms can be very mild and may go unno...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: What You Need to Know
Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Gut Health
Diarrhea issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been experiencing recurrent diarrhea for over a week. Initially, on the first day, my stool was soft but formed. However, during the second and third bowel movements that day, the stools were small and pellet-like, resembling diarrh...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the causes of diarrhea may be related to food, lifestyle stress, or daily routines. For example, consuming dragon fruit can easily lead to diarrhea. Additionally, high levels of stress or anxiety can also contribute to this condition. Generally, having ...[Read More] Understanding Recurring Diarrhea: Causes and Solutions for Your Gut Health
Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Low Oxygen: Understanding Your Symptoms
Sudden increase in heart rate while sitting, decreased blood oxygen levels, and hand tremors? Hello doctor, after taking a shower tonight, I sat down and suddenly experienced a rapid heartbeat that shot up to over 120 beats per minute. My blood oxygen level dropped from 99 to 93,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the significant temperature changes have activated the sympathetic nervous system, leading to your symptoms. It is advisable to avoid drastic temperature fluctuations and to take care to keep warm after bathing. The rapid heartbeat may...[Read More] Sudden Rapid Heartbeat and Low Oxygen: Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues
Regarding choking? Hello Dr. Hong, Recently, while drinking at home, I experienced discomfort and itchiness in my throat after eating fried food and then drinking something cold. This caused me to feel like I was choking. At that moment, I couldn't hold it in and ended up ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the human body has mechanisms to prevent choking, such as the epiglottis. Therefore, unless there is a loss of consciousness, it is unlikely to aspirate into the trachea. Additionally, since you did not experience any particular discomfort afterw...[Read More] Understanding Choking: When to Seek Medical Attention for Throat Issues
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?
Should You Stop Your Medications After a COVID-19 Infection?
Should I stop taking my medication after contracting COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I am currently 19 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I am currently on a stable treatment regimen of one tablet of Wanket and two tablets of Salazopyrin daily. I would like to ask, if I...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) If you are asymptomatic, is there any medication for stiffness that I should stop taking? How long should I stop? --> No need to stop any medication. 2) If you have mild symptoms and need to take general cold medica...[Read More] Should You Stop Your Medications After a COVID-19 Infection?