Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert Insights
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (continued three) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive via PCR on June 15. After self-isolating in Indonesia and taking Indonesian cold medicine for the first week, along with Qingguan No. 1 for about two weeks, and current...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Any case with a detectable CT value is considered positive, but the threshold for determining infectiousness and the criteria for ending isolation vary by country, with some countries setting the threshold at 26, 30, or even 40. These are regulations specific to each ...[Read More] Understanding Post-COVID PCR Results and Ongoing Symptoms: Expert 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
Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Negative rapid test for COVID-19 and normal test results, yet persistent illness? Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I do not have any chronic illnesses, a travel history, or overlapping exposure to confirmed cases. I live in Taichung City, which is not a hot zone, and I was in good ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if the two tests you received were rapid antigen tests (ELISA) or PCR tests. If they were antigen tests, there is indeed a high chance of false negatives, and you may need to consider getting an RT-PCR test for confirmation. If both tests were PCR, the ch...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Pandemic-induced erectile dysfunction I believe I may have been diagnosed, but my symptoms are not very pronounced. I have slight difficulty breathing, a mild fever, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and incomplete penile engorgement, but I do not have a cough or throat discomfort...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to contact the health department or call 1922 to arrange for testing to confirm whether it is a COVID-19 infection, as this is essential for appropriate treatment of the disease. 2. In the event of a positive COVID-19 result, there have indeed been...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have had a mild cough since around May 20th. On May 28th, I suddenly experienced persistent numbness in my tongue, but the symptoms improved the next day. Starting from May 29th, I measured my temperature with an ear thermometer, which ranged from ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, given the current pandemic situation, it is essential to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. I recommend going to the hospital for a COVID-19 test. If the result is negative, you may need to visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic to investigate ...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Unexplained elevated body temperature? Hello doctor, my body temperature has been unusually high in the past few days, measuring around 37.8 to 38.0 degrees Celsius with a forehead thermometer. However, I have no symptoms; I am not coughing, I don't have a headache, and impo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this temperature is indeed on the higher side. It is recommended to measure with another thermometer. If the reading is still the same, it is advisable to visit an infectious disease clinic for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Elevated Body Temperature: Is It a Fever?
Understanding Bitter Phlegm and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Feeling dry in the mouth and experiencing bitter phlegm when coughing? A few days ago, I had nasal congestion, but recently I've started to feel a bitter taste in my phlegm (which is clear), although the nasal congestion has improved. I've also begun to notice a bitter ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person experiences a dry and uncomfortable mouth that does not improve with drinking water, and this has only lasted a few days, it could be due to medication side effects (such as those from decongestants or antihistamines), upper respiratory tract inflammation, or dietary ...[Read More] Understanding Bitter Phlegm and Dry Mouth: Possible Causes and Solutions
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Why Is My Cold Lasting Over 20 Days? Understanding Prolonged Symptoms
Cold not yet healed? I have had a cold for over 20 days and have seen two or three doctors who all diagnosed it as a cold. I have been taking my medication as prescribed, but I am still not better. An X-ray of my lungs showed no issues. I have a mild cough and a sore throat, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your concern may be a persistent cough. Some individuals do experience bronchitis as a complication after a cold, which can lead to a prolonged cough. Additionally, the recent poor air quality can further trigger coughing. I recomme...[Read More] Why Is My Cold Lasting Over 20 Days? Understanding Prolonged Symptoms
Which Medical Specialty Should I See for Severe Cough and Nasal Issues?
Which specialty should I see? (Due to severe coughing along with nasal congestion and runny nose issues.) Dr. Hong: Hello! I started experiencing coughing symptoms on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year this year (to clarify: I actually had severe sneezing on February 9th, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you may have an acute respiratory infection combined with bronchitis, exacerbated by recent severe air pollution, which is causing your persistent cough. If you have already seen an otolaryngologist, I recommend visiting a pulmonology clinic to...[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should I See for Severe Cough and Nasal Issues?
Understanding Mild Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Slight pain in the throat? Hello Doctor, I recently seem to have caught a cold and visited an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication, but I still feel pain on the right side of my throat, near the tonsils. The ENT doctor only mentioned slight inflammation. I have had to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, stones are less likely to form in the throat and esophagus. Based on your description, it seems to be an upper respiratory infection combined with pharyngitis. It is indeed recommended to drink plenty of water and rest. However, if you have a persistent fever lasting more ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Throat Pain: When to Worry and When to Rest
Slight pain in the throat? Hello Doctor, I recently seem to have caught a cold and visited an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication, but I still feel pain on the right side of my throat, near the tonsils. The ENT doctor only mentioned slight inflammation. I previously ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, stones are less likely to form in the throat and esophagus. Based on your description, it seems to be an upper respiratory infection combined with pharyngitis. It is indeed recommended to drink plenty of water and rest. However, if you have a persistent fever lasting more ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: When to Worry and When to Rest
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I started experiencing a sore throat on December 20th of last year and sought treatment. After finishing the first course of medication, my symptoms changed to a scratchy throat and coughing. I continued to return for follow-up visits and received...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is indeed slightly elevated, especially if it frequently exceeds 37.5°C. It is important to pay attention to this; if there are no specific symptoms of infection, it may be necessary to consider atypical infections or other factors such as rheumatolog...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms
Choking on Snacks: Understanding Throat Discomfort After Eating
Choking on a Doritos chip? While I was eating Doritos at a convenience store and talking, a smaller piece unexpectedly went down the wrong way. I didn't experience severe coughing, but swallowing felt different than usual. Initially, it didn't go down, but I inadvertent...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that it was initially lodged near the throat and later entered the esophagus. I recommend that if you don't experience any significant discomfort afterwards, there is likely no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Choking on Snacks: Understanding Throat Discomfort After Eating
Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Chills and lack of energy? Hello Dr. Hong: My mother (in her seventies) mentioned feeling discomfort in her abdomen the night before last. Yesterday, she experienced chills and felt cold even while wearing heavy clothing, and she was shivering. She occasionally coughed, but it wa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to check her temperature and blood pressure. If she has diabetes, it is also important to measure her blood glucose levels. Based on your description, she may have an infection, which could be a respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, or gas...[Read More] Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Fatigue in Elderly Patients
Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Throat issues I have been experiencing a persistent cough for several months, starting around July or August, possibly even earlier. Every morning when I wake up, I definitely cough to the point of feeling nauseous. After a while, I also experience a burning sensation in my throa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip, or if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If you have these two issues, they could be the cause of your cough. You can treat both conditions. If not, it may be necessary to see an otolaryn...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Effective School Health Measures: Navigating Safety During Classes
How to implement disease prevention measures in schools? Hello Doctor, I am a sophomore student. In order to graduate early, I have already taken courses from the junior and senior years. However, since the pandemic, the school's attitude has been quite lax, merely going thr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, foreign students entering Taiwan will undergo a home quarantine process. If the foreign classmates you mentioned have already completed this process and are asymptomatic, your learning environment should be relatively safe. Additionally, if you are also wearing a mask, the...[Read More] Effective School Health Measures: Navigating Safety During Classes
Am I at Risk? Expert Advice on COVID-19 Exposure Concerns
Is this very dangerous? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed that foreigners are very afraid of contracting COVID-19. Today, while I was on the MRT, I wasn't paying attention and suddenly someone sat down next to me. It turned out to be a blonde foreign woman. I was ab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, both parties were wearing masks, so the risk of infection should be very low. There is no need for special testing at this time unless symptoms of a cold develop later. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Am I at Risk? Expert Advice on COVID-19 Exposure Concerns
Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Chronic sputum production and chest X-ray abnormalities? Hello, Doctor. For the past few months, I seem to have been experiencing a persistent phlegm condition. If I refer to my earliest medical visit, it was in September of this year. There were times when I didn't feel muc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your initial X-ray, we did not observe any significant issues. Your symptoms are primarily upper respiratory symptoms, which could be due to a common cold, COVID-19 infection, influenza, or allergic bronchitis. These conditions can be difficult to differentiate ba...[Read More] Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know