Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask: I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on March 1, 2022. I would like to know what the ou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is a certain probability of severe illness associated with COVID-19, which is related to factors such as the patient's age, pre-existing chronic conditions, and vaccination status. Your situation indicates that the likelihood of experiencing severe illness is lo...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, Doctor: I received my fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on November 26, 2022, and I underwent a health check at my company on December 13, 2022. I am unsure if some abnormal values are related to the vaccination. The results are as follows: N...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your values, the main issues are low neutrophils and high lymphocytes. The most common causes are viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza. In addition to viral infections, other hematological disorders may also be a possibility. It is recommended to retest...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
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
Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Please advise on the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals with this type of constitution? Hello Dr. Gao, I have been experiencing unexplained fevers since 2014, with daily episodes lasting at least 6 hours, usually not exceeding 38.5 degrees Celsius. During seve...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe that if possible, you should continue to follow up at the Rheumatology Department of National Taiwan University to try to identify the cause of the chronic fever. I have a patient who also experienced persistent chronic fever, initiall...[Read More] Should Individuals with Unexplained Fever and Infections Get Vaccinated?
Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause plantar fasciitis? Hello Doctor: Since receiving the third dose of Moderna (the first two doses were BNT), I started experiencing the following symptoms on the third day: 1) Itching all over my body, which resolved after 4-5 days. 2) Symptoms of pl...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. My answers are as follows: 1) Can plantar fasciitis occur after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Are there similar cases among patients seen by doctors? --> It is unlikely; I have not seen or heard of such cases. 2) Should I see a rheumatolog...[Read More] Can COVID-19 Vaccine Trigger Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms?
Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Inquiry about blood test report values? Hello, Doctor. I had blood tests done on January 8 and July 4 of this year, and overall the values were normal. The only concerning changes were in the white blood cell differential: neutrophils decreased from 52.5% to 37.3%, and lymphocyte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The COVID-19 vaccine is still relatively new, which may lead to a higher chance of side effects, and there are various symptoms that can occur after vaccination. However, most of these are temporary, so there is no need to worry too much. The ch...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Changes in White Blood Cell Counts and Allergies
Understanding Delayed Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in Elderly Patients
Adverse Reactions Following COVID-19 Vaccination Dear Doctor, My mother is 84 years old and has been taking anticoagulants due to a stroke. On June 20, she received her fourth dose of the vaccine; the first three doses were AstraZeneca, AstraZeneca, and Moderna. She did not expe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the issue is not a delayed reaction but rather an enlargement of the bruise due to long-term use of anticoagulant medication. Could you please specify which anticoagulant your mother is taking? Most commonly, it is Coumadin (warfari...[Read More] Understanding Delayed Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines in Elderly Patients
Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Vaccines and Inflammatory Markers Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Recently, after receiving the vaccine, I have developed new symptoms of chest pain, which has lasted for six months. Both cardiology and pulmonology have stated that it is not a heart or l...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the vaccine can indeed trigger the activation of autoimmune diseases. First, it's important to determine whether the nature and location of the chest pain are related to ankylosing spondylitis; you may want to consult a rheumatologist. If that is ruled out, you should...[Read More] Vaccines and Inflammation: Understanding Symptoms in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
The impact of vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. Currently, among the COVID-19 vaccines, there are mRNA vaccines like BNT and Moderna, as well as subunit vaccines like High-End and Novavax. Could you please let me know if there are any research reports or medical ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Currently, there are no research reports available to compare which is less likely to cause a relapse or worsening of ankylosing spondylitis between mRNA vaccines and subunit vaccines. Thank you.[Read More] Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines for Ankylosing Spondylitis Management
Understanding IgA Nephropathy Treatment Options and Concerns
Treatment options for IgA nephropathy? Hello, Doctor! Recently, I had a kidney biopsy, and when reviewing the report, my attending physician asked me to take a picture of the report with my phone so I could look up the information at home. He only mentioned that the biopsy result...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
IgA nephropathy has different treatment approaches depending on the individual's condition. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to return for a follow-up and consult the primary physician for clarification. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding IgA Nephropathy Treatment Options and Concerns
Could COVID Vaccine Trigger Arthritis Flare-Ups Months Later?
Will the recurrence of the condition after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine occur only three months later? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I suspect that after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine, my previously well-controlled ankylosing spondyliti...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: The vaccines currently being administered may cause some patients to experience side effects; please refer to Attachment 1 for details. 2. If there are concerns about discontinuing medication or side effects after vaccination, please consult with your original physician fo...[Read More] Could COVID Vaccine Trigger Arthritis Flare-Ups Months Later?
Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines: Impact on Ankylosing Spondylitis Flare-Ups
Which vaccine, mRNA vaccines or subunit vaccines, is less likely to cause a relapse or worsening of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, currently among the COVID-19 vaccines, we have mRNA vaccines like BNT and Moderna, as well as subunit vaccines like High-End and Novavax. Coul...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Currently, there are no studies comparing the relationship between different vaccines and the exacerbation of rheumatic diseases. 2. The vast majority of rheumatic symptoms that arise after vaccination are temporary, a...[Read More] Comparing mRNA and Subunit Vaccines: Impact on Ankylosing Spondylitis Flare-Ups
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about the worsening of my ankylosing spondylitis condition after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine (where my medication became ineffective in controlling inflammation levels ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the COVID-19 vaccine does not necessarily worsen ankylosing spondylitis; however, it is true that approximately 5% of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases may experience instability in their condition after vaccination. The reasons for this are unclear, and the degr...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine has exacerbated my pre-existing stiffness, is it possible that this exacerbation could last a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine exacerbates a pre-existing rigid condition, is it possible that this exacerbation could last for a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or even longer, potentially a lifetime)? --> Currently,...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
Should I stop taking muscle relaxants before getting the BNT vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. A month ago, I was experiencing pain in my sacroiliac joint, and my CRP was 0.57 and ESR was 20. At that time, I switched to a different medication, tak...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it would be better to administer the BNT vaccine after the symptoms improve or the inflammatory markers decrease. Some patients with rheumatic diseases who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before their condition stabilizes often experienc...[Read More] Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Ankylosing spondylitis and immunity? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18.7 years old. I have already received the first dose of the BNT vaccine and am considering self-paying for the first dose of a biologic agent and the second dose of the BNT vaccine. I would like to ask you: 1) Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Some biologic agents have effects, while others do not; please consult the attending physician. 2) Autoimmune diseases can have fluctuating conditions, and vaccines may also have an impact, so it is important to consider the actual situation. 3) Generally, in ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Biologics Hello Doctor, I am currently 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on September 27, 2021, and I am planning to get the second dose (the delay in receiving the second dose is due to my serious suspicion that the first d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Is there a regulation on how long one should wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before or after receiving a biologic agent? --> Only certain biologic agents require a pause in administration when receiving the C...[Read More] Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Could Vaccination Trigger Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?
Is ankylosing spondylitis caused by vaccination? Hello, after recently receiving the BNT vaccine, I experienced several inflammatory symptoms. After multiple rounds of examinations at the hospital, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. However, the symptoms appeared sudden...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that the BNT vaccine is unlikely to trigger the occurrence of ankylosing spondylitis. However, current COVID-19 vaccines, including BNT, may indeed induce muscle and joint pain, resulting in symptoms similar to rheumatic diseases. I s...[Read More] Could Vaccination Trigger Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?