Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) and the common cold may overlap? Hello Doctor, I usually don't catch colds often, but this time my family had a cold, and I accidentally used their utensils and ate food they had touched. Now my throat feels scratchy and phlegmy, and I've b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, they are more indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection rather than tuberculosis. As for COVID-19, if you do not have a travel history or known exposure, the likelihood is quite low. Therefore, based on your description, it is most likely a...[Read More] Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
I'm not sure if I have a cold? Hello, doctor. For the past couple of days, I have been feeling very alert at night and have trouble sleeping. I often don't fall asleep until around six in the morning, but I wake up around ten. However, I feel like I have a runny nose an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is indeed a high chance of catching a cold. The term "cold" refers to a condition that occurs when the body is in poor health, such as due to staying up late or experiencing high levels of stress, which can weaken the immune syste...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Help
Dining Out with Elderly: Safety Concerns and Health Tips
Inquiry about infectious concerns? Hello, doctor. Tonight, my sister in Taipei invited me to take my mother to a seafood restaurant in Kaohsiung. Since my father passed away, my mother has somewhat lost her sense of purpose in life. I am the only child left in Kaohsiung, and due ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is a certain level of social distancing, the risk of infection is relatively low, and currently, there is no risk of community transmission in Taiwan. Therefore, it is presumed that the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is minimal. However, if your mother can go ...[Read More] Dining Out with Elderly: Safety Concerns and Health Tips
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 the Risks of Sneezing and Infection Transmission
The possibility of transmission through sneezing? Hello, doctor. This morning, while I was taking my child to the district office to catch the MRT, a store employee nearby sneezed without wearing a mask and did not cover their mouth. We were about 1.5 meters away, but it was stil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the incident occurred in a semi-open space where the risk of infection is already low. Additionally, there are currently no community transmission cases in Taiwan, so it is unlikely that you would contract COVID-19 as a result. Than...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Sneezing and Infection Transmission
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Consultation with a doctor? Hello Dr. Hong, I visited the ENT department at a large hospital because I had taken cold medicine from a general clinic three times, but I still felt pain on the right side of my throat. Yesterday, I noticed a white spot on the inner membrane of my mo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, ENT clinics in Taiwan should be following standard disinfection procedures, so there should be no risk of contracting COVID-19 from this. 2. The color changes you described in the mucous membranes are basic variations associated with mucosal inflammation,...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Concerns and Treatments Explained
Assessing Foodborne Infection Risks in Public Dining Situations
Foodborne infection risk Hello, Doctor. I returned to Taiwan in early March after studying abroad online. Although I know Taiwan is relatively safe, I took my grandmother to pick up her medication and buy lunch. We ordered two bowls of noodle soup, and while the owner was wearing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently the majority of COVID-19 infections occur through prolonged close contact. Additionally, since there are no community transmission cases in Taiwan at the moment, you should not be at risk of contracting COVID-19. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Foodborne Infection Risks in Public Dining Situations
Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risks in Brief Interactions: A Pharmacist's Concern
Infectious potential, may I ask? Hello, Doctor Hong. I am a pharmacist. Today, after driving my girlfriend to dinner, I went back to the hospital to help my grandmother pick up her medication. I had it packaged and asked a colleague to leave it on the first floor for me to pick u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is currently no clear evidence regarding how long conversations need to last for transmission to occur. According to the recommendations from Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control, social distancing should be maintained at least one meter apart, and wearing masks...[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Exposure Risks in Brief Interactions: A Pharmacist's Concern
Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia (COVID-19) Hello, doctor. Although I know that the pandemic situation in the country has eased, I tend to be quite anxious and often catch colds. Today, I was reluctantly taken by my family to a buffet at Han Lai Harbor Restaurant. There ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although it's mealtime, based on your description, it seems that the other person was at a different table. Currently, there are no local cases in Taiwan, and all foreign entrants are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine, so it is unlikely that you have COVID-19. H...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of COVID-19 Transmission in Public Dining Settings
Concerns About Dental Visits for Seniors During COVID-19
Worried about seeing a doctor..? Hello doctor, my elderly family member is experiencing tooth pain, and I would like to take them to the hospital to see a dentist. However, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, I am concerned about the risk of exposing them to the virus. Since den...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, hospitals and clinics are paying attention to temperature measurements and medical history inquiries, and they are continuously promoting the importance of maintaining safe social distancing. Therefore, I believe the situation is mana...[Read More] Concerns About Dental Visits for Seniors During COVID-19
Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. On Tuesday afternoon, I experienced fever, muscle aches, and mild diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. The fever subsided on Wednesday morning, leaving only slight diarrhea. On Friday, I noticed that my breasts were painful to touch. I h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no travel history or contact history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. It is suspected to be acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease outpatient clinic for consultation, and testing for COVID-19 may not be neces...[Read More] Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing an unexplained fever for three consecutive days, with my temperature ranging between 37.5°C and 38°C. On the third day, I also developed a headache in the forehead area, but I have had no cough, sneezing, or ru...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I apologize for the late response. There are many causes of fever, and if it is simply a fever without any respiratory symptoms, the likelihood of it being related to COVID-19 is actually quite low. However, a fever lasting more than three days definitely indicates an underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Mask Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Contamination During Haircuts
Mask hygiene issues? Hello doctor, today when I went to get a haircut, I originally planned to wear a mask, but the hairdresser accidentally cut the ear straps of my mask. I temporarily placed the mask on my abdomen, and when I was about to leave, I realized that the white side o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the COVID-19 virus primarily spreads through contact with mucous membranes via contaminated hands. Regular handwashing and maintaining hand hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Based on your description, the overall risk of transmission should be low. Th...[Read More] Mask Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Contamination During Haircuts
Understanding Chest Discomfort After Testing Positive for Influenza A
Influenza A Hello Doctor: I previously tested positive for COVID-19 at the hospital. I am currently taking antiviral medication. However, I am experiencing significant chest tightness. I do not have a fever, and the hospital doctor mentioned that my symptoms are mild. My chest ti...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello, A-Jie: Most individuals infected with the H1N1 influenza virus experience mild symptoms and typically recover within a week without the need for special treatment, allowing most people to rest at home. However, there are a small number of cases where the condition can rapi...[Read More] Understanding Chest Discomfort After Testing Positive for Influenza A