Impact of COVID-19 on Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Clinical Perspective
The relationship between COVID-19 infection and the progression of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1) Are there any relevant studies that confirm that a diagnosis of COVID-19 can worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previous...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There have indeed been reports that COVID-19 infection can lead to instability in autoimmune diseases. However, in most patients, this worsening condition tends to gradually resolve over time. There is no need to worry; you can seek medical advice and assistance from a physician....[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 on Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Clinical Perspective
Does COVID-19 Worsen Conditions in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Will a COVID-19 infection worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previously had their disease under control? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask: 1) Are there any relevant studies that confirm that a diagnosis of COVID-19 can worsen the condition of p...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are there any relevant studies confirming that COVID-19 infection can worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previously had their disease under control? Or have you observed in your clinic t...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Worsen Conditions in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding COVID-19 Recovery: When Will You Test Negative?
COVID-19 Hello Doctor, I tested positive on February 6th, but today is February 15th and my rapid test is still positive, with the second line still quite clear. I would like to ask how long it will take for me to test negative. Am I still contagious? Traditional Chinese medicine...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The CT value of PCR tests can provide some insight into infectiousness, but it is generally believed that the infectiousness is not very strong. 2. It is recommended to wear a mask and wash hands frequently; this should allow for safe outings in well-ventilated outdoor ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Recovery: When Will You Test Negative?
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 HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. Four years ago, I underwent HIV antibody testing and RT-PCR testing due to a high-risk behavior, both of which were negative. I had slowly forgotten about this, but recently I have suddenly become fearful ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. If only antibodies are present, they may indeed decrease over time; however, RT-PCR tests for viral load, which will not decrease over time, so you should not miss a diagnosis. 2. Typically, instrument-based tests are more accurate. 3. Almost everyone will have anti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
Understanding COVID-19: Addressing Taste and Smell Issues
COVID-19 Hello doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and started experiencing severe nasal congestion three days after testing positive. I still have taste (I can distinguish different foods), but I need to be very close to objects to smell them (though my sense of smell is not c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Yes. 2. Most people will gradually recover; it just takes some time. 3. This is not certain; each individual's constitution is different. However, after more than a week, most symptoms should gradually improve. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding COVID-19: Addressing Taste and Smell Issues
Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
Please ask your question? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a slight itch on my elbow, where I have two or three small bumps. I'm wondering if this is due to an insect bite or some unusual disease. I happened to come across information about HIV, but I have not eng...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your images, it is likely folliculitis or eczema; however, it should not be caused by HIV. A definitive diagnosis may require evaluation by a dermatologist. 2. Hello, I recommend receiving the Moderna next-generation vaccine, as there are no concerns regard...[Read More] Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
Understanding Taste Loss After COVID-19: Causes and Recovery
Loss of taste after COVID-19? A month ago, I had COVID-19 which caused me to lose my sense of taste. On January 1st, my taste suddenly returned, but the next day it diminished again. What could be the reason for this? Will it gradually recover? (I have a habit of smoking.)
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Among patients infected with COVID-19, approximately 90% will fully recover from taste abnormalities, but about 10% may experience prolonged taste disturbances or permanent loss of taste. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Taste Loss After COVID-19: Causes and Recovery
Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
After testing negative for COVID-19, I have been experiencing persistent coughing and recurrent fever? I would like to ask about my friend who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Although he tested negative on a rapid test afterward, he has been experiencing low-grade fevers ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Many people do continue to cough for a long time after recovering from COVID-19. It is important to determine whether there is a complication such as pneumonia. If pneumonia is present, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. The most accurate way to assess this is through a chest...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Fever After Negative COVID Test: What to Know
Understanding Brain Fog: Concerns and Solutions for Patients
Brain fog issue? Hello Doctor: I originally had poor memory and difficulty concentrating due to a mental illness, similar to brain fog, which made me hesitant to dine in restaurants for fear of exacerbating my condition. This has been somewhat distressing. I am concerned about th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to get vaccinated, as this can lead to milder symptoms in case of infection and a lower risk of complications. Regarding brain fog, it mostly occurs in older adults, so the likelihood at your age is low. Even if it does happen, recovery is gradual and doe...[Read More] Understanding Brain Fog: Concerns and Solutions for Patients
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
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Medication-related issues Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis, and I am currently taking 1000 mg of Celebrex daily. I would like to ask you: 1) If I contract an infection, should I continue taking Celebrex? If I need to stop, how long should I refrain from taking it? 2) I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. If infected, you can continue taking Celecoxib. 2. In your situation, Paxlovid may not be necessary. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Continuation #188061 Suspected Parasites and Blood Test Values Thank you, doctor, for your response. I have a few more questions. In your previous answer regarding point 2, you mentioned that "it could take months to years." Therefore, can we basically rule out that the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of a parasitic infection seems very low. 2. Yes, headaches can indeed be a post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), but they may also be caused by other factors such as high stress, insufficient sleep, or significan...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
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
Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
It feels itchy inside the body? Since the third day after being diagnosed, I have not had a fever, but I feel an internal itch throughout my body. It's very uncomfortable and hard to describe; I feel the need to keep moving to feel a bit better. Even before going to sleep at...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is true that some individuals may experience skin rashes due to COVID-19, although the likelihood is low. I would like to know if you are currently taking any medications, as it may be necessary to rule out drug or food allergies. If there are none, then it could be att...[Read More] Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please also check for any abnormalities in other areas. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is generally lower in t...[Read More] Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please check for any abnormal signs in other areas as well. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is typically lower ...[Read More] Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
If diagnosed with COVID-19, should Salmeterol be discontinued? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take two tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without taking anti-inflammatory medication) to manage my condition. I was diagnosed with COVID...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Salazopyrin is an immunomodulator, which is different from immunosuppressants. It only suppresses the body's immune response but does not inhibit the immune response to foreign viruses, so it does not lower the ...[Read More] Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
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