Understanding the HIV Testing Window Period: When to Retest After Exposure
The issue of the window period for HIV testing? I would like to ask the doctor about my last risky sexual encounter, which occurred on January 8 and 9. Afterward, I learned that my partner may have multiple sexual partners. On February 14, I went to Cheng Kung University Hospital...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Cheng Kung University Hospital likely uses the Combo test to detect HIV, which has a very low chance of missing an infection that has been present for over a month. Given the current situation, if you are experiencing throat discomfort, it is important to be cautious as it...[Read More] Understanding the HIV Testing Window Period: When to Retest After Exposure
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
Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Does the immunomodulatory function of Salvia miltiorrhiza reduce the likelihood of developing moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently 20 years old. I am taking two Salazopyrin (500 mg each) and one Met...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) From a theoretical standpoint, could it be that because I am taking Salazopyrin, I am less likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19 compared to others of the same age and condition who ...[Read More] Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
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?
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Face Higher Long COVID Risks?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of developing long COVID after contracting COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and currently undergoing stable treatment with Vectra and Celebrex. I would like to ask if patients with ankylo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the medication you are taking does not affect the prognosis, and patients with ankylosing spondylitis are not more likely to experience long-term effects from COVID-19. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Face Higher Long COVID Risks?
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
Can Nasal Mucus Replace Deep Nasal Swabs for COVID-19 Testing?
Methods for Rapid Testing of COVID-19 Hello, doctor. I have allergies and often experience a scratchy throat, sneezing, and a runny nose. However, since I work in the service industry and frequently encounter many strangers, I am concerned that I might have contracted COVID-19 wi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since the virus is more prevalent in mucosal cells, using nasal mucus is not an effective method for testing for COVID-19. It is recommended to use deep nasal swabbing for testing. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Nasal Mucus Replace Deep Nasal Swabs for COVID-19 Testing?
Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Undercooked pork consumption issues? Hello, doctor. Before the Qingming Festival, I dined at a Japanese pork cutlet chain restaurant and noticed that some pieces of meat seemed undercooked. The symptoms I experienced are as follows: 1. After returning home, I did not have any sig...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Parasites in raw pork typically die after freezing, so unless you are consuming freshly slaughtered and cooked pork chops, the likelihood of contracting parasites from undercooked pork in Taiwan is quite low. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, it is more appropriate to f...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork: Symptoms and Parasitic Infection Risks
Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
Treatment for mild COVID-19? Hello: Recent news reports indicate that mild COVID-19 patients can take acetaminophen for treatment. I would like to ask: 1. Besides taking acetaminophen, do mild cases need to take antiviral medications or other drugs? 2. While acetaminophen can all...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. For mild patients, if there are no significant underlying conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, cancer, etc., only symptomatic treatment is needed, and there is no requirement for specific antiviral medications. 2. Acetaminophen can only alleviate symptoms; t...[Read More] Managing Mild COVID-19 Symptoms: Treatment Options and Recovery Explained
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
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I am currently on day four of quarantine. Since the first night of quarantine, I have felt an increase in body temperature and warmth. (In previous years, I occasionally felt feverish, with temperatures around the mid-36s, sometimes reaching 37.3,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It can be difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of a common cold and COVID-19, so it may still be necessary to perform a PCR test or a rapid test for confirmation. 2. There are many possible causes of fever, and a detailed examination may be required to deter...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice
Long-Term Effects of Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Long-term sequelae of Influenza A? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if contracting COVID-19 may lead to long COVID symptoms, will recovering from influenza A also result in long-term sequelae? What are the main symptoms associated with these sequelae, and is there a significant...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after any illness, there may be some degree of sequelae, varying from mild to severe. A small number of individuals infected with Influenza A may experience mild pulmonary function impairment or fibrosis; however, these sequelae are generally very minor, so most people do ...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of developing severe COVID-19? Hello doctor, may I ask if patients with ankylosing spondylitis are more likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Whether patients with rheumatic diseases develop severe illness after infection is related to their overall health status at the time of infection. Factors such as whether the rheumatic disease is well-controlled, the current condition of the d...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Increase Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Ankylosing spondylitis and autoantibodies? Hello Doctor, my son is currently over 18 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. The notes below are from a previous examination report at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. I would like to ask the doctor: 1) Although ankylosing spondyliti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Although ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, it does not mean that patients with ankylosing spondylitis will necessarily have autoantibodies, correct? --> Yes. 2) According to the attached report, does m...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Autoantibodies in Young Patients
Understanding Long COVID: Symptoms and Risks After Recovery
Post-COVID syndrome Hello: Recent news reports indicate that studies abroad have found that individuals who recover from COVID-19 may still experience sequelae. I would like to ask: 1. For individuals who have received three doses of the vaccine, if they contract COVID-19, is it ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. After receiving all three doses, the incidence of side effects is significantly lower, with almost no reports of serious long-term complications. 2. Most side effects are temporary, and there are virtually no permanent effects. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Long COVID: Symptoms and Risks After Recovery
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Face Higher Risk of Long COVID?
Do patients with stiffness have a higher risk of developing long COVID-19 sequelae if they contract COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and currently undergoing stable treatment with Vectra and Celebrex (I asked you some other questions a few days a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are patients with ankylosing spondylitis more likely to experience Long COVID-19 symptoms after contracting COVID-19? --> Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support this. However, post-infection, individ...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Face Higher Risk of Long COVID?
Does Salazopyrin Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19 in Patients?
Does the use of salmeterol increase the risk of developing moderate to severe illness after infection? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis, currently 18 years old. I am undergoing stable treatment with Wankesi (60 mg per day) and Salazopyrin (1000 mg per day)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy more likely to develop moderate to severe COVID-19 if they contract the virus? --> Generally, yes. However, Salazopyridine (Salsalate) has a relatively mild effect...[Read More] Does Salazopyrin Increase Risk of Severe COVID-19 in Patients?
Understanding Throat Discomfort After Deep Kissing: Causes and Concerns
Throat infection issues related to deep kissing? Hello Doctor: About a month ago, I had a brief deep kissing encounter with a sex worker. The next day, I felt a dryness in my throat, and on the following day, I noticed a slight phlegm when swallowing. By the third day, the drynes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unlikely that you have a sexually transmitted infection. As for COVID-19, I recommend purchasing a rapid test kit to confirm your status; if the result is negative, the likelihood of infection is low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort After Deep Kissing: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Yawning-Related Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Thank you for your response, Doctor. I was chatting with friends earlier, and they mentioned that yawning too forcefully can lead to similar issues. I would like to ask about what you mentioned regarding caution. I do not...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you mentioned that sometimes the joints may experience mild inflammation, which typically improves after a period of time. Regarding the cold symptoms, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to take a rapid test. If the rapid test is negative, it is more like...[Read More] Understanding Yawning-Related Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
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?