Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Medical consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what an ANA titer of 1:160 represents. Does this indicate an autoimmune disease? I also have anemia and palpitations. A doctor previously informed me that it would be dangerous for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; is that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. I have organized and responded to your inquiries as follows: 1. What does an ANA titer of 1:160 represent? Does it indicate an autoimmune disease? --> This is a screening indicator for autoimmune diseases. A higher titer suggests an increa...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
COVID Vaccine and Medication: Can You Take Blood Thinners and Antihistamines?
Vaccine medication consultation Hello, if the timing of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine coincides with my menstrual cycle, can I continue taking Tranexamic Acid as usual within three days after the vaccination (I experience heavy menstrual bleeding and take three tablets a day)? A...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: This issue is not within the scope of metabolic medicine; please refer it to the relevant department. Thank you.[Read More] COVID Vaccine and Medication: Can You Take Blood Thinners and Antihistamines?
Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Low-grade fever, chills, weakness, headache? Hello, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for three to four days (body temperature around 37.3-37.5°C). I also have a headache, fatigue, and slight chills. I took a home rapid test for COVID-19 yesterday, which came back negati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, other viral infections, urinary tract infections, irregular lifestyle, high stress, and menstrual periods can all contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, exercise, and have a balanced diet, as well as to drink plenty of...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Is Essential Thrombocythemia a Rare Disease? Understanding Its Classification and Vaccine Eligibility
Is essential (hemorrhagic) thrombocythemia a rare disease? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing issues with elevated platelet counts since the end of 2015, and I am currently undergoing regular check-ups. I would like to ask: 1. Is the disease classification noted on the Nation...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Lin! This is a blood issue, and it is recommended to consult a hematologist for examination![Read More] Is Essential Thrombocythemia a Rare Disease? Understanding Its Classification and Vaccine Eligibility
COVID-19 Vaccine: Should You Pause Antihistamines and Anxiety Meds?
Vaccine medication consultation Hello: I have been taking the antihistamine Levocetirizine (Xyzal) every night due to nasal allergies. Should I stop taking this medication before and after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? If so, how many days should I stop it before and after? Add...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, antihistamines and autonomic nervous system medications do not affect the efficacy of vaccines, so it is fine to continue taking them. Thank you for your question.[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccine: Should You Pause Antihistamines and Anxiety Meds?
Understanding Throat Pain and Antibiotic Use: Is It Normal?
Antibiotics for sore throat? Four days ago, I visited a doctor due to a sore throat (in the center of my neck). The doctor prescribed throat lozenges, which provided some relief. Two days later, I saw a specialist who did not find any significant issues and prescribed a 5-day cou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems you have an upper respiratory infection. The symptoms you mentioned, such as sore throat and runny nose, are indeed indicative of a respiratory infection. Given the current pandemic, it is advisable to get tested to confirm whether it is COVID-...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain and Antibiotic Use: Is It Normal?
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients
Mediterranean anemia Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about an internal medicine issue. Six years ago, during my pregnancy, I underwent prenatal check-ups, and the report values were as follows: average red blood cell count 75.7 (reference value 79-99) and hemoglobin 11.9 (refer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, it is possible that you have either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. To determine which type it is, further blood tests are necessary. Regarding vaccines, it does not affect the choice of vaccine brand. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients
Should I Test My Daughter for COVID-19 After Her Recent Symptoms?
COVID-19 Hello, Doctor. My daughter is 14 years old. Yesterday evening, she experienced diarrhea, a sore throat with phlegm, and a fever (temperature of 37.7 degrees Celsius). I gave her medication (Children's Lisinopril), and about an hour later, her fever subsided. She has...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Your daughter's symptoms meet the screening criteria for COVID-19, but of course, common cold symptoms can also be similar, making it difficult to determine the possibility of COVID-19. It is recommended that unless all symptoms have completely resolved, you should co...[Read More] Should I Test My Daughter for COVID-19 After Her Recent Symptoms?
COVID-19 Vaccine Injection Concerns: Tetanus and Allergy Considerations
Issues related to COVID-19 vaccination? Hello, doctor. I am inquiring on behalf of a friend regarding COVID-19 vaccination questions. The questions are as follows: 1. If they recently received a tetanus shot (about 2 weeks ago), is it safe to receive the vaccine? 2. They had an a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There are currently no relevant international recommendations regarding this matter; however, expert consensus generally suggests that different types of vaccines should be administered at least one month apart for optimal results. 2. It is true that the Moderna vac...[Read More] COVID-19 Vaccine Injection Concerns: Tetanus and Allergy Considerations
Choosing the Right COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals with Antibody Issues
COVID-19 vaccine I have some questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination. In the past, when I was around 20 years old, I received the hepatitis B vaccine but did not develop antibodies. Last year, after a company health check, someone suggested that I get vaccinated again. At the ag...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The reasons for not producing antibodies after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine include whether the recipient has other chronic illnesses and factors related to individual constitution (gene expression). Research on the ability to produce effec...[Read More] Choosing the Right COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals with Antibody Issues
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Positive result on rapid test for COVID-19 (Continuation Four) Hello Dr. Hong, This week I underwent the fourth PCR screening, and the CT value has decreased again. The report is as follows: SARS-CoV-2 Gene E: 33.06 (previously, the tested item was SARS-CoV-2 Gene RdRp with res...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. This refers to the detection of antigens at different locations of the virus. The CT values of different reagents cannot necessarily be compared with each other. 2. Since these are different reagents, this does not necessarily indicate a relapse. Additionally, during...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Symptoms: A Patient's Inquiry
Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Persistent abdominal bloating? Hello, doctor. I've been experiencing bloating for the past month. I've seen four or five doctors, and due to accompanying cold symptoms (nasal congestion, itchy throat, etc.), most diagnosed it as a gastroenteritis. While the cold symptom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, it does appear to be a cold, which indicates a higher likelihood of an upper respiratory tract infection given the current community situation in Taiwan. It is advisable to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. If the COVID-1...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Stomach Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Should I Get Tested for COVID-19 with Ongoing Stomach Issues?
Re: Persistent Abdominal Bloating Thank you for the doctor's previous response. However, my cold symptoms (such as nasal congestion) have almost completely resolved, and only my stomach issues persist. I visited a clinic today, and the doctor prescribed medication for proble...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed advisable to get tested for COVID-19 for safety reasons, and gastrointestinal symptoms should also be considered as one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Of course, the likelihood of a negative result is reassuring. Based on your subsequent symptoms, it seems you a...[Read More] Should I Get Tested for COVID-19 with Ongoing Stomach Issues?
Concerns About Zinc Intake and Dietary Deficiencies in a Vegetarian Diet
Dietary Questions Hello, I am the person who previously asked about zinc. I have been worried about COVID-19 and have been soaking zinc tablets in hot water for four consecutive days. I am taking a simple glucosamine zinc supplement. Will this process cause any chemical changes t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding zinc supplementation, since each brand and formulation is different, it is recommended to follow the usage instructions on the label. However, it is still advisable to consult a gastroenterologist to determine the cause of your digestive issues, as there are many...[Read More] Concerns About Zinc Intake and Dietary Deficiencies in a Vegetarian Diet
Best Over-the-Counter Fever Reducers for COVID Vaccine Recipients
Purchase of antipyretics? Hello, doctor. I am allergic to anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which cause my eyes to swell. I would like to know which type of fever reducer I can purchase at the pharmacy if I experience a fever after receiving the COVID-1...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you may be allergic to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Acetaminophen would be more suitable for you. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Best Over-the-Counter Fever Reducers for COVID Vaccine Recipients
Is COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for Patients with Allergies and Medications?
COVID-19 vaccination administration Hello, Doctor. 1. I am allergic to anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin; taking these medications causes my eyes to swell. 2. I am allergic to dust mites, and I need to take asthma medication whenever I have a common c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the three situations you mentioned are not contraindications for the COVID-19 vaccine, nor have they been stated as reasons to avoid vaccination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for Patients with Allergies and Medications?
Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
Positive Rapid Test for COVID-19 (Continuation 2) Hello Dr. Hong, I am a patient who tested positive for COVID-19 through a rapid test and PCR a few days ago. Since my diagnosis on June 14, I have experienced some changes in my health. Yesterday, June 19, I retested for PCR, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The value you mentioned should refer to the CT value of the PCR test. A higher CT value indicates a lower viral load, and values above 30 suggest that there is almost no transmissibility. Therefore, based on your values, it seems you are gradually recovering. 2. If ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 PCR Results and Managing Symptoms at Home
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
Can Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Can patients with ankylosing spondylitis receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Dr. Gao: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I have been treated with a cancer-killing medication for about two years, and my inflammatory markers have now decreased to normal levels. I have stop...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your current medication status, you are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are continuously taking anti-cancer medication, a temporary adjustment to your medication may be necessary. This message is from the Allergy, Immun...[Read More] Can Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis Receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?