Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Is it suitable for individuals with vasculitis to receive the AZ vaccine? Individuals with a history of vasculitis, which is an autoimmune disease, may have concerns regarding vaccination. Among those advised against receiving the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine are individuals with com...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the Taiwan Society of Rheumatology has reached a consensus and provided recommendations for patients with autoimmune diseases. Of course, these recommendations will continue to be adjusted over time as more evidence accumulates. In pr...[Read More] Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Best COVID-19 Vaccines for Patients with Behçet's Disease: Expert Insights
Questions about COVID-19 vaccine administration? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask which COVID-19 vaccines, including domestically produced ones, are currently more suitable for patients with Behçet's disease? Thank you!
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the Taiwan Society of Rheumatology does not have any specific warnings or alerts for patients with Behçet's disease, and I believe that all vaccines can be administered. However, if your condition is severe, including persistent ...[Read More] Best COVID-19 Vaccines for Patients with Behçet's Disease: Expert Insights
Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Positive result on COVID-19 rapid test? Hello Dr. Hong, I hope you are well. I am currently in Indonesia and am using online consultation services, so I hope to gain a deeper understanding. I apologize for the lengthy description. Starting on the evening of June 12, I experienc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, they do resemble a COVID-19 infection; however, we still need to wait for the PCR test for confirmation. The medications you mentioned are all for relieving cold symptoms. If you have cold symptoms, they can be taken to alleviate discom...[Read More] Understanding Positive COVID-19 Rapid Test Results: A Patient's Journey
Managing COVID-19 Symptoms: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Positive rapid test for COVID-19 (continued) Hello Dr. Hong, I am the patient who asked a question yesterday. The PCR results just came out... it is positive for SARS-CoV-2 with RdRp gene: 23.25 and SARS-CoV-2 ORF 1ab: 21.26. Today is the second day, and I continue to take "...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, there are indeed several medications available for use, including for mild cases. However, for high-risk patients, such as those over 65 years of age, monoclonal antibodies can be used for patients with declining oxygen levels. For more severe cases, remdesivir can be ...[Read More] Managing COVID-19 Symptoms: Insights on Treatment and Recovery
Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Shortness of breath lasting for one week + occasional chest pain? On the night of the 7th, I woke up feeling somewhat short of breath for no apparent reason. I hadn't turned on the air conditioning, and it didn't feel like my usual nasal congestion, but it felt very obs...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the main issue is subjective discomfort. I recommend measuring your body temperature and blood oxygen levels. If both are normal, you may consider an outpatient consultation. It could be caused by anemia or hyperthyroidism. However,...[Read More] Persistent Breathing Difficulty and Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Help
Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Negative rapid test for COVID-19 and normal test results, yet persistent illness? Hello Dr. Hong, First of all, I do not have any chronic illnesses, a travel history, or overlapping exposure to confirmed cases. I live in Taichung City, which is not a hot zone, and I was in good ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if the two tests you received were rapid antigen tests (ELISA) or PCR tests. If they were antigen tests, there is indeed a high chance of false negatives, and you may need to consider getting an RT-PCR test for confirmation. If both tests were PCR, the ch...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms After Negative COVID-19 Tests: What to Do?
Can a 92-Year-Old with Arrhythmia Safely Receive the AZ COVID Vaccine?
A 92-year-old patient with arrhythmia receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong: My father is scheduled to receive the AZ COVID-19 vaccine on June 16. He regularly takes antiarrhythmic medication, Rytmonorm, one tablet in the morning and one in the evening, which may be rela...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the antiarrhythmic medications you mentioned are not listed as contraindications for the AZ vaccine either domestically or internationally, nor have they been indicated as unsuitable for vaccination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can a 92-Year-Old with Arrhythmia Safely Receive the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Is It Safe for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients to Get the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis Is it suitable for patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis to receive the AZ COVID-19 vaccine? Currently, there is no treatment, and blood tests are only conducted every six months to monitor values.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine, so there is no need for concern. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfa...[Read More] Is It Safe for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients to Get the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Numbness in the cheeks, unexplained fever, and heart rate issues? Around 1 AM on June 2, my family member received a notification from the "Taiwan Social Distancing" app indicating possible contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. They went to work in the morning, but in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! It is common to experience palpitations and other discomforting symptoms during a fever. A single negative test result does not definitively confirm that you are negative for the virus. If you still have the same symptoms after 3-4 days (which is now), it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Pandemic-induced erectile dysfunction I believe I may have been diagnosed, but my symptoms are not very pronounced. I have slight difficulty breathing, a mild fever, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, and incomplete penile engorgement, but I do not have a cough or throat discomfort...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to contact the health department or call 1922 to arrange for testing to confirm whether it is a COVID-19 infection, as this is essential for appropriate treatment of the disease. 2. In the event of a positive COVID-19 result, there have indeed been...[Read More] Understanding Post-Pandemic Erectile Dysfunction: When to Seek Help
Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Lung issues Doctor, I have a question. I went to see a family physician because I had a cold, and I underwent an X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis (my sputum has always been white, without any yellow or blood-tinged coloration). Later, my cough symptoms improved, and during...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the current pandemic situation, it is recommended to first undergo COVID-19 testing. If the result is negative and symptoms persist, further evaluation by a pulmonologist at a major hospital may be necessary. As for pulmonary infiltrates, it is essentially inflamm...[Read More] Understanding Lung Infiltration: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Having a high fever that has persisted for three to four days without subsiding? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever since the first day, with an initial temperature around 38.5 degrees Celsius. I went to see a doctor, who noted that my throat was particularly red. The...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! I apologize for the late response due to the pandemic. First, your situation requires screening to rule out COVID-19, as patients with COVID-19 can present with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and diarrhea. If the screening is negative, the next consideration would be...[Read More] Persistent Fever for Days: Understanding Causes and Solutions
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have had a mild cough since around May 20th. On May 28th, I suddenly experienced persistent numbness in my tongue, but the symptoms improved the next day. Starting from May 29th, I measured my temperature with an ear thermometer, which ranged from ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, given the current pandemic situation, it is essential to first rule out the possibility of a COVID-19 infection. I recommend going to the hospital for a COVID-19 test. If the result is negative, you may need to visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic to investigate ...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
If the IgE levels in a blood test are elevated, is it safe to receive the Covid-19 vaccine? If a person has a history of allergic conditions, frequently experiences eczema, and has elevated IgE levels in blood tests, can they receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Will the side effects be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. I believe that getting vaccinated is a good option, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher than that of others. Although your IgE allergy levels are elevated, the literature does not suggest that patients with such conditi...[Read More] Can People with High IgE Levels Get the Covid-19 Vaccine Safely?
Understanding Body Temperature: When to Worry and COVID-19 Concerns
Temperature Inquiry Due to the pandemic, there is heightened sensitivity to temperature readings. Recently, my ear temperature has been fluctuating around 37.1 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, and sometimes it even reaches 37.8 degrees when the thermometer is inserted deeper into the ear...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, each person's baseline body temperature is different, and thermometers can have discrepancies. It is recommended to use a thermometer from a hospital or a public health facility for measurement. If it reads around 37 degrees Celsius, this may be your baseline ...[Read More] Understanding Body Temperature: When to Worry and COVID-19 Concerns
Managing Allergic Rhinitis and Frequent Colds: What You Need to Know
Upper respiratory tract infection I regularly take medication for allergic rhinitis, but I still caught a cold on April 22 and again on May 22. The doctor prescribed medication that also treats allergic rhinitis. If I am consistently taking medication and still cannot prevent col...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications for allergic rhinitis are typically antihistamines. To avoid catching a cold, it is recommended to maintain a regular routine, get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and refrain from alcohol and smoking. Additionally, it is advisable to ...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis and Frequent Colds: What You Need to Know
Sudden Loss of Taste: Possible Causes and Solutions
Loss of taste sensation on the tongue? Hello doctor, starting two days ago, I suddenly lost the ability to taste any food (especially sweet, salty, and sour flavors). However, my sense of smell seems to be mostly normal. Two days ago, I had diarrhea, but since the day before yest...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, loss of smell and taste, as well as diarrhea, should be taken seriously as they may indicate a COVID-19 infection. It is recommended to visit the emergency department or the infectious disease clinic of a major hospital. Please inform them of your symptoms and undergo test...[Read More] Sudden Loss of Taste: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, in October 2019, my son (7 years old) was infected with influenza type B. Later, he developed some red spots on his hands, and when we went to the hospital for a blood test, the emergency doctor said everything was normal, with a platelet count of 180,0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. It is indeed possible for children to develop skin rashes and abnormal blood test results due to viral infections, and if these symptoms resolve quickly or the test results return to normal, there is usually no need for concern. However, blood t...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Assessing COVID-19 Infection Risk on Public Transport with Unmasked Individuals
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, when I was taking my child out on a train, there was a migrant worker who wasn't wearing a mask and kept talking, while his companion was wearing one. Later, many people were looking at him, and he eventually put on a mask. I would lik...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the current risk of community transmission in Taiwan is very low, and if you are wearing a mask, you should not be at risk of contracting COVID-19. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing COVID-19 Infection Risk on Public Transport with Unmasked Individuals
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I started experiencing a sore throat on December 20th of last year and sought treatment. After finishing the first course of medication, my symptoms changed to a scratchy throat and coughing. I continued to return for follow-up visits and received...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is indeed slightly elevated, especially if it frequently exceeds 37.5°C. It is important to pay attention to this; if there are no specific symptoms of infection, it may be necessary to consider atypical infections or other factors such as rheumatolog...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Throat Symptoms