Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Parasite Infection Concerns
Eating undercooked pork? If you accidentally consumed a piece of undercooked marinated pork that was grilled for only about 10 seconds, there is a potential risk of parasitic infection, particularly from parasites such as Trichinella spiralis, which can be found in undercooked po...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Raw pork does carry a higher risk of parasites (primarily pork tapeworms), so it is generally recommended to consume it well-cooked. However, if the pork has been frozen, most parasites will typically be killed, which reduces the risk in pork served at restaurants. Additio...[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Parasite Infection Concerns
Understanding Mild Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Slight pain in the throat? Hello Doctor, I recently seem to have caught a cold and visited an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication, but I still feel pain on the right side of my throat, near the tonsils. The ENT doctor only mentioned slight inflammation. I have had to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, stones are less likely to form in the throat and esophagus. Based on your description, it seems to be an upper respiratory infection combined with pharyngitis. It is indeed recommended to drink plenty of water and rest. However, if you have a persistent fever lasting more ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Throat Pain: When to Worry and When to Rest
Slight pain in the throat? Hello Doctor, I recently seem to have caught a cold and visited an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication, but I still feel pain on the right side of my throat, near the tonsils. The ENT doctor only mentioned slight inflammation. I previously ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, stones are less likely to form in the throat and esophagus. Based on your description, it seems to be an upper respiratory infection combined with pharyngitis. It is indeed recommended to drink plenty of water and rest. However, if you have a persistent fever lasting more ...[Read More] Understanding Throat Pain: When to Worry and When to Rest
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
Understanding Hot Air from Your Nose: Possible Medical Issues
Nasal issues? Feeling warm air when exhaling through the nose could indicate several issues. It may be a sign of nasal congestion or inflammation, such as in cases of sinusitis or rhinitis. Additionally, it could be related to increased airflow resistance due to swelling of the n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to first measure your body temperature. If the temperature is normal, it may be due to the surrounding environment being too cold, which can cause the sensation of warm breath. This is a normal phenomenon. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hot Air from Your Nose: Possible Medical Issues
Is My Sore Throat a Cold or Something More Serious?
Is it a cold issue? Hello, doctor. About ten days ago, I had a cold and took medication twice. Later, the doctor said that since I no longer had a sore throat, I didn't need to return for a follow-up. However, today I felt something like a droplet shape stuck in my throat ne...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding the previous cold symptoms, such as post-nasal drip, if they persist for a longer duration, it is usually recommended to rest more and stay hydrated, which should help in recovery. 2. As for the dizziness, it could be caused by multiple factors, including ...[Read More] Is My Sore Throat a Cold or Something More Serious?
Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea in Seniors
Abdominal pain and diarrhea of unknown origin? Hello Doctor: My mother is 72 years old and recently experienced two episodes of severe abdominal pain of unknown origin, accompanied by "profuse" diarrhea. We were not present at the time, but according to her description,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It may be necessary to know the interval between the two occurrences, the characteristics of the diarrhea, whether there is a fever, and any other chronic conditions in order to make a further assessment. Generally, if abdominal pain is accompanied by significant diarrhea,...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea in Seniors
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Lower abdominal pain? Doctor, on Thursday I ate at a restaurant and had a lot of sauerkraut. While eating, I seemed to have bitten into something grainy, and it tasted like I had taken a big mouthful of salt. Around 3 or 4 PM, I started to feel some pain in my lower abdomen, but ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. I recommend consuming soft foods, such as porridge, and avoiding irritating foods for the next few days. Make sure to rest and stay hydrated. If you experience severe pain or fever, you should seek medical at...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Causes and Care Tips
Understanding Drug Allergies: Identifying Culprits After Medication Reactions
Drug allergy I would like to ask if it is possible for a drug allergy to manifest as a rash four days after stopping the medication? I had swollen lymph nodes that persisted for a month, so I consulted a doctor and was prescribed Augmentin 1g tablets for a week and a half. After ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, typically, the chance of an allergic reaction is lower if medication is stopped for four days. However, it is also possible that the subsequent medication caused the reaction, or it could be due to other factors such as food or environmental allergens. The exact cause of a...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergies: Identifying Culprits After Medication Reactions
Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Throat issues I have been experiencing a persistent cough for several months, starting around July or August, possibly even earlier. Every morning when I wake up, I definitely cough to the point of feeling nauseous. After a while, I also experience a burning sensation in my throa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip, or if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? If you have these two issues, they could be the cause of your cough. You can treat both conditions. If not, it may be necessary to see an otolaryn...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Throat Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Oral sex with mouth sores? On November 1, I had oral sex without any other sexual activity, but I developed a sore in the middle of my tongue, which did not bleed. On November 3, I experienced tonsillitis and saw a doctor. By November 5, I had recovered. On November 9, I had lary...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The risk of contracting HIV from a single oral sex encounter is approximately 1 in 10,000, which is generally a very low probability, but of course, it cannot be guaranteed that it is zero. The symptoms you mentioned can indeed be indicative of acute HIV infection, but sim...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Understanding Skin Rashes and Health Concerns in Young Adults
Please ask your question? Hello, I previously visited a urologist because I am still a virgin and have no experience with sexual activities. The doctor mentioned that the most likely cause of my issue was bathing in hot springs, as I go twice a month, or it could be due to poor h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you described, it is likely that you are experiencing folliculitis. As for sexually transmitted infections, if you have not engaged in sexual activity, it is almost impossible for you to contract an STI, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Health Concerns in Young Adults
Can Dental Procedures Lead to Bloodborne Infections?
Is it possible to have a blood infection from dental procedures? Hello Doctor: When I went to the dental clinic to have my wisdom teeth extracted, I was under anesthesia and couldn't control my rinsing, resulting in water splashing into my eyes. However, there was blood from...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV in the situation you described is very low, so it is unlikely that you are infected unless you experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, in which case you should seek medical attention. Thank you for your inqu...[Read More] Can Dental Procedures Lead to Bloodborne Infections?
Understanding Post-Choking Discomfort: Is It Aspiration Pneumonia?
Discomfort after choking? Hello, Dr. Hong. Yesterday, on November 30th, while eating Korean hot pot, I accidentally inhaled some soup. Half a day later, I experienced mild pain in my chest and back, a decreased appetite (eating more makes me feel a bit nauseous), and occasional s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the inflammation in your throat is primarily caused by the broth, and it is unlikely to have resulted in aspiration pneumonia. I recommend continuing to monitor the situation, and seek medical attention only if you experience sympto...[Read More] Understanding Post-Choking Discomfort: Is It Aspiration Pneumonia?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks After Caring for a Family Member
HIV infection Doctor, I apologize for the interruption, but I would like to inquire about a situation. If a family member is infected with HIV and has just undergone surgery with fresh sutures, during the process of changing the dressing, my finger accidentally touched the wound....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the risk of contracting HIV should be very low. Therefore, unless there are specific symptoms such as fever or respiratory symptoms, there is no need to worry about the possibility of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks After Caring for a Family Member
Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
If you are experiencing cold symptoms while abroad, how likely is it that they could be related to COVID-19? Hello doctor, I am currently abroad and feeling quite worried due to cold symptoms. I am unsure if there is a possibility of having COVID-19. Initially, I had a sensation ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the symptoms you described, it is indeed a respiratory infection. However, it is not possible to distinguish whether it is COVID-19 solely based on symptoms; confirmation of the diagnosis requires testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Could Your Cold Symptoms Indicate a COVID-19 Infection Abroad?
Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Accompanying family members to receive the influenza vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, today I accompanied my grandparents to get vaccinated and I also decided to pay for my own vaccination. I have a slight cold and was initially hesitant to get vaccinated, but the doctor mentioned that a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There is no specific interval required between vaccines and medications because their mechanisms of action are different, so it is fine to use them together. 2. Local soreness is a normal phenomenon; adverse reactions would only be indicated by symptoms beyond local ...[Read More] Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Flu Vaccine Concerns: Can I Get Vaccinated with Cold Symptoms?
I would like to ask the doctor about the flu vaccine? Hello, doctor. A few weeks ago, I went to the ENT department with my family to make an appointment for the flu vaccine, which I need to pay for out of pocket. Although it hasn't arrived yet, I heard that the vaccine is fr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the current contraindications for vaccines, you can receive the vaccine as long as you do not have a fever. Your white blood cell count should still be within the normal range, so there should be no issues with getting vaccinated. As for the side effects of th...[Read More] Flu Vaccine Concerns: Can I Get Vaccinated with Cold Symptoms?
Understanding Finger Nail Blood Spots: When to Seek Medical Advice
Subungual hematoma Hello Doctor, after taking a shower, I noticed a small black dot at the tip of my left index finger nail. I previously read that skin lesions could also present this way, although they usually appear as a line. However, when I examined the area just in front of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since I cannot assess the actual situation in detail, I can only speculate based on your description. It does seem likely that it could be scabbing or dirt, which are quite common on the fingers. If it has already fallen off, there is no need to worry. The iodine tincture ...[Read More] Understanding Finger Nail Blood Spots: When to Seek Medical Advice