Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Accidentally cut oneself? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and accidentally scratched myself with the metal part of an electrical outlet. Although there is no bleeding, it appears to have broken the skin. Two years ago in Taiwan, I received a tetanus shot after getting cut b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have received a tetanus shot within the last 5 years, there is no need for a repeat vaccination. Therefore, you likely do not need to get vaccinated again. As for the wound, you should mainly observe for any local redness, swelling, heat, or pain, as well as any sig...[Read More] Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Side effects and issues related to taking medication for the common cold? Hello Dr. Hong: I woke up yesterday with pain on one side of my tonsil or throat, along with nasal congestion and phlegm. I visited an ENT specialist who examined my tongue to check for any lesions. During ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, legitimate clinics have established disinfection procedures for their equipment, and there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through medical devices, so there should be no concern regarding COVID-19 infection. 2. Based solely on your descrip...[Read More] Understanding Cold Symptoms and Medication Side Effects: A Patient's Concerns
Understanding Abdominal Health: When Is a Bulging Belly a Concern?
Abdominal or lower abdominal issues? Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask if a man's lower abdomen being this large is considered unhealthy or problematic. Although I noticed that my family members have similar body shapes, my brother told me that if ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is not possible to determine if someone is ill solely based on the size of the abdomen; it mainly depends on the presence of other symptoms, such as fever or gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or bloating. If none of these symptoms are pres...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Health: When Is a Bulging Belly a Concern?
Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) and the common cold may overlap? Hello Doctor, I usually don't catch colds often, but this time my family had a cold, and I accidentally used their utensils and ate food they had touched. Now my throat feels scratchy and phlegmy, and I've b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, they are more indicative of an upper respiratory tract infection rather than tuberculosis. As for COVID-19, if you do not have a travel history or known exposure, the likelihood is quite low. Therefore, based on your description, it is most likely a...[Read More] Is It a Cold or Tuberculosis? Understanding Your Symptoms
Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Intermittent unexplained fever Hello doctor, my daughter has been experiencing a fever since the end of March, and it continues to this day. Her recorded temperatures have ranged from a low of 36.5°C to a high of 40.3°C, fluctuating back and forth, with an average temperature abo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but I assume she is likely a child. In cases of unexplained fever, about 20% may persist without a known cause, and sometimes it can take one to two years for the actual diagnosis to emerge. Therefore, if she can maintain her nor...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Concerns About Seafood-Related Infections: What You Need to Know
Possible infection Hello, Doctor Hong. While having seafood udon for dinner, I accidentally got pricked or scraped while peeling shrimp for my brother. Although there was no bleeding, I am concerned about the possibility of infection from any marine bacteria. I remember hearing a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you are concerned about is likely necrotizing fasciitis caused by Vibrio species. The symptoms typically start with redness, swelling, heat, and pain at the wound site, followed by fever, and can spread very rapidly. This may progress to chills, purplish discoloration...[Read More] Concerns About Seafood-Related Infections: What You Need to Know
Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Temperature issues Hello Doctor, I previously had a family member infected with mycoplasma, and I developed symptoms of a scratchy throat and a mild fever of 37 degrees Celsius in the evening. I sought medical attention and was prescribed DayShu for three days. I was scheduled fo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, according to the chart you provided, the highest temperature recorded is 37.7°C, with most readings below 37°C. Body temperature can often fluctuate based on surrounding temperature or physical activity. Overall, such variations in temperature should not be considered a fe...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Advice
Should I Get Tested for HIV After Contact with Blood in Sparring?
The issue of exposure to a pool of blood? Hello, doctor. I have a habit of practicing martial arts. A few days ago during practice, my opponent had a lot of bleeding from the face, and blood splattered on my face and the floor. Since it was a practice match, I didn't stop th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact or blood transfusion, and the risk of infection through casual contact is very low. Based on the situation you described, it is unlikely that you would contract HIV. However, if you experience any discomfort in the future...[Read More] Should I Get Tested for HIV After Contact with Blood in Sparring?
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Low-grade fever for four consecutive days? Hello, For the past four days, my axillary temperature has been between 36.4°C and 36.6°C (previously, it was mostly between 35.6°C and 35.9°C, and during my menstrual period, it peaked at 36.1°C). However, when measuring my ear temper...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is slightly elevated but not significantly high. Due to the combined factor of a white blood cell count below the standard range, it is recommended that you first visit an infectious disease specialist. The physician will evaluate the results of your ...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Can Sneezing While Eating Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Can sneezing while eating cause aspiration pneumonia? Hello, Doctor Hong. While I was eating, I happened to bite into something in my rice, and suddenly my nose became very itchy, like I was about to sneeze. At that moment, I felt something, possibly from the rice, go down my thr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is an epiglottic cartilage above our trachea that normally closes the airway during sneezing to prevent aspiration pneumonia. Additionally, you do not have any symptoms related to aspiration pneumonia, such as fever, cough, or wheezing, so there is no need to worry. ...[Read More] Can Sneezing While Eating Lead to Aspiration Pneumonia?
Understanding the Risk of Vibrio Infection from Seafood Handling
Possibility of Vibrio infection Hello, Dr. Hong. Today at noon, while I was eating seafood noodles, I accidentally pricked or scratched myself while peeling shrimp. Although it doesn't seem to be bleeding, I quickly applied iodine after returning home. I don't feel much...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Vibrio infection typically refers to infections caused by being punctured by raw seafood. Based on your description, if the seafood was cooked, the chances of infection are very low. It is advisable to monitor the wound for any redness, swelling, heat, or pain, as well as ...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Vibrio Infection from Seafood Handling
How Long to Monitor for Vibrio Infection After Eating Seafood?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Thank you, Dr. Hong, for your careful response. I guess I was just too worried; cooking it thoroughly should be safer. If I observe for a few days without any redness or swelling, does that mean I am complete...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after two days, the possibility of infection is almost ruled out. Unless there are changes in the wound or if you develop a fever, there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How Long to Monitor for Vibrio Infection After Eating Seafood?
Understanding Left Side Waist Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
There is a slight pain in the left side of the lower back? Hello doctor, for the past couple of days, I've experienced a sudden mild pain in the flesh above the bone on my left lower back near the waist. However, it has eased after I twisted my waist. My family says it might...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the appendix is located on the right side, so it is unlikely to be the left kidney. While acute kidney inflammation typically accompanies fever and urinary discomfort, based on your description, it seems you do not have these symptoms. The most likely speculation is a musc...[Read More] Understanding Left Side Waist Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. On Tuesday afternoon, I experienced fever, muscle aches, and mild diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. The fever subsided on Wednesday morning, leaving only slight diarrhea. On Friday, I noticed that my breasts were painful to touch. I h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no travel history or contact history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. It is suspected to be acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease outpatient clinic for consultation, and testing for COVID-19 may not be neces...[Read More] Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Chest tightness, sore throat, cough, and sharp pain in the throat and chest? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing chest tightness and throat pain for the past week or two. However, it doesn't hurt when I drink water. Occasionally, I have a cough, and when I cough, I feel s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it is indeed most likely a respiratory infection. However, if you experience persistent fever, ongoing chest pain, or continuous shortness of breath, you should consider seeking medical attention to check for other issues or to rule out the possibil...[Read More] Chest Tightness and Throat Pain: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Throat and trachea issues, suspected choking on traditional Chinese medicine powder? Hello, Doctor Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process and symptoms you described, there are no signs of aspiration pneumonia unless there are subsequent symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or fever. In that case, you would need to consult a pulmonologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a family m...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Feeling of a foreign body in the throat? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I had a slight cold and visited an ENT specialist. The doctor mentioned some inflammation. After taking medication for three days, I felt better and didn't return for a follow-up, allowing myself to r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be just a throat inflammation and not aspiration pneumonia, unless there is severe coughing or wheezing, which would warrant concern. 2. If something is lodged in your throat, usually consuming soft foods can help alleviate the...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing an unexplained fever for three consecutive days, with my temperature ranging between 37.5°C and 38°C. On the third day, I also developed a headache in the forehead area, but I have had no cough, sneezing, or ru...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I apologize for the late response. There are many causes of fever, and if it is simply a fever without any respiratory symptoms, the likelihood of it being related to COVID-19 is actually quite low. However, a fever lasting more than three days definitely indicates an underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes
Slightly elevated body temperature over a prolonged period? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing slightly elevated body temperature since before my vacation, particularly feeling uncomfortable when it reaches around 37.5 to 37.8 degrees Celsius, while my usual temperature is ab...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If you are experiencing unexplained elevated body temperature or mild fever and have already consulted the specialties mentioned in your message without finding a solution, it would indeed be advisable to visit a Rheumatology and Immunology depa...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes