Negative COVID Tests but Persistent Fever: What Could It Mean?
Two negative rapid tests but still experiencing a fever? Hello doctor, I am fifteen years old and have recently been quarantined at home due to close contact. I have taken two rapid tests, both of which were negative, but I continue to have a fever, with a maximum temperature of ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: It should not be the case. Besides COVID-19, there are also some seasonal infections, such as influenza, urinary tract infections, the common cold, and even allergies that may occur. Remember to take protective measures and practice contact isolation.[Read More] Negative COVID Tests but Persistent Fever: What Could It Mean?
Is a White Blood Cell Count of 19.5 Indicative of Bacterial Infection?
A white blood cell count of 19.5 may indicate a bacterial infection, but it is not definitive on its own. Elevated white blood cell counts can occur due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, stress, or other medical conditions. Further evaluation, including clin...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's not possible to distinguish this way! The tumor itself can cause an increase in white blood cells and fever, but infections can also do the same. Therefore, it ultimately relies on the clinical judgment of the physician; the laboratory data alone cannot different...[Read More] Is a White Blood Cell Count of 19.5 Indicative of Bacterial Infection?
Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
The diagnosed patient is coughing up sputum with a slight trace of blood? I tested positive on May 19. Initially, I had a cough but no phlegm. By the morning of May 21, I noticed blood streaks in my phlegm when I coughed it up. My wife said that my coughing technique might be wro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, COVID-19 patients may experience some microvascular bleeding in the throat during severe coughing, which can lead to blood-tinged sputum. Symptomatic treatment is recommended, and it should gradually improve. However, if there is persistent fever, chest pain, or severe sho...[Read More] Blood-Streaked Sputum After COVID-19: When to Seek Medical Attention?
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
Concerns About Infection After Shrimp Injury: What You Need to Know
Infection issues Hello Doctor: During dinner, while eating risotto with shrimp, I accidentally got pricked by the shrimp head when I was peeling it. At that moment, I noticed a small drop of red blood, which I squeezed out, then washed my hands and disinfected the area with hydro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you were stung by a shrimp, you should be very cautious about infections from Vibrio species, such as Vibrio vulnificus or Clostridium botulinum. The risk of infection from cooked shrimp is relatively low. It is advisable to monitor for any signs of fever, redness, swel...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Shrimp Injury: What You Need to Know
Flu Symptoms: Does Fever Resolution Mean Recovery?
The flu fever has subsided, but I still feel weakness in my hands and feet? Doctor, does the fever subsiding mean that the flu is over? Also, why do my hands and feet still feel weak even after the fever has gone down? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when the fever from the flu subsides, it is common to experience dizziness, muscle aches, and a feeling of heaviness in the head and lightness in the legs. These are possible side effects of the flu, and usually, resting for a while will lead to gradual recovery. However, ...[Read More] Flu Symptoms: Does Fever Resolution Mean Recovery?
Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Persistent cough and fever? Hello, my mother has been coughing since the beginning of this year. In February, she had a fever and went to the hospital where she underwent X-rays, a CT scan, and a bronchoscopy. The X-ray only showed slight fluid accumulation below the ribs. Her sp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, viral infections, bacterial infections, and medication factors can all affect liver function and lead to elevated liver enzyme levels. In a CT scan, the liver typically appears normal despite these three factors. If you are currently hospitalized...[Read More] Chronic Cough and Fever: Could It Indicate Liver Issues?
Can I Get Vaccinated with a Sore Throat and Mild Symptoms?
Vaccine-related matters? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my condition. For the past few days, I have had phlegm in my throat, some mild pain, and my throat feels very dry. I also have a slight headache and chills, although my temperature has not shown a fever. Since I am...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to check your temperature before departure. If your temperature is normal and you do not have any specific discomfort, there should not be any significant side effects. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can I Get Vaccinated with a Sore Throat and Mild Symptoms?
Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Years of anxiety and restlessness? Unexplained weight loss (notable thinning of the waist, abdomen, thighs, and calves), frequent dry throat and pain during sleep, muscle soreness, recurrent oral ulcers affecting the tongue and gums that persist, healing only to break out again a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user is experiencing muscle soreness, recurrent ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and gums, and sometimes has a low-grade fever ranging from 37.0 to 37.5 degrees Celsius, indicating a chronic inflammation issue. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist for a thorough eval...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Issues: A Guide for Chronic Symptoms
Post-Vaccine Reactions: Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort
Reactions after the third dose of the vaccine? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about my condition. After receiving my third vaccine dose on April 23, I experienced a fever for the first two days. On the third day, I had symptoms of chest tightness and chest pain (approxima...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you described could indeed be vaccine side effects. However, most vaccine side effects typically improve without the need for treatment. If your symptoms gradually become milder, you do not need to seek medical attention. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, the...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Reactions: Understanding Chest Pain and Discomfort
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
Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Lung cancer issues? My husband was diagnosed with malignant liver cancer (stage II) last August. The tumor pressed against the diaphragm, so a small portion was surgically removed. Since March of this year, he has been experiencing persistent shortness of breath, occasional fever...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is likely that a weakened immune system has led to a lung infection or inflammation. Whether there is emphysema or lung cancer requires further examination for confirmation. Typically, your condition is indeed managed by a pulmonologist; howev...[Read More] Understanding Lung Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
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
Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
The urinary protein index has surged? Hello, Doctor. Below are the results from my visit to Hospital B on the evening of March 14 this year. The random urine test results were as follows: Urine Creatinine: 93.4 mg/dL; Micro Albumin: 25.7 * mg/dL (Random Urine < 1.9 mg/dL); Uri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria; factors such as fever, excessive exercise, consumption of high animal protein, hormonal influences, or other diseases causing abnormal protein production can also be responsible. Even if tests do not show...[Read More] Understanding Rising Urine Protein Levels: What You Need to Know
Understanding Jaw Pain: When to See a Doctor for Ear and Jaw Discomfort
Please ask your question? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about something. After waking up today, I noticed that after having breakfast, there is a slight pain when I press on the area below my right ear where it connects to my jaw. I also feel a bit of discomfort when yawn...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the area you mentioned is where the fascia and nerves are located without the protection of bones, so it is normal to feel some pain when pressure is applied. This is a normal phenomenon. Just keep in mind a few points: 1. Have you had any fever recently? 2. Have you exper...[Read More] Understanding Jaw Pain: When to See a Doctor for Ear and Jaw Discomfort
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
Unilateral Tonsil Swelling: Mild Pain Without Other Symptoms
Unilateral enlargement of the tonsil with mild pain and no other symptoms? Hello doctor, I woke up from a nap on Friday and suddenly felt a slight pain in my throat when I drank water. When I got home and checked, I noticed that the left side of my tonsil is swollen, but I don&#x...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images, it does appear to be acute tonsillitis. I recommend getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated. If the discomfort persists, you may consider consulting an otolaryngologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unilateral Tonsil Swelling: Mild Pain Without Other Symptoms
Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Should I go to a rehabilitation department for stiffness? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celebrex, the...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) Initially, I only experienced pain in my left buttock (no pain in other areas). After taking Celecoxib, the pain subsided. However, after stopping the medication for 1.5 months, I began to experience pain only in my ri...[Read More] Should I Consider Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain?
Risk of Infection from Contaminated Vaccine Injection: What You Need to Know
Viral infection If the nurse did not follow the standard hand hygiene protocols due to a high number of patients and you noticed blood on their hands during the injection (unknown whose blood it was), the risk of infection depends on several factors, including the presence of vir...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the presence of blood stains on the skin, whether related to Hepatitis B or HIV, typically involves infection through needles entering the bloodstream. In your case, the risk of infection is very low, and no special treatment is necessary. Thank ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Contaminated Vaccine Injection: What You Need to Know
Swallowed Fish Bone: X-Ray Findings and Endoscopy Insights
Ingestion of a fishbone but not found during gastroscopy? Hello Doctor: Two nights ago, while eating salmon, I accidentally swallowed a fish bone that was about one centimeter long and not soft. I felt a bit nervous, so I swallowed a bite of rice and vegetables afterward, but lat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is possible for a fishbone to be visible on an X-ray but not detected during an endoscopy. This can occur due to the numerous folds in the stomach, and if the fishbone is not prominently colored, it may not be seen during the endoscopic examination. 2. It is plau...[Read More] Swallowed Fish Bone: X-Ray Findings and Endoscopy Insights