Persistent Fever After Third COVID Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Fever lasting for a week after receiving the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with a history of exposure to a confirmed case? Hello, doctor. I am a sixteen-year-old student. Last Wednesday (June 8), I received my third dose of the BNT vaccine and had contact with a confirmed c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, it is possible to experience some discomfort within a week after vaccination; however, these symptoms, especially fever, rarely last more than a week. If you continue to have a fever in the next few days, it is advisable to take a rapid test to rule out COVI...[Read More] Persistent Fever After Third COVID Vaccine: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I've been coughing for over a month and was worried about the possibility of an HIV infection, so I went to the infectious disease department and had blood tests done twice, including testing for syphilis. The doctor only told me that I do ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Doxycycline is currently primarily used to treat two types of conditions: 1. It is one of the drug choices for syphilis. 2. It is used to treat certain atypical bacterial infections, such as Mycoplasma infections of the respiratory tract. Since you have some respiratory symptoms ...[Read More] Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in COVID-19 Patients
Regarding the persistent low-grade fever in confirmed cases of COVID-19? Hello: I tested positive for COVID-19 via PCR on May 12. From May 11 to May 14, my axillary temperature was 37.5 degrees Celsius. From May 15 to May 24, my daily axillary temperature ranged from 37 to 37.3 d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you experience moderate to severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or altered consciousness, you should seek medical attention. If these symptoms are not present, it is advisable to rest more and drink plenty of water, as you should gradually improve. T...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in COVID-19 Patients
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
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 HIV and STI Testing: Timing and Concerns After Unprotected Sex
HIV and various sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing issues? Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse for the first time on April 5th, and prior to that, I had no other sexual activities. I regret it and am worried. I would like to ask if I can feel reassured if I take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible to be within the incubation period for 10 days. If there are no symptoms, it is recommended to follow up for HIV and syphilis testing at three months and six months. If any symptoms arise, please consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for...[Read More] Understanding HIV and STI Testing: Timing and Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Risk of HIV Transmission from Urethral Secretions Contacting Eyes
The risk of HIV transmission from seminal fluid, prostatic fluid, or bulbourethral fluid coming into contact with the eyes is considered to be very low? Hello doctor, yesterday I accidentally came into contact with the urethral secretions of a male online friend, which touched my...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of contracting HIV through eye contact is low; however, it is still necessary to inquire about the medical history for a comprehensive assessment. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic to evaluate whether medication is needed. Thank you for your ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Urethral Secretions Contacting Eyes
Understanding HPV: Testing Options After Partner's Diagnosis
My boyfriend has genital warts? Hello, we are a same-sex couple. My boyfriend previously experienced gastrointestinal discomfort, which led to an examination where warts were found in the anal area, and surgery was arranged. We have had unprotected sexual intercourse, but both of...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The more accurate name for the cervical cancer vaccine is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It not only prevents cervical cancer but also has been scientifically proven to prevent cancers related to the genital area, including effective protection against genital warts. ...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Testing Options After Partner's Diagnosis
Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
I have a question? Hello, doctor. I previously interned at a hospital and accidentally cut my finger while puncturing a rubber cap with scissors used for medical waste (like IV bottles). Although I squeezed out some blood at the time, I am still worried about the possibility of c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if this occurs in a hospital, it should theoretically be reported as a sharp object injury, and the injury protocol should be followed. During this process, tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and HIV will be conducted for both you and the patient, and follow-up ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
Can You Contract HIV or Other Infections from Haircut Tools?
Regarding the risk of contracting HIV and other various infectious diseases? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask if the hair clippers or trimmers used for cutting hair, which may have come into contact with blood from someone with HIV or other infectious diseases, could pose a ris...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sharing needles, blood transfusions, or sexual intercourse. The hair-cutting activities you mentioned do not transmit HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV or Other Infections from Haircut Tools?
Understanding HIV and Infectious Disease Transmission Risks
Regarding issues related to HIV/AIDS and various other infectious diseases? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask two questions. First, if a person with HIV or other infectious diseases uses a toilet and leaves potentially infectious materials on the flush handle, and I later use it...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through blood transfusions, sharing needles, or sexual intercourse. There are no reports of infection related to the three scenarios you described. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV and Infectious Disease Transmission Risks
Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Observation period for acute kidney injury? Hello Dr. Wu, My mother has been hospitalized for two months due to a bacterial infection. Initially, her kidney function was not very good, but prior to this hospitalization, her kidney function was normal. After more than a month, h...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, you only mentioned a bacterial infection that required hospitalization for two months, without mentioning whether you have any underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia. If you do have these conditions, they should be managed fir...[Read More] Monitoring Acute Kidney Injury: When to Seek Specialist Care
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices
HIV infection 1. If a family member with HIV used a blood glucose meter with a lancet that was left in for about 12 hours, and you accidentally pricked yourself with the same lancet, the risk of HIV transmission is considered very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I'm not sure if your question is hypothetical. The transmissibility of HIV primarily depends on whether the patient is receiving antiretroviral therapy. I assume your family member has been on long-term antiretroviral medication. If the viral load has been suppressed ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Blood Glucose Devices
Understanding HIV Drug Interactions: Risks and Dietary Considerations
HIV drug interactions Hello, doctor. I have a couple of questions: 1. Is there a risk of ineffectiveness or reduced efficacy when switching medications? I am switching from Odefsey® film-coated tablets to Biktarvy 50/25/200 mg tablets. 2. Do food items like milk and soy milk,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. For questions related to HIV medications, it is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to support you.[Read More] Understanding HIV Drug Interactions: Risks and Dietary Considerations
Concerns About Bloodborne Disease Transmission During Blood Draws
During blood draw, healthcare personnel directly touch the bleeding wound? Today, I went to the hospital for a blood draw to perform a glucose tolerance test, which required four blood draws within two hours. However, during the fourth blood draw, when the healthcare worker remov...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, typically after drawing blood from a patient, healthcare personnel will disinfect their hands with alcohol before drawing from the next patient, so it should not lead to the transmission of infectious diseases. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Bloodborne Disease Transmission During Blood Draws
Concerns About HIV Infection After Blood Glucose Testing: What You Need to Know
Fear of contracting HIV/AIDS? Hello, doctor! I just went to the pharmacy to buy a blood glucose meter, and the pharmacist was helping me test it. He said there were no lancets inside, so he tried it on himself first, and then it was my turn to try. I ended up bleeding! I realized...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: If you and the pharmacy staff have both been pricked by the same needle, it is recommended to visit the family medicine outpatient department at a hospital. Please inform the attending physician of your situation in detail; they will arrange appropriate tests and follow-up...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection After Blood Glucose Testing: What You Need to Know
Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Accidentally pricked by a needle? I accidentally got pricked by a contaminated needle on the night of January 3rd, and I saw a doctor on January 5th to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. I have a few questions: 1. How long should I take the PEP medication? 2. How lon...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been potentially exposed to an infected individual through a needle stick injury, please follow your physician's instructions and complete a one-month course of medication. 2. The previous standard procedure involved blood tests on the same day, at one an...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature After Vaccination
Body temperature issues Hello Doctor, I received the BNT vaccine on November 25th, and for the past three weeks, my body temperature has been consistently elevated. I have been measuring my ear temperature (pulling the ear back and inserting the thermometer deeply), which ranges ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is considered slightly elevated, but it does not reach the level of a true fever (38°C). 2. It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic for a detailed fever evaluation. If everything is normal, you can feel more at ease. 3. It is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature After Vaccination
Can Immunosuppressants Cause Low White Blood Cell Count in Myasthenia Gravis?
Immunosuppressants Hello Doctor, my mother is a patient with myasthenia gravis and has been suffering from it for over 10 years. This year, she started taking one immunosuppressant daily. Two months ago, she had an infection in her artificial joint and is currently being treated ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Azathioprine, an immunosuppressant, can indeed lead to leukopenia, and the severity varies from person to person. In elderly patients, the bone marrow is often more aged, and combined with fluctuations in their medical condition, even a low dos...[Read More] Can Immunosuppressants Cause Low White Blood Cell Count in Myasthenia Gravis?