Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Blood tests for fever lasting more than 6 days? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over 6 days (around 38 degrees Celsius). I visited the clinic twice (COVID-19 and influenza tests were negative). The clinic doctor recommended that I go to a large hospital for blo...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The inflammatory index is slightly elevated, and the glomerular filtration rate can be monitored by a nephrologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Fever: Blood Test Insights and Concerns
Should Your 9-Year-Old Return for a Check-Up After Flu Treatment?
Does a 9-year-old child need a follow-up appointment after recovering from the flu? Hello, my child is in the third grade and has been diagnosed with influenza A. They have been taking antiviral medication for five days and their fever has subsided, but they are experiencing extr...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
After recovering from the flu and even if you have taken antiviral medication like Tamiflu, you should return for a follow-up evaluation if you experience any discomfort, to prevent complications or sequelae. Thank you.[Read More] Should Your 9-Year-Old Return for a Check-Up After Flu Treatment?
Understanding Avian Influenza Risks: Safety Measures After Bird Encounter
Avian influenza or other infectious diseases? Hello, doctor. Today, I found a newly hatched bird in my laundry area at home. Its activity level was very low, so I quickly picked it up and called the animal protection unit to take it away. I wore gloves and a mask while placing it...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The probability is extremely low. Avian influenza, like seasonal influenza, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, the main risk comes from close contact with infected birds. Even if you touch birds with bare hands, as long as you thoroughly wash...[Read More] Understanding Avian Influenza Risks: Safety Measures After Bird Encounter
Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Autoimmune hepatitis Hello Doctor: At the end of March this year, I sought consultation in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to fatigue, jaundice, and tea-colored urine. Blood tests showed AST 675, ALT 1077, and total bilirubin 4.6. Subsequent tests for HBsAg ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible, preferably by returning to your original treating physician's clinic. If the appointments are fully booked, you should be able to request an additional slot with your original doctor. To determine the si...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Hepatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Concerns
Recurring Monthly Fevers: Unraveling the Mystery Beyond Flu and COVID
Recurring fever every month that is neither influenza nor COVID-19? Since changing jobs in the second half of last year, I've been experiencing a lot of health issues (previously, I would only catch a cold once every six months). In May, I developed numerous unexplained red ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Recurrent fever is still a concern, and I recommend that you see a rheumatologist for further evaluation and testing. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare is here to assi...[Read More] Recurring Monthly Fevers: Unraveling the Mystery Beyond Flu and COVID
Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) Hello doctor, I have been consistently donating blood and have done so 12 times. The reports for the first 11 times were normal, but this time the blood donation report tested positive for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV). My 11th donation was i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. What is a "Human T-lymphotropic virus" (HTLV) carrier? Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), primarily classified into HTLV-I and HTLV-II, is screened for antibodies at blood donation centers using enzyme immunoassays. Individuals who test positive for HTLV antibodies t...[Read More] Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Influenza vaccine Hello doctor, I had blood tests this week in the rheumatology and immunology department to check for issues related to my immune system, but the results are not out yet. My symptoms are suggestive of reactive arthritis. I would like to ask if it turns out to be ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it is advisable. Individuals with immune system disorders should also receive the influenza vaccine, and the likelihood of experiencing side effects is not higher. This is a message from the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Depar...[Read More] Can You Get the Flu Vaccine with an Autoimmune Disease?
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Repeated fever over the past two months? Hello, since May, I have noticed that my immune system has been getting weaker. I used to rarely get sick, but on May 8, I discovered I had shingles (the doctor said it was due to stress and a decline in immunity, and prescribed zinc for m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been diagnosed with influenza type A and are receiving treatment with oseltamivir, it is important to rest well and allow your immune system to recover to eliminate the virus from your body. 2. As for persistent symptoms after infection, this is common with COV...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Understanding A-Type Influenza: Symptoms and Potential Complications
Influenza Issues Hello, doctor. I was recently diagnosed with influenza type A and have been taking my medication as prescribed. However, I constantly feel a sense of heaviness and pressure in my head (which is somewhat relieved when lying down or sitting), and sometimes I experi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are indeed consistent with the fatigue that can accompany influenza. It is recommended to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated; typically, you will gradually recover. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding A-Type Influenza: Symptoms and Potential Complications
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, Doctor: I received my fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on November 26, 2022, and I underwent a health check at my company on December 13, 2022. I am unsure if some abnormal values are related to the vaccination. The results are as follows: N...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your values, the main issues are low neutrophils and high lymphocytes. The most common causes are viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza. In addition to viral infections, other hematological disorders may also be a possibility. It is recommended to retest...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Leukopenia The most recent blood biochemistry test showed a white blood cell count of 3300, which is low; red blood cells are normal, hemoglobin is low, mean corpuscular volume is low, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is low, and total bilirubin is 2.22, which is high, while all other...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the white blood cell count, it's important to first know what your previous levels were. Some individuals naturally have a white blood cell count around 3,000, which can be normal for them. However, if your count has suddenly dropped to 3,000 from a previous...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
Contact with unknown liquid? Today, I took my son to the hospital. On our way there, we passed by a flower bed and sidewalk where there was a large puddle of some unknown thick liquid, which could have been vomit or feces. At that moment, we were in a hurry and didn't examin...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in an outdoor environment with relatively good ventilation, the diseases you are concerned about, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, and influenza, are less likely to be contracted through contamination. These diseases primarily spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets ...[Read More] Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
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?
Understanding Vaccine Side Effects: A Focus on Ankylosing Spondylitis
Side effects of vaccines? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Three months after receiving the vaccine, I started to feel a recurrence of my stiffness. I would like to ask the doctor, is it common for side effects of the influenza vaccine to manifest three m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of experiencing vaccine side effects occurring three months after vaccination is very low, so it is presumed that it is not related to the vaccine. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Vaccine Side Effects: A Focus on Ankylosing Spondylitis
Long-Term Effects of Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Long-term sequelae of Influenza A? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if contracting COVID-19 may lead to long COVID symptoms, will recovering from influenza A also result in long-term sequelae? What are the main symptoms associated with these sequelae, and is there a significant...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after any illness, there may be some degree of sequelae, varying from mild to severe. A small number of individuals infected with Influenza A may experience mild pulmonary function impairment or fibrosis; however, these sequelae are generally very minor, so most people do ...[Read More] Long-Term Effects of Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Face Higher Risk of Long COVID?
Do patients with stiffness have a higher risk of developing long COVID-19 sequelae if they contract COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and currently undergoing stable treatment with Vectra and Celebrex (I asked you some other questions a few days a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are patients with ankylosing spondylitis more likely to experience Long COVID-19 symptoms after contracting COVID-19? --> Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support this. However, post-infection, individ...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Face Higher Risk of Long COVID?
Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Low-grade fever, chills, weakness, headache? Hello, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for three to four days (body temperature around 37.3-37.5°C). I also have a headache, fatigue, and slight chills. I took a home rapid test for COVID-19 yesterday, which came back negati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, other viral infections, urinary tract infections, irregular lifestyle, high stress, and menstrual periods can all contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, exercise, and have a balanced diet, as well as to drink plenty of...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Understanding Fever Fluctuations and Muscle Pain: Key Insights for Parents
Fever that subsides and then returns? On the morning of June 14, I had a fever with an ear temperature of 38.2 degrees Celsius. After taking an over-the-counter medication, my temperature remained between 37.5 and 38 degrees until around 5 PM on June 14, when it dropped to 36.5 d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed important to first be cautious about COVID-19, so I recommend doing another PCR test for confirmation. Additionally, you can also perform a PCR test for influenza. Any respiratory infection, including COVID-19, influenza, or other vi...[Read More] Understanding Fever Fluctuations and Muscle Pain: Key Insights for Parents
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?
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