Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
Autoimmunity Hello Doctor, in October 2019, my son (7 years old) was infected with influenza type B. Later, he developed some red spots on his hands, and when we went to the hospital for a blood test, the emergency doctor said everything was normal, with a platelet count of 180,0...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. It is indeed possible for children to develop skin rashes and abnormal blood test results due to viral infections, and if these symptoms resolve quickly or the test results return to normal, there is usually no need for concern. However, blood t...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Disorders in Children: Symptoms and Testing
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
Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Chronic sputum production and chest X-ray abnormalities? Hello, Doctor. For the past few months, I seem to have been experiencing a persistent phlegm condition. If I refer to my earliest medical visit, it was in September of this year. There were times when I didn't feel muc...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your initial X-ray, we did not observe any significant issues. Your symptoms are primarily upper respiratory symptoms, which could be due to a common cold, COVID-19 infection, influenza, or allergic bronchitis. These conditions can be difficult to differentiate ba...[Read More] Chronic Phlegm and Chest X-Ray Concerns: What You Need to Know
Understanding Chronic Illness: Thyroid Issues and Vaccination Guidelines
May I ask the doctor? I apologize, but I would like to ask if having lifelong hypothyroidism due to surgery and requiring medication qualifies as a chronic disease patient. Is it only considered a chronic disease patient if one has received a chronic prescription? Regarding the f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the term "chronic disease" does not have a strict definition; it generally refers to conditions that are expected to be non-recoverable in a short period. The thyroid issue you mentioned may still change in the future, and for now, it can only be considered a pot...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Illness: Thyroid Issues and Vaccination Guidelines
Impact of Mycophenolate on Flu Vaccine Efficacy in ITP Patients
Regarding the administration of the influenza vaccine in patients with autoimmune diseases after receiving a specific treatment? Hello Dr. Tseng! 1. I would like to inquire about a patient with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) who received a dose of rituximab over three mo...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, patients receiving rituximab (MabThera IV) treatment can receive inactivated virus vaccines, such as the influenza vaccine. However, the response rate to inactivated virus vaccines may be reduced. For some influenza viruses, the average antibody concentration may be mainta...[Read More] Impact of Mycophenolate on Flu Vaccine Efficacy in ITP Patients
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?
Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Inquiry about influenza and vaccines? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a barbecue with a friend who is currently serving in the military. Towards the end of our conversation, he mentioned that there seemed to be a lot of colds or flu going around. After he returned, he developed s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The incubation period for influenza is typically around 3-5 days. 2. Physicians usually determine whether the symptoms are new or existing, as well as consider your age and any underlying health conditions, to decide whether to prescribe antiviral medications like Ta...[Read More] Flu Concerns and Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Safe Disinfection of Baby Products: Alcohol Use and Alternatives
Questions related to the disinfection of baby products? Can alcohol be used to disinfect baby products or toys for infants under one year old? Will there be alcohol residue that could affect the baby, especially if they chew on the toys? Are there alternative methods? Additionall...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in response to your inquiries, I will address them from several perspectives: 1. Whether baby products or toys can be disinfected with alcohol depends on the material of each item. Some plastic products may undergo changes when exposed to alcohol, so it is advisable to ch...[Read More] Safe Disinfection of Baby Products: Alcohol Use and Alternatives
Understanding Flu and Cold Symptoms: Insights from Taiwan's Experience
Influenza Issues Hello, I would like to ask you about the issues related to influenza and the common cold. I am from Taichung and have just moved to Keelung two months ago, working in Taipei. I don't know if I was just lucky before, but I have never had influenza and only ca...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described, such as body aches, weakness, sore throat, nasal congestion, and diarrhea, are all indicative of cold symptoms. There are many causes for these symptoms, including influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, adenovirus, and various other types. Accord...[Read More] Understanding Flu and Cold Symptoms: Insights from Taiwan's Experience
Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Abdominal pain, pulmonary inflammation, and high fever issues? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I've been experiencing abdominal pain (cramping) for the past two days, and my bowel movements have been very loose. I also have muscle aches, fever (ranging from 3...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description of fever, upper abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is likely that you are experiencing acute gastroenteritis or a gastrointestinal viral infection, possibly caused by consuming contaminated food. The medications you have been prescribed are aimed at...[Read More] Abdominal Pain, Lung Inflammation, and Fever: Seeking Medical Advice
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts and Related Health Issues
Regarding issues related to elevated white blood cell counts? Hello, Doctor; my friend was hospitalized last January due to a fever (at that time, there were abnormal white blood cell counts). However, after hospitalization, the condition was controlled, and the hospital did not ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! To determine whether there is a correlation between your friend's two episodes of fever and elevated white blood cell count, it is essential to assess whether the white blood cell count returned to normal between the two hospitalizations, as well as to consider any ot...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts and Related Health Issues
Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Repeated colds for three years and varicella antibody levels? Since 2015, I have been experiencing recurrent colds, chronic acute sinusitis, tonsillar enlargement/abscess, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma, influenza, and dizziness. On average, I visit the doctor about three times a m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the questions, here are the responses. Q1: I would like to ask the physician... Is the varicella antibody index a point of concern? A: Reference material: http://www.ucl.com.tw/webshop/shop/ServiceQueryInfo.asp?GoodsID=D0109032&GoodstypeID=D0&Midd...[Read More] Chronic Illness: Recurring Colds and High Chickenpox Antibody Levels
Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
About the common cold? I have been coughing for three to four days, but there has been no improvement, and my sleep has not been good (I have difficulty breathing). What should I do to improve? I have already visited a hospital in Taipei and underwent a rapid influenza test, whic...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, recently with colds, regardless of whether they are caused by the flu, symptoms including cough typically last for more than 3-4 days. However, if you continue to experience wheezing, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray to confirm whether there is pneumonia. As for the se...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?
Experiencing lower back pain after receiving the flu vaccine? Hello doctor, I received the flu vaccine on Friday afternoon, and since then my lower back has been very sore. Is this a side effect of the vaccine? I need to take care of my child, and especially after sitting in the ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question "<Is back pain after receiving the flu vaccine a side effect of the vaccine?>", here is the response: I. Please refer to the CDC's Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/qa.aspx? Q1: Is the flu vaccine safe? What side effects m...[Read More] Lower Back Pain After Flu Vaccine: Is It a Side Effect?
Understanding Fever Changes with Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Questions about fever related to Influenza A? Hello, doctor. The clinic's rapid test showed that I have influenza type A. I am currently taking antiviral medication and isolating at home. I would like to ask if a temperature reading of 37.8 degrees Celsius from an ear thermo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Since the rapid test has confirmed a positive result for Influenza A, please ensure adherence to medication, wear a mask while coughing, and avoid further spreading the virus. 2. An ear temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius is considered a fever, and above 38...[Read More] Understanding Fever Changes with Influenza A: What You Need to Know
Can I Get a Public Flu Vaccine After NSAID Allergy?
If you have a history of allergy to NSAIDs, can you receive the publicly funded influenza vaccine? Last May, I experienced a drug allergy after taking two doses of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) called Bone Agile, which resulted in a severe systemic urticaria that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Patients with chronic urticaria do not have a higher risk of developing allergic reactions to injections or medications, including publicly funded influenza vaccines. Therefore, as long as you have not had an allergic reaction to the influenza ...[Read More] Can I Get a Public Flu Vaccine After NSAID Allergy?
Understanding Your Symptoms: Cold, Diarrhea, and Unusual Stool Color
What is wrong with my body? I have been experiencing a cold for the past few days, and I stopped taking medication when I was almost better. Shortly after, my cold relapsed, and it became more severe. I also have diarrhea and have been coughing so hard in the morning that I vomit...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the recent increase in influenza-like illnesses and severe cases, it is important for everyone to pay attention to self-health management and to avoid crowded places. 2. The subsequent situations are somewhat complex, so it is advisable to seek follo...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Cold, Diarrhea, and Unusual Stool Color
Understanding Body Immunity After Fever: What to Expect?
Body immunity after a fever? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you a question. Generally, when we get sick, it is due to a weakened immune system that allows viruses or bacteria to invade. After becoming ill, the antibodies in the body fight against the viruses or bacteria, whi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding <Body Resistance After Fever> A: 1. Generally, healthy individuals (aged over 15 and under 65) have a more mature immune system, making them less susceptible to infections from external pathogens. Other age groups may be more prone to illness if they...[Read More] Understanding Body Immunity After Fever: What to Expect?
Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?
Viral infection A viral infection can cause neutrophil levels in the blood to rise to 80%. Is further examination needed? Recently, there has been inflammation of a wound in the genital area.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "Does a viral infection causing neutrophils to rise to 80% require further examination?" A: Generally, in viral infections such as influenza or dengue fever, the white blood cell count tends to decrease. However, if the patien...[Read More] Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms After Influenza A Infection
Influenza type A and right lower abdominal pain with right-sided genital symptoms? Hello doctor, on the first day I felt slightly weak in the morning and had soreness in my lower limbs. In the afternoon, I experienced extreme discomfort and fever. On the second day, after being d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Haihai, Thank you for your letter. Complications caused by Influenza A are primarily related to the lower respiratory tract or can affect the heart and central nervous system. There seem to be fewer reported cases of pain in the right lower abdomen and on the right side...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Symptoms After Influenza A Infection