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?
Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Poor blood sugar control? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2010. Over the years, my blood sugar levels have remained consistently high due to poor management and adherence to medication. In July of this year, I underwent tests at China Medical University, whe...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Deep White: 1. Currently, the common treatment for type 2 diabetes includes dietary control, regular exercise, and medication. Regardless of whether insulin is injected, dietary management and consistent physical activity must be diligently practiced, which means making...[Read More] Managing Poor Blood Sugar Control in Type 2 Diabetes: Is Insulin Necessary?
Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Injection allergy Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand). Shortly after the first injection, I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang: 1. During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe. 2. Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly und...[Read More] Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Which specialty should I see? Hello: Problem description: I have been on dialysis for five and a half years, and my alkaline phosphatase levels have consistently been below 30, which is quite low. Online searches suggest a connection with anemia, and it is recommended to consul...
Dr. Wang Weijie Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Regarding your question, laboratory medicine primarily utilizes various tools in the laboratory to assist in the assessment of health status and physiological functions in preventive medicine, as well as in the diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, ...[Read More] Which Specialist to Consult for Low Alkaline Phosphatase and Anemia?
Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Reference values for gestational diabetes mellitus? Hello, Director Hsiao: Could you please tell me what the reference values for "fasting" and "postprandial 2 hours" blood glucose levels are for gestational diabetes? I would like to monitor my blood sugar lev...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. JJ: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dl after fasting for more than 8 hours. b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dl during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. c. HbA1c (g...[Read More] Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Gestational Diabetes
Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
The differences between before and after meals? Hello, Doctor! I have been diagnosed with high blood sugar issues for 12 years and have been under medical follow-up. Recently, due to my pregnancy, I have been monitoring my blood sugar levels before and after meals. My fasting blo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang: 1. Although pregnancy is a joyful event, it can cause significant changes in the body, particularly in the endocrine system. Consequently, fluctuations in blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia may become more pronounced. Generally speaking, if a person without diab...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Variations Before and After Meals During Pregnancy
Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is it gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and is there a need for a medical consultation? I am not sure if I have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) because I do not experience any burning sensation. Since elementary school, I have had episodes where, about half an hour a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ganzi: 1. The symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) include a burning sensation in the epigastric area, chest pain, upper abdominal discomfort, a feeling of a lump in the throat, regurgitation of stomach contents, acid reflux, frequent belching, vomiting,...[Read More] Do I Have GERD? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
The difference between fasting blood glucose and postprandial blood glucose after breakfast? Hello Doctor, during my first pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes, and I did not follow up or manage it after giving birth. During the early stages of my second pregnancy, I underwent t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anna: 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's diagnostic criteria for diabetes: a. Fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. Plasma glucose level ≥200 mg/dL during a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test, c. HbA1c (gly...[Read More] Understanding the Gap Between Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
The skin has developed a large number of rashes, primarily on the joints and buttocks? Hello Director Gao, since last Thursday when I forcefully dragged the floor, I started to develop numerous red rashes on my hands (which feel like broken capillaries). The next evening, I unexp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Miss Hsu, Thank you for your email. Urticaria and urticarial vasculitis are somewhat different conditions. Generally, urticaria tends to have a stronger itching sensation, while vasculitis is characterized primarily by a stinging pain. Additionally, some urticaria can occur...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Risks of Reusing Needles in Medical Injections: What You Should Know
Infection issues related to the reuse of needles? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you a question regarding an infection. Today, I went to the clinic for a cold, and while the nurse was administering an injection, she missed the vein on the first attempt and directly placed the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Regarding whether the second injection can be reused without disinfection, you can request the healthcare staff to use new equipment. 2. If you are concerned about infection, you can practice self-health management, such as: taking your temperature (which shou...[Read More] Risks of Reusing Needles in Medical Injections: What You Should Know
Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Hair loss, irregular menstruation, weight gain, and easy fatigue? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you about my condition. I started experiencing hair loss around July of last year and have visited 3-4 clinics and one large hospital for examinations. The diagnosis from each pla...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: It is recommended that you consult the "Endocrinology and Metabolism Department" as misdiagnosis can occur if the wrong specialty is chosen.[Read More] Understanding Hair Loss, Irregular Periods, Weight Gain, and Fatigue
Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Measuring postprandial blood glucose? Hello Doctor, I have been controlling my diet. If I eat at 12 PM and measure my postprandial blood glucose at 2 PM, I usually start walking around 1:30 PM, which means I will be slightly active for about half an hour before the measurement. I...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gao: 1. A moderate walk after meals can effectively lower postprandial blood glucose levels; there should not be any major issues. In fact, individuals with regular exercise habits tend to have increased sensitivity of insulin receptors, which helps maintain stable bloo...[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar: Walking Benefits and Glucose Fluctuations Explained
Understanding HIV Infection Risks After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
Risk of HIV Infection Hello doctor, I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with a sex worker. Since I couldn't ejaculate, I removed the condom in the latter part for about less than a minute. What is the risk of exposure in this situation? I have undergone testing at the 10-w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "I had unprotected vaginal intercourse with a sex worker. Because I couldn't ejaculate, I removed the condom after about a minute. What is the risk of transmission? I have undergone testing at the 10-week mark; is that accurate?&quo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
Risk of HIV Transmission from Unprotected Anal Sex: What You Need to Know
Engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with a male partner can increase the risk of HIV transmission. It is important to get tested and consult a healthcare professional for advice on prevention and treatment options? Hello, doctor. I am a gay man. I had anal intercourse with a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear reader, Regarding your question about having anal intercourse with a man in the Philippines without using a condom and having an internal ejaculation, is there a risk of contracting HIV? What is the likelihood? A: (1) The known high-risk groups for HIV infection include th...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Unprotected Anal Sex: What You Need to Know
Can Sharing Sex Toys Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Shared toys? Hello, doctor! Last time, due to a moment of masturbation, I used a sex toy that my friend had left in the drawer. I'm worried that my friend might not have cleaned it before using it over the weekend when I wasn't around. After three to four days, I used i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the previous incident of using a friend's sex toy from the drawer after a moment of masturbation: (1) The transmissibility of each sexually transmitted infection (STI) varies, and the primary transmission routes for HIV are unprotected sexual inter...[Read More] Can Sharing Sex Toys Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Concerns About HIV Transmission After Dental Visit: What You Need to Know
Transmission of HIV/AIDS Today I went to the dentist, and after the doctor administered anesthesia, I rinsed my mouth. After rinsing, I put the cup back in its place by the faucet and noticed there were bloodstains on the faucet (I’m not sure if they were dry or not). This could ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "If I rinse my mouth with blood from someone with HIV and I have small needle punctures in my mouth from anesthesia (4 injections), am I at risk of infection? Do I need to get tested?" A: (1) The transmission routes for HIV are thro...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission After Dental Visit: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Transmission: Debunking Myths About White Blood Cells
Regarding white blood cells? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you about the information I found online regarding HIV infection. It states that the virus can directly invade human cells, which significantly increases the risk of infection. However, when I asked the school doctor...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, internet user: HIV is transmitted through intimate contact with bodily fluids or blood. The main routes of transmission are sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, and sharing drug injection needles. The risk of infection from folliculitis fluid on a shaved head is relativ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Debunking Myths About White Blood Cells
Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
High blood sugar before bedtime and normal blood sugar upon waking? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my mother is seventy years old. She takes insulin during the day and controls her diet for three meals, but her blood sugar levels are consistently over 300 before bedtime. In the morning, her le...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. There are many types of insulin, primarily including ultra-rapid acting, rapid acting, intermediate acting, and long acting. The timing of their peak effect and duration of action varies. Clinically, it is possible to mix rapid acting and intermediate acting insulins for injec...[Read More] Managing High Nighttime Blood Sugar with Normal Morning Levels
Understanding Anemia: Causes of Dizziness and Treatment Options
Questions related to anemia? Hello: I have a history of anemia and previously received treatment with iron injections. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness. I went for an examination, and my blood count is better than before (not as low as it used to be). The doc...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: (1) Oral iron supplements can treat iron deficiency anemia, but they are ineffective for thalassemia. (2) There are many causes of dizziness, not just anemia; for example, issues with the inner ear balance system or problems in the brain can also cause dizziness. It is bes...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Causes of Dizziness and Treatment Options
Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
About Gonorrhea Hello Doctor, I accidentally encountered a risky situation before, and afterwards I experienced painful urination. The pain during urination has resolved, but I have been experiencing persistent pain in my inner thigh and groin area for two months, and I have not ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, let’s introduce gonorrhea based on information from the Centers for Disease Control: (A) Transmission: The primary mode of transmission for gonorrhea is through sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted if an open wound comes into direct contact wi...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options