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?
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
The impact of COVID-19 vaccines on ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you about the worsening of my ankylosing spondylitis condition after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine (where my medication became ineffective in controlling inflammation levels ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the COVID-19 vaccine does not necessarily worsen ankylosing spondylitis; however, it is true that approximately 5% of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases may experience instability in their condition after vaccination. The reasons for this are unclear, and the degr...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Ankylosing Spondylitis: What to Know
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine has exacerbated my pre-existing stiffness, is it possible that this exacerbation could last a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) If the COVID-19 vaccine exacerbates a pre-existing rigid condition, is it possible that this exacerbation could last for a long time (for example, 1-2 years, or even longer, potentially a lifetime)? --> Currently,...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Inquiry about blood test results? Dear Doctor, I currently have no immune-related symptoms, but I am concerned about the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in my blood test results. I would like to ask you some related questions. Recently, my blood test report showed an AN...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a possibility of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the future? --> Currently, it seems unlikely. 2. An antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:80 was detected, but all specific antibodies rel...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibodies: Concerns and Questions for Young Adults
Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
The complement C3 level is slightly low in a normal individual? Hello Doctor, The results of my health check report show that both the anti-nuclear antibody and specific antibodies are negative. Complement C3: 86.8 (reference value 87-120), Complement C4: 19.1 (reference value ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What could cause a slightly low complement level in a normal healthy person? --> Complement proteins are produced by the liver, so liver disease can lead to decreased complement levels. In a healthy individual, it ...[Read More] Understanding Slightly Low Complement C3 Levels in Healthy Individuals
Third COVID Vaccine Dose: Safety and Recommendations for Mixed Vaccination
Third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello: My mother is 73 years old. She received the first dose of the AZ vaccine and the second dose of the BNT vaccine. She is now looking to get the third dose, but the hospitals and clinics no longer have BNT available. Some doctors and resea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on some domestic and international studies, the third dose of Moderna is safe and provides strong protection. For individuals who received mixed vaccines for the first two doses, it is generally recommended to receive an mRNA vaccine for the third dose, either BNT (P...[Read More] Third COVID Vaccine Dose: Safety and Recommendations for Mixed Vaccination
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
Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
Should I stop taking muscle relaxants before getting the BNT vaccine? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. A month ago, I was experiencing pain in my sacroiliac joint, and my CRP was 0.57 and ESR was 20. At that time, I switched to a different medication, tak...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe it would be better to administer the BNT vaccine after the symptoms improve or the inflammatory markers decrease. Some patients with rheumatic diseases who receive the COVID-19 vaccine before their condition stabilizes often experienc...[Read More] Should I Stop My Medications Before Getting the Second BNT Shot?
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
Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Persistent soreness and numbness in the right calf after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I received my third dose of Moderna, and starting the next day, I have been experiencing soreness and numbness in my right calf and foot. This sensation has been persistent, la...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you described are indeed potential symptoms of the vaccine. It is recommended to rest for a few days, and you should gradually improve. If there is no improvement or if the symptoms continue to worsen, then medical attention is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Persistent soreness and numbness in the right calf after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello, doctor. I received my third dose of Moderna, and starting the next day, I've been experiencing soreness and numbness in my right calf and foot. This sensation has been quite persi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you described are indeed possible symptoms of the vaccine. It is recommended to rest for a few days, and it should gradually improve. If there is no improvement or if the symptoms continue to worsen, then medical attention is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Persistent Leg Discomfort After COVID-19 Vaccination: When to Seek Help?
Can I Get Hepatitis Vaccine While Receiving COVID Booster?
Hepatitis vaccine issues? Hello, doctor: I am scheduled to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 BNT vaccine on March 1. I would like to know if I can also receive the hepatitis vaccine at that time. Thank you. Additionally, is it true that I should avoid street food due to the ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as there is an interval of more than one week between vaccinations, they can be administered to avoid contaminated food. The main concern is to prevent Hepatitis A and other bacterial or viral gastroenteritis. As for Hepatitis B and C, the primary risk is from need...[Read More] Can I Get Hepatitis Vaccine While Receiving COVID Booster?
Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer 1:80 inquiry? Hello, Director. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. In October of last year, I had a blood test at Taichung Veterans General Hospital that revealed an ANA titer of 1:80 (the hospital considers...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Is it possible that the abnormal ANA antibodies in October are caused by thyroid antibodies? --> Yes, it is possible. Since ANA is a comprehensive screening antibody, when weakly positive or positive, it should be...[Read More] Understanding Low Positive ANA Results: Concerns and Implications
Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Biologics Hello Doctor, I am currently 19 years old and have ankylosing spondylitis. I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on September 27, 2021, and I am planning to get the second dose (the delay in receiving the second dose is due to my serious suspicion that the first d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1) Is there a regulation on how long one should wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before or after receiving a biologic agent? --> Only certain biologic agents require a pause in administration when receiving the C...[Read More] Understanding Biologics and Vaccination for Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients
Could Vaccination Trigger Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?
Is ankylosing spondylitis caused by vaccination? Hello, after recently receiving the BNT vaccine, I experienced several inflammatory symptoms. After multiple rounds of examinations at the hospital, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. However, the symptoms appeared sudden...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that the BNT vaccine is unlikely to trigger the occurrence of ankylosing spondylitis. However, current COVID-19 vaccines, including BNT, may indeed induce muscle and joint pain, resulting in symptoms similar to rheumatic diseases. I s...[Read More] Could Vaccination Trigger Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms?
Medication Guidance After BNT Vaccination: Steroids and Oral Care
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello doctor, I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroids (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mondesil) that contains alcohol after getting the vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers after the va...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: It is generally not recommended to use immunosuppressive medications after receiving a vaccine, so oral or injectable steroids are discouraged. However, topical ointments are absorbed in very low systemic doses, so they can still be used if necessary. Medications for mouth...[Read More] Medication Guidance After BNT Vaccination: Steroids and Oral Care
Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello, doctor. Following up on the previous question, during vaccination, due to the high number of people, the nurse did not follow the standard disinfection procedures. It was also noticed that there was blood on her hands (unknown whose it was) during the injec...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have been busy administering vaccines, which may lead to lapses in following standard disinfection protocols; however, wearing gloves and practicing proper hand hygiene can suffice. 2. Even in the case of HIV-positive individu...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Vaccination: What You Need to Know
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
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines on Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
COVID-19 Vaccines and Inflammatory Markers Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis and have been taking Secukinumab for a year. My inflammatory markers were under control, but after receiving the first dose of the BNT vaccine on September 27, I noticed an increas...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) In outpatient experience, there have been cases where inflammation markers worsened after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, with literature reporting approximately 5%. 2) This has been observed in various rheumatic patients and with different vaccines. 3) The duration of the imp...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines on Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks During Vaccination
Blood infection If a nurse has blood on their hands during vaccination (unknown whose blood it is), what is the likelihood of me getting infected? Is the risk of infection high just from receiving a vaccine injection? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Healthcare professionals typically perform hand hygiene and don gloves before carrying out medical procedures; they will repeat these steps before contacting the next patient. 2. If gloves become contaminated with blood or bodily fluids, they should be rinsed with soap and w...[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks During Vaccination