Is COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for Patients with Allergies and Medications?
COVID-19 vaccination administration Hello, Doctor. 1. I am allergic to anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin; taking these medications causes my eyes to swell. 2. I am allergic to dust mites, and I need to take asthma medication whenever I have a common c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the three situations you mentioned are not contraindications for the COVID-19 vaccine, nor have they been stated as reasons to avoid vaccination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is COVID-19 Vaccination Safe for Patients with Allergies and Medications?
Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Is it suitable for individuals with vasculitis to receive the AZ vaccine? Individuals with a history of vasculitis, which is an autoimmune disease, may have concerns regarding vaccination. Among those advised against receiving the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine are individuals with com...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the Taiwan Society of Rheumatology has reached a consensus and provided recommendations for patients with autoimmune diseases. Of course, these recommendations will continue to be adjusted over time as more evidence accumulates. In pr...[Read More] Is It Safe for Patients with Vasculitis to Get the AZ Vaccine?
Best COVID-19 Vaccines for Patients with Behçet's Disease: Expert Insights
Questions about COVID-19 vaccine administration? Hello, doctor: I would like to ask which COVID-19 vaccines, including domestically produced ones, are currently more suitable for patients with Behçet's disease? Thank you!
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Currently, the Taiwan Society of Rheumatology does not have any specific warnings or alerts for patients with Behçet's disease, and I believe that all vaccines can be administered. However, if your condition is severe, including persistent ...[Read More] Best COVID-19 Vaccines for Patients with Behçet's Disease: Expert Insights
Can a 92-Year-Old with Arrhythmia Safely Receive the AZ COVID Vaccine?
A 92-year-old patient with arrhythmia receiving the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong: My father is scheduled to receive the AZ COVID-19 vaccine on June 16. He regularly takes antiarrhythmic medication, Rytmonorm, one tablet in the morning and one in the evening, which may be rela...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the antiarrhythmic medications you mentioned are not listed as contraindications for the AZ vaccine either domestically or internationally, nor have they been indicated as unsuitable for vaccination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can a 92-Year-Old with Arrhythmia Safely Receive the AZ COVID Vaccine?
Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Slight pain in the tonsils? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you about some symptoms I've been experiencing. A few days ago, I felt a slight discomfort on the right side of my throat or tonsil, and later I expelled a yellowish substance, which seemed to relieve the discomf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the condition you described is likely caused by tonsillitis, which is usually triggered by a cold. The chance of cancer is very low. Additionally, some individuals may experience tonsillitis due to factors such as lack of sleep, stress leading to a weakened immune system, ...[Read More] Understanding Mild Throat Pain: Tonsil Stones or Something More?
Understanding STD Risks After Unprotected Encounters: What You Need to Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) issues? Yesterday, I went to see a sex worker and had a handjob. It was my first time experiencing the worker spitting on my penis (twice). Today, I feel a bit of itching in my genital area, and I'm unsure if there is a risk of contract...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. The risk of transmission through saliva contact is relatively low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding STD Risks After Unprotected Encounters: What You Need to Know
Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know
Is there a risk of injuring oneself while giving a dog an injection? Hello, doctor. While I was giving vaccinations and drawing blood from a stray dog, I accidentally pricked my own finger and it bled. Prior to this, I had already received the tetanus and rabies vaccines. I would...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the risk of contracting these bloodborne diseases is very low. However, due to the needlestick incident, it is recommended to follow the standard post-exposure protocol. It is advisable to have follow-up testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and liver function at 3,...[Read More] Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
Wound infectious diseases Hello, I accidentally scratched the back of my hand with my own nail. Although the wound is very small and not bleeding much, I'm unsure if there are any other injuries. My family member has hepatitis B, and I'm worried about whether I could ge...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the transmission routes for hepatitis B are higher through needle sticks or sharing needles. The daily life contact you mentioned does not pose a risk for hepatitis B infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Liver enzymes and the eyes? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my health. Last year, after returning to Taiwan, I had a health check-up with my family at a hospital six months later. During my first blood test, my AST was 22 and ALT was 45. My family physician advised me...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, the sclera of your eyes appears to be a normal color without any signs of jaundice. Jaundice in the sclera is characterized by a distinct yellowing. Additionally, your liver function tests are currently normal, so regular monitoring should suffice. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: 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
Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Accompanying family members to receive the influenza vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, today I accompanied my grandparents to get vaccinated and I also decided to pay for my own vaccination. I have a slight cold and was initially hesitant to get vaccinated, but the doctor mentioned that a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There is no specific interval required between vaccines and medications because their mechanisms of action are different, so it is fine to use them together. 2. Local soreness is a normal phenomenon; adverse reactions would only be indicated by symptoms beyond local ...[Read More] Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
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?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks: Needle Safety and Vaccination Concerns
Follow-up on the previous infection issue? I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main concern is whether the needle has blood on it. If there is no blood, the risk of infection is very low. However, the risk of HIV infection from a needle stick is still much lower than the risk of infection caused by unsafe sexual practices. Thank you for your ques...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks: Needle Safety and Vaccination Concerns
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries
Needle infection If a vaccination needle accidentally pricks another person during the injection, is the risk of HIV infection high? I would like to know why there is a risk of HIV infection from a needle stick, given that it is said that the HIV virus loses its viability within ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of HIV infection from needle stick injuries is very low, approximately less than 1%. The HIV virus does not survive well outside of living cells and tends to die quickly in the environment. However, needle sticks can leave residual blood on the needle, and if that...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries
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
Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Accidentally cut oneself? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and accidentally scratched myself with the metal part of an electrical outlet. Although there is no bleeding, it appears to have broken the skin. Two years ago in Taiwan, I received a tetanus shot after getting cut b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have received a tetanus shot within the last 5 years, there is no need for a repeat vaccination. Therefore, you likely do not need to get vaccinated again. As for the wound, you should mainly observe for any local redness, swelling, heat, or pain, as well as any sig...[Read More] Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Previously, I had a cut on my cheek from a blade while getting a haircut, and I consulted you about it. Yesterday, I went to the hospital to see an infectious disease specialist. The doctor administered the hepatitis B vaccine and scheduled blood t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, the chance of infection is indeed very low. Therefore, the more important aspect is the follow-up. Currently, among the diseases mentioned, only hepatitis B has a vaccine. Your physician likely determined that preventive vaccination for hepatitis B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Assessing the Risk of Hepatitis B Infection in Infants After Vaccination
Regarding the issue of hepatitis B infection in newborns? Hello Dr. Lin: My child is currently over six months old and has received the first, second, and third doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, one month, and six months, respectively. Since the child's grandmother ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The chances should be very low. 1. In fact, after receiving the second dose, more than half of the individuals should have immunity against hepatitis B; the third dose is intended to help maintain immunity for a longer duration. 2. The primary modes of transmission for hep...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of Hepatitis B Infection in Infants After Vaccination
Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
anti-HBc If HBsAg is negative and Anti-HBs antibody is positive, there is generally no need to test for Anti-HBc antibody, as this combination typically indicates that the individual has either been vaccinated against hepatitis B or has cleared a past infection. Therefore, it can...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report shows that HBsAg is negative, while Anti-HBs antibodies are positive. This suggests that you may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, or you may have had a recent hepatitis B infection that is currently in the early recovery phase. It wo...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
Measles Vaccine Concerns: Risks for Young Adults and Hospital Visits
Measles vaccine Hello, doctor. Recently, the measles outbreak has caused public panic, and young adults in their 20s have been identified as a high-risk group. However, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has urged that vaccines be prioritized for frontline healthcare workers and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, In response to the sudden increase in demand for the self-paid MMR vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has urged prioritization of vaccination for high-risk groups (CDC Circular No. 351, April 24, 2018). 1. Due to recent public concern regarding the me...[Read More] Measles Vaccine Concerns: Risks for Young Adults and Hospital Visits