I have COVID-19 and have had a fever for 3 days, with the highest temperature reaching 103.5°F but staying around 100-101°F. I've been using Motrin to manage the fever, and I also have a cough and chills. My breathing is normal, and I don't have any pre-existing respiratory conditions or chest pain. When should I seek medical help?

February 29th, 2024

I have questions about STDs, specifically regarding chlamydia and HIV. I recently completed a course of doxycycline for chlamydia and took an HIV RNA test 15 days post exposure, which was negative. I am concerned about antibiotic resistance, the reliability of the HIV RNA test at 15 days, the duration until chlamydia is entirely eliminated, and the accuracy of syphilis tests at 6 weeks post unprotected sex. Additionally, I want to understand the concept of repeat infections and whether chlamydia can reinfect from within the body after treatment.

April 1st, 2023

I'm a 47-year-old Hispanic male experiencing chest and abdominal pain, particularly during exercise and at rest, which is relieved temporarily by Mylanta. I've had a stress test on a treadmill that I failed due to severe chest pain and heart palpitations. An echo/ultrasound of the heart showed normal results, and I'm scheduled for a nuclear stress test. What could be causing this pain, and is it related to my recent back abscess surgery?

January 27th, 2023

I have a small infection in the outer cartilage of my ear. I've had these in the past, and my doctor prescribed an antibiotic, with great success. It's Sunday, tomorrow's a holiday, etc. I wouldn't worry except that a couple of years ago, I had heart surgery, with a valve replacement. My surgeon was fierce with me, Don't go to a dentist without taking amoxicillin, we're worried infections can go to the heart. My questions: Would my ear infection be worrisome too in this regard? If so, can you prescribe an antibiotic for me? Thanks.

March 22nd, 2024

My elbow suddenly started getting sore on Tuesday and has been sore for 3 days. My forearm and shoulder have also been sore, and there is a pain on the right side of my chest. The elbow is swollen, tender, and red, and feels hot to touch. I suspect it might be a spider bite, but I can’t see any puncture marks. What could be causing this and what should I do?

April 8th, 2024