Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Eating lettuce with snails? Hello, doctor. I just ate a large bowl of salad from a restaurant (which had been refrigerated for 3 hours) and only realized at the end that there was a live snail in the bowl. I'm very concerned about the risk of parasitic infection. It's b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if it's just a one-time consumption, the chance of getting sick is quite low. The risk of eating raw snails is higher, but the risk of parasites from vegetables that snails have crawled over is much lower, as the vast majority would be killed by stomach acid. So, you ...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Sexually transmitted disease-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. 1. When I used a public restroom, I noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping myself (I wiped quite hard). Is there a risk of sexually transmitted infections in this situation? 2....
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Answer: 1. Generally, tissue paper in public places should not have blood on it, unless one has accidentally overlooked it or left it behind. 2. Since it is dirty tissue paper, it should not be used to wipe the face or genital areas, as this can help prevent the transmission of i...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Kidney Health Insights
Abnormal urine protein test? Hello, doctor. Three months ago, an ultrasound examination revealed that I have kidney stones, all measuring less than 0.5 cm. At that time, the doctor prescribed potassium citrate (K citrate), with a dosage of two tablets in the morning and two in th...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is defined as kidney damage lasting for more than three months, resulting in structural or functional abnormalities that cannot return to normal. Whether a condition qualifies as CKD must be determined by a specialist based on your glomerular filtrati...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Urine Protein Levels: Kidney Health Insights
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Will ankylosing spondylitis continuously cause boils? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in April this year. After taking medication for half a month, I suddenly developed a boil in the groin area, which required surgical intervention. I took antibiotics fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the relationship with medication is relatively low; it may be more related to ankylosing spondylitis or related rheumatic diseases. I suggest discussing this with your physician and paying attention to whether you have recurrent oral ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Regarding the test values related to hepatitis B..? Due to engaging in risky behavior and concerns about infection, I had blood tests for Hepatitis B and C. The HBsAg value was 0.11 (Negative) and the HBsAb value was 11.3 mIU/mL. I was tested approximately 5 weeks after the incid...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: According to the test results, since antibodies are already present, there is no need for vaccination. An HBsAb level of <10 IU/L is considered negative, while >=10 IU/L is considered positive. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello, doctor. Today, when I went to the clinic for a blood draw, I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new needle for the procedure. I would like to ask, if the needle was not changed and the person before me was an HIV positive patient, would I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus according to the Centers for Disease Control: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids pos...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Understanding Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Infection issues I would like to ask the doctor, I have been experiencing some discomfort in my throat recently, but it is not severe. I feel very thirsty often, have a bit of bad breath, and I feel cold every morning when I wake up. Could you please tell me what this might indic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Currently, it is midsummer, and the weather is hot and humid. It is important to increase fluid and electrolyte intake. 2. If you have already done this and still feel unwell, consider spending more time outdoors in nature during the morning and evening, while also paying at...[Read More] Understanding Throat Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions
Understanding Symptoms Similar to Hypoglycemia with Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels but occasionally experiencing symptoms similar to hypoglycemia? Hello Doctor: In the past two to three years, I have occasionally experienced symptoms similar to hypoglycemia, such as sudden cold sweats, anxiety, and hunger pangs, which are relieved afte...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can visit the Metabolism Clinic for further examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms Similar to Hypoglycemia with Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Diabetes test results inquiry? When I was 23 or 24 years old, during a company health check, I was found to have elevated fasting blood glucose levels. I then went to a large hospital where my postprandial blood glucose reached 395 mg/dL, and my HbA1c was 9.1, which led to a diag...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The normal ranges for test values may vary slightly between different testing laboratories. Please return to the original testing hospital for follow-up consultations. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Test Results: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Persistent decrease in platelet count? Hello, Doctor. Last August, I discovered through a blood test that I had a positive ANA and thrombocytopenia with a platelet count of about 100,000, along with a slight decrease in complement C3. All other test values were normal, and I susp...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Your physician's treatment approach is more aggressive; administering pulse steroids can quickly adjust the uncontrolled immune function, potentially allowing the platelet count to return to a safer level and maintain it for a longer durat...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low Platelet Counts: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Allergic rhinitis The practice in otolaryngology involves clearing the nose and administering nasal medication or nasal sprays. This way, there is no need to schedule a follow-up appointment. However, it seems that in immunology, follow-up appointments are required consistently. ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Each treatment method has its pros and cons, and individual needs vary, making it difficult to compare. In otolaryngology, nasal sprays may reduce the need for medication, but patients generally still need to return for follow-up visits periodi...[Read More] Managing Allergic Rhinitis: ENT vs. Immunology Approaches
Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Inquiry about medication for ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, doctor! My partner has ankylosing spondylitis and is currently taking one and a half tablets of Voltaren (diclofenac) per day. However, the color of their stool is dark (closer to black), and we are concerned whether thi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Dark stools (such as dark green stools) can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from true melena caused by gastrointestinal bleeding. However, while Diclofenac is generally less irritating to the stomach and relatively safe, it is still an an...[Read More] Concerns About Dark Stools from Long-term Use of Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Low Creatinine Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Low creatinine levels? Recently, my health check report indicated a creatinine level of 0.53, which is considered low, and an eGFR of 138.73. Five years ago, my creatinine level was 60 with an eGFR of 123.93. I am a patient with cerebral palsy and have issues with muscle atrophy,...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for consultation.[Read More] Understanding Low Creatinine Levels: Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Cloudy Urine: Kidney Health and Dietary Concerns
Urine can sometimes appear light yellow and cloudy? Hello, doctor. I have nephrotic syndrome and have been under continuous monitoring, which has been normal. Recently, I underwent an MRI, which detected 1-2 cysts in both my liver and kidneys. The doctor mentioned that I should c...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can visit the outpatient clinic for further examination.[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Urine: Kidney Health and Dietary Concerns
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Is glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) really that variable? Hello Dr. Lee, I went to National Taiwan University Hospital for a routine blood test on July 18, and my hemoglobin A1c result was 5.7. Due to other issues, I consulted at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where they also tested my...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Different hospitals may have slight variations in their testing equipment. Please follow up in three months. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Hemoglobin A1c Levels Fluctuate Significantly in One Day?
Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights
Concern about parasitic infection Hello, doctor. Today, I touched a snail on the road and did not wash my hands before going to work. After a break at work, I touched food with my hands and ate it, but I was wearing gloves while working and also touched clothing. I would like to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Not every snail carries Angiostrongylus cantonensis, but developing the habit of washing hands after contact with wildlife or before eating is a good way to prevent disease infection.[Read More] Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights