Can I Take Xyzal After Finishing Pfizer's COVID Oral Treatment?
Can I take Xyzal after finishing the Pfizer COVID-19 oral medication? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 a few days ago and, since I meet the criteria, I took the Pfizer oral medication. I have completed the treatment about a day ago. Can I continue taking Dexamethasone...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Yes, the Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can I Take Xyzal After Finishing Pfizer's COVID Oral Treatment?
Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
The skin bruises easily upon impact? Hello, doctor. I previously recovered from COVID-19 and noticed red spots (petechiae) on my calves. Later, my doctor diagnosed it as vasculitis. After a series of immunological tests, the main abnormalities found were cold agglutinins IgM (1+)...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Cryoglobulinemia can also cause petechiae, but it is better to confirm this in conjunction with other clinical symptoms and examinations. I recommend that you have regular follow-ups with a specialist in immunology or hematology for a comprehens...[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising After COVID-19: Causes and Concerns
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Eye Care Equipment?
HIV infection If I go to an ophthalmologist and the previous patient had a wound with bleeding that contaminated the instruments, but the instruments have been wiped and show no blood traces, and the doctor does not disinfect them before helping me remove a blister from my eye, i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, questions regarding HIV/AIDS will be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please direct your questions to an infectious disease physician. Thank you! Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Department of Allergy, ...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Eye Care Equipment?
Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Exposure
HIV/AIDS issues Hello Doctor: I kissed my boyfriend, including French kissing. On the first to third day, I felt fine, but by the fourth day, my throat started to feel uncomfortable. I experienced pain on both sides of my throat when swallowing saliva. I also felt weak, had some ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: These upper respiratory symptoms require testing to determine if a diagnosis can be confirmed, and whether there is an HIV infection, which can only be confirmed through a visit to a hospital. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Exposure
Do Metal Braces Affect Saliva Rapid Testing Results?
Saliva rapid test Will metal braces affect the results of a saliva rapid test? Recently, I had redness and peeling under my left armpit, but it disappeared on its own after two days. Could this be a symptom of HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Braces will not affect the screening results, as rapid tests have a certain specificity. 2. If there is oral inflammation or infection, it should be associated with swollen cervical lymph nodes, rather than axillary ones.[Read More] Do Metal Braces Affect Saliva Rapid Testing Results?
Understanding Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Saliva rapid test positive? Hello, I previously engaged in high-risk behavior, but in mid-July, I suddenly experienced redness, swelling, and peeling under my left armpit, which resolved in about three to four days. Later, I developed a lot of acne on my chin, and I also had some...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The presence of acne does not necessarily indicate an HIV infection. 2. Rapid HIV tests have certain sensitivity but lack specificity; if the result is positive, it is essential to consult a healthcare facility for confirmation and further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
HIV/AIDS Hello, I would like to ask a question. I am a gay male who is a receptive partner (bottom) and have a steady partner. Neither of us has any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and we sometimes engage in unprotected anal intercourse. I would like to know if there is a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Although one partner may be monogamous, the other may not be, so both parties should be able to get tested. 2. Regarding one partner testing positive, it does not necessarily mean the other will also test positive; consultation and testing at a medical facility are recommend...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
Can Standard HIV Tests Detect Undetectable Viral Loads?
HIV testing questions If I currently have HIV and my viral load is undetectable, can a standard HIV test still detect it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can detect antibody concentrations, so even if the viral load is undetectable, a positive antibody response can still be measured.[Read More] Can Standard HIV Tests Detect Undetectable Viral Loads?
Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Repeated fever over the past two months? Hello, since May, I have noticed that my immune system has been getting weaker. I used to rarely get sick, but on May 8, I discovered I had shingles (the doctor said it was due to stress and a decline in immunity, and prescribed zinc for m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been diagnosed with influenza type A and are receiving treatment with oseltamivir, it is important to rest well and allow your immune system to recover to eliminate the virus from your body. 2. As for persistent symptoms after infection, this is common with COV...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Fever: Immune System Challenges and Solutions
Can You Get HIV from a Cut Exposed to Infected Blood?
Injury caused by HIV exposure? If your hand, which has been cut and is bleeding, comes into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk of infection through a cut or open wound is generally considered to be lo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is essential to confirm whether the individual is an infected person. 2. Infected individuals are often on medication, so it is important to inquire about their adherence to the treatment regimen. 3. For those on medication, check if their viral load has been reduc...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Cut Exposed to Infected Blood?
Can You Get HIV from Wiping a Wound with Contaminated Wipes?
HIV wet wipes Using a wet tissue or towel that has come into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids to wipe a wound on your neck could potentially pose a risk of HIV transmission. However, the likelihood of transmission in this manner is considered to be very low. HIV i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Unless it is an emergency situation or in the case of first aid, people generally do not use someone else's blood-stained tissues or towels to clean their own wounds, so the likelihood is low. 2. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Wiping a Wound with Contaminated Wipes?
Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
The tests for lupus erythematosus are normal, but there are erythematous lesions around the face and eyes. Is this also an early stage of the disease? I have been tested at two hospitals, and the results were normal. However, I have red spots on my face and around my eyes, which ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a large hospital. The presence of erythema around the eyes, along with sensitivity to sunlight and difficulty opening bottle caps, may suggest dermatomyositis. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
Understanding HIV Transmission: Why Not Everyone Gets Infected
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: I am the questioner from 199068. There is one point I don't quite understand and would like to ask the doctor again: If one partner has HIV, why might the other partner not necessarily contract it during sexual activity? Additionally, I apologize...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive individual who is not on treatment and still has viral load can result in a transmission risk of approximately 0.1% to 0.1%. Therefore, even if a partner is HIV-positive, the other partner may not necessarily ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Why Not Everyone Gets Infected
Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Further inquiries regarding antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the human body (continuation of question number 199206)? Thank you for your previous response, Doctor. I have some additional questions I would like to understand: 1. If the test results continue to be positive accordin...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Yes. The human body naturally hosts many bacteria that coexist with it; antibiotic-resistant bacteria are simply more resistant to antibiotics, but otherwise, they are not significantly different from regular bacteria. 2. It may be worth considering the use of probiotics to se...[Read More] Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Can You Get HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases from Oral Wounds?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, doctor. Previously, I asked you the following question: "If there are sores or wounds inside or outside the mouth (such as on the lips), and if I consume food that has come into contact with the b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is a risk of transmission, but the risk is low; the likelihood of becoming infected from a single exposure is at most one percent. 2. The transmission efficiency and risk associated with each pathogen vary, and they cannot be discussed collectively. In principle, there i...[Read More] Can You Get HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases from Oral Wounds?
Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
Can elevated liver enzymes affect sexual function? A few days ago, I visited a urologist due to issues related to sexual function and had blood tests done. Upon returning for a follow-up, the test results showed that all values were within normal ranges except for GOT and GPT, wh...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Generally, mild liver function abnormalities do not cause sexual dysfunction. It is recommended to consult a urologist to determine the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
Can Using a Blood Glucose Meter Without Washing Hands Lead to Infection?
Eating without washing hands after using a blood glucose meter in the clinic? Hello, I would like to ask about a recent visit to the clinic where I used a glucometer to check my blood sugar. I only applied slight pressure with an alcohol swab to stop the bleeding after pricking m...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It won't happen because at most, it would only involve contact with one's own blood; if it doesn't come from someone else's blood, there is no risk of transmitting diseases.[Read More] Can Using a Blood Glucose Meter Without Washing Hands Lead to Infection?
How Long Do Bacteria and Viruses Survive on Surfaces?
Bacteria and viruses can survive for varying lengths of time depending on the environment. Bacteria can live for hours to days on surfaces, while some can form spores that allow them to survive for years. Viruses I would like to ask the doctor, I found online that viruses and bac...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The amount of bacteria or viruses is related to their survival; a single bacterium or virus will die upon contact with soap or alcohol, but if there is a large quantity, it will take time for all the bacteria or viruses to come into contact with the soap or alcohol.[Read More] How Long Do Bacteria and Viruses Survive on Surfaces?
Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
After a critical stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment directions and recommendations include the following: 1. **Continuation of Antitubercular Therapy**: Ensure adherence to a full course of antitubercular medications, typically including isoniazid, rifamp Hello Doctor, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the considerations for the above issues will vary based on the individual patient's condition. It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with your mother's current attending physician, as this type of online consultation cannot address such individual and c...[Read More] Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injury: What You Need to Know
HIV infection risk issues I apologize, but I would like to ask about a needle that appears to have a small amount of dried blood on it (not a syringe needle, but a regular needle). I accidentally pricked myself with the needle and bled. Is there a possibility of contracting HIV i...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the blood is from another person and it penetrates your skin causing bleeding, there is theoretically a risk of transmission. However, since the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for a maximum of a few minutes, dried blood is generally very unlikely to transmit...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injury: What You Need to Know