Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Exposure
Blood infection Hello Dr. Hong: I apologize for bothering you. Today, when I went to change my sanitary pad, I wrapped the used one and placed it on top of the tissue box. When I was about to throw it away, I thought to myself that I wasn't sure if it was mine, so I careless...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned is unlikely to result in an HIV infection, so there is no need for post-exposure prophylaxis at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Exposure
Can Handwashing Prevent Infection After Kicking a Table?
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I accidentally kick a table or drawer with my shoe and then touch the area I kicked, is it safe to use hand soap to wash my hands before using the restroom to avoid infection and feel secure? (I feel that shoes often come into contact wi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed better to wash your hands. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Handwashing Prevent Infection After Kicking a Table?
Can Deep Kissing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Transmit HIV or Syphilis?
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask you a question. It has been about 15 days since I had my wisdom teeth removed, and there is no bleeding or pain at the wound site. If I engage in deep kissing with someone, is there a risk of contr...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Infection is only possible if the other person has syphilis or HIV and is irregular in their medication or has not yet been treated. 2. Moreover, each individual's immune system varies, and significant exposure through larger wounds or bleeding is necessary for the possib...[Read More] Can Deep Kissing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Transmit HIV or Syphilis?
Can I Use Iodine Sitz Baths with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Can iodine-rich sitz baths be used for Hashimoto's thyroiditis? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from a genital infection for a long time and have seen two doctors without improvement. The gynecologist prescribed a suppository and also recommended a povidone-iodine sitz b...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Iodine sitz baths are not expected to affect Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can I Use Iodine Sitz Baths with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Immune system Hello, Director. Recently, a chest CT scan suggested possible pulmonary tuberculosis, leading to blood tests and bronchoscopy: anaerobic bacteria (+), tuberculosis DNA test (-), T Cell (CD3): 93.0, B Cell (CD19): 2.6, T Cell (CD4+): 54.4. Could you please explain wh...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, these questions may need to be directed to the physician who arranged your tests! The interpretation of these data requires a comprehensive evaluation, as the lymphocyte count must be compared with other white blood cell types; looking at the absolute value alone does not ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Understanding Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infection
What are the issues related to consuming raw food? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I touch a plate or raw meat, will washing my hands be sufficient to avoid bacteria and infection? 2. If a plate with raw meat is placed on tables or other surfaces, is there a risk of bacteria remaining or ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infections. 2. Being separated by a plate does not prevent infection. 3. Any area that comes into contact with raw food may harbor bacteria. 4. Areas that come into contact with raw food should be cleaned, and hands shoul...[Read More] Understanding Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infection
Concerns About Parasites and Bacteria in Contaminated Drinkware
Parasites - Bacteria Recently, I started using a long-unused insulated cup. Before using it, I did a simple rinse. After using it for 2-3 days, I discovered several small cockroaches inside the cup, which had also gotten into my drink, and I may have consumed it. I would like to ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cockroaches in Taiwan generally do not specifically transmit parasites. If you accidentally ingest a small cockroach or consume something contaminated by cockroaches, it is usually bacterial infections that are the main concern. However, the stomach's gastric acid kil...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Bacteria in Contaminated Drinkware
Can Handwashing Prevent Infection After Kicking Furniture?
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I accidentally kick a table or drawer with my shoe and then touch the area I kicked, can washing my hands with soap before using the restroom help prevent infection and allow me to feel safe using the restroom? (I feel that shoes often...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, simply washing your hands thoroughly can prevent infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Handwashing Prevent Infection After Kicking Furniture?
Does COVID-19 Worsen Conditions in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Will a COVID-19 infection worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previously had their disease under control? Hello, Doctor Gao. I would like to ask: 1) Are there any relevant studies that confirm that a diagnosis of COVID-19 can worsen the condition of p...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Are there any relevant studies confirming that COVID-19 infection can worsen the condition of patients with ankylosing spondylitis who previously had their disease under control? Or have you observed in your clinic t...[Read More] Does COVID-19 Worsen Conditions in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Is Eating Undercooked Pork Risky for Parasite Infections?
Is there a risk of parasitic infection from consuming raw pork that leads to diarrhea? Hello doctor, last weekend I suspect I ate undercooked pork (purchased from a traditional market) and experienced diarrhea that night. Besides the diarrhea, I haven't had any other abnorma...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Consuming undercooked food can lead to parasitic infections and may also result in norovirus infection, causing diarrhea. Therefore, it is recommended that if you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention at a hospital. Thank you for your message![Read More] Is Eating Undercooked Pork Risky for Parasite Infections?
Is It Possible to Still Be HIV Infected After a Year?
Is it still possible to be infected with HIV? A year ago, I had unprotected oral sex with a woman. Afterward, I was worried about HIV infection, so I went to Cheng Kung University for a blood test at the tenth week. During the follow-up appointment, the doctor said everything was...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chance of infection is indeed very low. If you are still very concerned, you may consider getting retested. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Is It Possible to Still Be HIV Infected After a Year?
Understanding Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infections
Could you please clarify your question regarding raw food issues? Hello Doctor, 1. Is washing hands sufficient to avoid bacteria and infections after touching a plate or raw meat? 2. If a plate with raw meat is placed on tables or other surfaces, is there a risk of bacteria re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infections. 2. Being separated by a plate does not prevent infection. 3. Any area that comes into contact with raw food may harbor bacteria. 4. Areas that come into contact with raw food should be cleaned, and hands shoul...[Read More] Understanding Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infections
Common Health Concerns: Food Safety, Skin Issues, and Child Hygiene
Please consult a doctor? Hello, Doctor. 1. If a bag containing food is placed on the footrest of a motorcycle, will the food inside the bag be contaminated with bacteria or be unclean? I'm concerned because shoes are often placed on the footrest, so I'm worried about ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The main concern is the spoilage of food that has been stored for too long. As long as it is sealed properly, the location should not significantly affect it. 2. Hello, this is likely due to low temperatures causing skin cracking. I recommend applying some moisturiz...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Food Safety, Skin Issues, and Child Hygiene
Do You Need to Clean Your Motorcycle After Hitting an Animal?
Is special cleaning necessary? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask: 1. If I am unsure whether my motorcycle has run over an animal carcass or dirty substances, is there a risk of diseases or bacteria on the area where my foot has touched the motorcycle tire? 2. If I am certain that...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned should not lead to an infection as long as you wash your hands frequently and avoid scratching your skin. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do You Need to Clean Your Motorcycle After Hitting an Animal?
Understanding Anti-TPO Levels and Thyroid Surgery Decisions
Thyroid anti-TPO related issues? Dr. Li, I have had multiple thyroid nodules for 30 years (in 2016, the left side was over 5 cm, and I underwent an ablation procedure). During these 30 years, I experienced two episodes of hyperthyroidism. As of August 2022, my lab results are a...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If TPO antibodies are positive, regular monitoring of thyroid function is necessary, as there is a possibility of developing hypothyroidism in the future. Whether thyroidectomy is required should be considered in conjunction with the results of fine needle aspiration cytology, th...[Read More] Understanding Anti-TPO Levels and Thyroid Surgery Decisions
Understanding Intermittent Pain Under the Left Chest: Causes and Insights
Pain in the lower left chest? Hello, doctor. This morning, I woke up due to a sharp pain in the lower left side of my chest. It feels like intermittent sharp pain (not related to breathing). The pain extends to the side as well, and I can't pinpoint a specific tender spot; I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, heart valve issues are unlikely to be the cause of your symptoms. The most probable reason is a mild muscle strain related to posture, possibly due to your sleeping position or physical activity. This usually allows the muscles to relax and rest, and it should gradually im...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Pain Under the Left Chest: Causes and Insights
Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, doctor: I have received the hepatitis B vaccine and have tested positive for antibodies (surface antibody 81, core antibody 0.10). A few days ago, while changing the dressing for an uncle with liver cirrhosis at the hospital, I accidentally...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/jlS2jBHpodI34ATlKUy3oQ): (1) Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are inf...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Understanding Changes in Creatinine and GFR: What You Need to Know
Creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) can vary significantly? In 2020, after a 12-hour fasting test, the results showed a creatinine level of 0.80 and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 121. In 2023, after having a meal at around 1 PM, doing strength training and aer...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Creatinine levels are related to diet, including meat intake and hydration. It is recommended to fast for 8 hours prior to testing. To accurately assess kidney function, meat consumption should not be excessive. A comparison of results is necessary to determine if there has been ...[Read More] Understanding Changes in Creatinine and GFR: What You Need to Know
Can You Get Infected from Using a Public Toilet?
Will I get any diseases? Hello, doctor. I am a male. Yesterday, I had a sudden urge to defecate and rushed into the restroom. The toilet was a seated type, and I noticed that there seemed to be urine from someone else in the bowl. Because I was in a hurry, I didn’t flush before u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your concern about potential infection from contact with urine or dirty water is not warranted. You don't need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Using a Public Toilet?
Concerns After Toddler Falls: X-Ray Insights and Safety Tips
A child fell from a height onto a tiled floor? Hello, doctor. My son, who is one year and ten months old, fell from his high chair onto the tile floor tonight. He stood up after falling from a height of about 120 cm and cried loudly. We immediately took him to a nearby surgical c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. X-ray results can reveal significant injuries to the skull and cervical vertebrae, but they cannot detect bleeding. 2. Due to radiation concerns associated with computed tomography (CT) scans, clinicians will first assess symptoms to determine the necessity of the sc...[Read More] Concerns After Toddler Falls: X-Ray Insights and Safety Tips