Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
It feels itchy inside the body? Since the third day after being diagnosed, I have not had a fever, but I feel an internal itch throughout my body. It's very uncomfortable and hard to describe; I feel the need to keep moving to feel a bit better. Even before going to sleep at...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is true that some individuals may experience skin rashes due to COVID-19, although the likelihood is low. I would like to know if you are currently taking any medications, as it may be necessary to rule out drug or food allergies. If there are none, then it could be att...[Read More] Understanding Internal Itching: Causes and Solutions After Diagnosis
Can Using Public Restroom Toilet Paper Lead to STIs or Infections?
Is indirect transmission possible? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if using toilet paper in public restrooms poses a risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections or other infections. Thank you!
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, as long as the tissue paper has not been used by anyone, there is no concern about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections or any specific infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Using Public Restroom Toilet Paper Lead to STIs or Infections?
Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Infection issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I asked you some questions: 1. You mentioned that the chance of infection from being splashed with blood containing the HIV virus in the eyes, nose, or mouth with an open wound is low. Does this mean that if I accidentally get splashe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. On one hand, the infectiousness through this route is low, and on the other hand, the immune system can clear it. 2. It will not. 3. This will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
HIV infection issues Hello Doctor: 1. I would like to ask, there are articles stating that HIV in blood quickly becomes inactive when exposed to air. If someone with a bleeding hand sprays blood into my eyes, nasal cavity, or mouth, especially if I have an open wound, is there ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. The chance of infection should be low. 2. Yes. 3. The likelihood is very low. 4. This is not a mode of transmission. 5. You will not be infected. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Antibiotic dosage Hello, doctor. I was hospitalized for 4 days due to a peritonsillar abscess. During my hospital stay, I received antibiotic injections, and I felt much better upon discharge. The doctor prescribed oral Curran 1000 mg for 7 days, to be taken twice a day, with 2 t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, whether a medication overdose requires a blood test to check drug levels is indeed a consideration. However, the nausea you mentioned is a common side effect of this antibiotic and can occur even at normal dosages. Experiencing nausea does not necessarily indicate an overd...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Dosage: Managing Overuse and Side Effects
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
HIV infection If you have small cuts on your hands and are washing utensils that have been used by someone else, there is a risk of HIV infection if those utensils have saliva or blood from the other person. Additionally, if the other person has a wound that comes into contact wi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the two situations you mentioned do not carry any risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
Is Your Back Pain After Surgery a Side Effect of Spinal Anesthesia?
Which department should I see? Hello doctor, I underwent a bunion surgery on my fifth toe in January and July, both under spinal anesthesia. Several months have passed, and I often feel lower back soreness and pain. Could this be a side effect of the spinal anesthesia? Thank you,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of the issue being caused by anesthesia is low. It is more likely related to spinal or muscular problems. I recommend that you schedule an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is Your Back Pain After Surgery a Side Effect of Spinal Anesthesia?
Can Shoe Laces Cause Indirect Infections? A Medical Inquiry
Indirect infection issues Hello! If shoelaces often rub against the floor or occasionally come into contact with urine in public restrooms, I would like to ask if tucking the shoelaces inside the shoes and rinsing the feet with clean water while showering would pose a risk of inf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not cause an infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Shoe Laces Cause Indirect Infections? A Medical Inquiry
Concerns About Infection from Splashing in Public Toilets
Toilet water splashing? Hello, I would like to inquire about the concerns regarding using a squat toilet in a public place. If water and urine splash up while using the toilet and come into contact with the genital area, anus, or private parts, is there a risk of infection or oth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Splashing in Public Toilets
Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Ten days after diagnosis, the rapid test is still positive? Hello Doctor, I am 20 years old and today marks the 10th day since my diagnosis. I still test positive on the rapid test (the test line is faint, not as dark as when I was first diagnosed). On the first day of my diagnos...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. A positive result still indicates that viral proteins remain in the body, which does not necessarily mean that the immune system is weak or that there is a high viral load; some individuals may naturally retain certain viral proteins. 2. The presence of a positive re...[Read More] Positive Rapid Test on Day 10: Understanding COVID-19 Recovery and Risks
Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Groin issues Hello Doctor: Initially, I noticed a round, hard lump near my anus (I consulted a colorectal specialist because I was concerned it might be an anal fistula, and there was significant swelling from the groin area towards the perineum, which I suspected might be lympha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, the lump next to the anus is likely a benign cyst. If the doctor has already incised it, it should gradually heal and reduce in size over time. As for the vaginitis and urethral discharge, they are likely not directly related to this issue. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Questions about infection from strangers? Hello Doctor, after class today, while I was checking out at a convenience store, a stranger suddenly pushed past me to throw away his aluminum drink. It seemed like he had finished drinking outside and brought it in to dispose of it. I n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your description, it seems that there are suspected scratch marks on your hand, but no obvious wounds have been caused. In this case, there is no risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis B or C, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Assessing HIV Risk After Unprotected Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
HIV transmission issues? On October 6, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker, which included unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. The female sex worker cleaned my penis before we engaged in further activities. During the encounter, we also kissed and had u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, due to the risk of infection from unsafe sexual practices, it is currently recommended to follow up for at least three months. If all tests are negative, it will be considered safer. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Unprotected Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are diagnosed with COVID-19 need to take antiviral medication? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed with COVID-19, what are the gover...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding the second risk factor, one of the conditions is diseases that affect immune function (such as HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants). Therefo...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
If diagnosed with COVID-19 and symptoms are becoming milder, is there a significant chance of suddenly progressing to moderate or severe symptoms? Hello Doctor: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, I saw a doctor and received medication (it seems like the medication is mostly for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if you have previously been diagnosed, your body will still have some antibodies; however, these antibodies will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, if there is a long interval since the last infection and your immune system is not functioning well, it is indeed possi...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Is antiviral medication needed for stiffness? Additional inquiry? Hello Doctor, below the line is the doctor's response from this morning. I would like to confirm with the doctor regarding the second point. Does the doctor's reply mean that "not all patients with a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, yes, it is important to check if there are any relevant medications being taken (such as immunosuppressants) that could affect immune function, as these would be considered significant risk factors. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Leukopenia The most recent blood biochemistry test showed a white blood cell count of 3300, which is low; red blood cells are normal, hemoglobin is low, mean corpuscular volume is low, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is low, and total bilirubin is 2.22, which is high, while all other...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding the white blood cell count, it's important to first know what your previous levels were. Some individuals naturally have a white blood cell count around 3,000, which can be normal for them. However, if your count has suddenly dropped to 3,000 from a previous...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Dizziness, feeling of heaviness in the head, and lightness in the legs? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling a bit dizzy these past few days. It's not severe, and I feel dizzy whether I'm standing or sitting, but I don't feel anything when lying down. I visited a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there are indeed many factors that can cause dizziness. Based on your situation, the following possible factors may apply: 1. Staying up late or irregular sleep patterns 2. Excessive stress 3. Anemia 4. Side effects of cold medications 5. Inner ear imbalance. It is recomme...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Asthma issues I would like to ask the doctor a few questions. Since last winter, I have been coughing persistently. I have visited many clinics, and the doctors have said it is due to allergies caused by changes in the weather, and that it would improve as the weather warms up. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, chronic cough can indeed have many causes. The most important thing is to rule out lung and heart issues. If auscultation is normal, the chances of severe asthma are lower, but there may be other lung problems. It is advisable to consult a pulmonology or family medicine ou...[Read More] Understanding Asthma: Managing Persistent Cough and Heart Concerns
Are Home Rapid Tests Reliable? Understanding Infection Risks After a Year
Rapid testing for infection issues? I would like to ask if the rapid tests sold online by the health department are accurate. I buy a rapid test almost every month and have been testing for a year now. My last test was two days ago, and it was negative. I would like to know if I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, are you referring to HIV rapid testing? The accuracy of HIV rapid tests for initial assessment is indeed not as high as that of formal tests conducted in medical institutions. Each rapid test kit may also have varying degrees of accuracy. If you want to confirm your result...[Read More] Are Home Rapid Tests Reliable? Understanding Infection Risks After a Year