Understanding HIV and STI Risks: Safe Practices and Concerns
Risk of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Hello doctor, I visited the obstetrics and gynecology department today. Whenever I know an internal examination is needed, I wear disposable underwear. However, today when I threw away the disposable underwear, I accide...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the situation you mentioned is unlikely to result in contracting HIV or other sexually transmitted infections. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV and STI Risks: Safe Practices and Concerns
Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Military service medical examination issues? Hello doctor, I underwent a military physical examination in December, and a month later I was informed that I tested positive for HIV. In January, I immediately purchased an at-home rapid HIV test, which returned a negative result. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is recommended to visit the infectious disease outpatient department at a medical center for a Combo test or Western blot test to confirm whether there is an actual infection. As for your daily routine, it should not significantly affect the test results. Thank you for ...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Can I Take These Medications Together? A Doctor's Advice on Drug Interactions
Medication Consultation Hello Dr. Hong, Happy New Year! I apologize for the interruption. May I ask if it is safe to take the following medications together: Losartan Potassium 50 mg extended-release film-coated tablets, Pentoxifylline 400 mg film-coated tablets, Empagliflozin 25...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the medications you mentioned should be able to be used together; however, there may be some drug interactions between them. It may be necessary to adjust the dosages, so please consult your attending physician or clinical pharmacist. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can I Take These Medications Together? A Doctor's Advice on Drug Interactions
Can Touching Public Trash Cans Lead to Infections? A Doctor's Insight
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if there is a concern about contracting sexually transmitted infections or other diseases from touching the metal parts of public restroom trash cans or garbage bins? (I wash my hands after using the restroom) Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is no wound caused, there should be no concern for infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Touching Public Trash Cans Lead to Infections? A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Muscle Pain and Nail Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please ask your two questions? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about an issue I experienced. I was lying in bed in a poor position and suddenly tried to sit up like doing a sit-up. In that moment, I felt a sudden pulling or cramping sensation near my buttocks, close to the anus...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. What you mentioned is likely due to muscle strain caused by poor posture. If there are no specific discomforts afterward, it should be fine to just monitor it. 2. Regarding the nails, it appears that the variation in color is simply due to changes in blood flow and d...[Read More] Understanding Muscle Pain and Nail Changes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Risk of HIV Infection from Skin Breaks During Sexual Contact
Inquiry about HIV infection? If there is a broken skin in the groin area and sexual intercourse occurs with a sex worker, is there a risk of infection if the broken skin comes into contact with vaginal fluids?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, regarding the depth of the wound, deeper lacerations do carry certain risks. If you are unable to confirm the situation, it is advisable to undergo sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Skin Breaks During Sexual Contact
Risk of Infection from a Doll's Needle: What You Need to Know
Stabbed by a doll's pin? Today, while unpacking a package that arrived from China, I took out a doll and didn't notice that the pin at the back was open, which pricked me. Upon closer inspection, I found that the wound only scratched the skin and there was no bleeding. ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if a needle has definitely been used on someone else before being used again, tests will be conducted for HIV, syphilis (VDRL or RPR), HBV, and HCV. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Risk of Infection from a Doll's Needle: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Ants in My Cup: Diabetes Worries Explained
About ants? Hello doctor, I recently noticed that sometimes there are ants in my water cup, and I'm worried that I might have diabetes. (My situation: I have no family history of the disease, I'm currently 23 years old, and I usually go to bed late and wake up late, aro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the presence of ants cannot indicate whether someone has diabetes. It is recommended to purchase or borrow a simple blood glucose meter to test fasting blood glucose levels. A fasting blood glucose level below 100 mg/dL is considered normal. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Ants in My Cup: Diabetes Worries Explained
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your response. I would like to clarify a few points based on our previous discussion: 1. Is it correct to understand that as long as there is HIV virus present in the body, new antibodies will continuously be produced, maintaini...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Theoretically, the human body will produce corresponding antibodies; however, the quantity and types of antibodies may vary due to the functionality of the immune system and the progression of the disease. 2. If previous tests have been negative but there is a concer...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
What is the appropriate timing for a chest examination after being diagnosed with a condition and still experiencing hemoptysis? Hello doctor, I was diagnosed at the end of last year and completed isolation in early January. I continued to self-isolate until I tested negative on ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if you cough forcefully, it can easily cause microvascular rupture in the throat, leading to blood-tinged sputum. This should gradually improve as the cough resolves. Whether a follow-up chest X-ray is necessary mainly depends on whether you experience shortness of breath ...[Read More] Post-COVID Coughing: When to Seek Chest X-Ray for Blood-Streaked Phlegm?
Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello, I am someone who has been panicking about HIV testing recently. 1. So even though HIV antibodies may decrease over time, they will not decrease to the point of being undetectable, right? I am mainly worried about a potential missed diagnosis f...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Currently, most hospitals use a combined test for antigens and antibodies, so it can still be detected. 2. If tests are negative after three months of unsafe sexual behavior, the chance of infection is very low. 3. This depends on the sensitivity of each test. 4. C...[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Examination issues Hello Doctor, today I visited a gastroenterologist because I was experiencing abdominal pain and was a bit worried. There is currently no family history of gastrointestinal issues, although my grandfather had some, but my parents do not. They only arranged for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, your stool test should be a fecal occult blood test. It is indeed recommended to avoid red meat or blood products, such as pig's blood cake or rice blood cake, the night before. As for medications and vitamins, they should not have an impact. Thank you for your inquir...[Read More] Preparing for Stool Tests: Dietary Guidelines and Allergies Explained
Common Health Concerns: Allergies, Hygiene, and Urinary Tract Infections
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. Are individuals with allergic constitutions more prone to bloating? I often need to walk after meals to aid digestion, and I wonder if this is due to my constitution or a problem with my digestive ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Some people have slower gastrointestinal motility, and taking a short walk after eating foods that are prone to causing bloating can indeed help alleviate bloating issues. 2. Unless exposed to contaminated water, it is unlikely to cause an infection. 3. Yes, holding...[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Allergies, Hygiene, and Urinary Tract Infections
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, Doctor: I received my fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on November 26, 2022, and I underwent a health check at my company on December 13, 2022. I am unsure if some abnormal values are related to the vaccination. The results are as follows: N...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, based on your values, the main issues are low neutrophils and high lymphocytes. The most common causes are viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza. In addition to viral infections, other hematological disorders may also be a possibility. It is recommended to retest...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Does Handwashing Before Using the Restroom Reduce Infection Risk?
Does handwashing reduce the risk of infection? Hello doctor, I have severe obsessive-compulsive disorder regarding cleanliness. I would like to ask if washing my hands before using the restroom will reduce the risk of infection. Sometimes my hands are very dirty, as I might pick ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Handwashing can indeed reduce the chances of infection. 2. If hands are washed thoroughly with soap, it should eliminate most pathogens. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Does Handwashing Before Using the Restroom Reduce Infection Risk?
Can Handling Raw Shrimp Lead to Parasite Infections?
Can one contract a parasitic disease? Recently, while handling shrimp (note: the shrimp was raw and had been split open for preparation), I forgot to wash my hands after peeling the shrimp and directly picked up food to eat. Could this lead to a parasitic infection? (I've be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, most pathogens should be able to be washed away with clean water. If you do not experience any discomfort afterward, it should not be a concern. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Handling Raw Shrimp Lead to Parasite Infections?
Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. Four years ago, I underwent HIV antibody testing and RT-PCR testing due to a high-risk behavior, both of which were negative. I had slowly forgotten about this, but recently I have suddenly become fearful ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. If only antibodies are present, they may indeed decrease over time; however, RT-PCR tests for viral load, which will not decrease over time, so you should not miss a diagnosis. 2. Typically, instrument-based tests are more accurate. 3. Almost everyone will have anti...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Common Concerns and Answers
Can Toilet Bugs Cause Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Can it cause an infection? Hello doctor, I have noticed small flying insects around the toilet or on the toilet wall, but I'm not sure what kind of insects they are. Could this pose a risk of infection to my intimate areas or anus? I'm concerned about whether these inse...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the contact with flying insects on the skin does not pose a significant risk of infectious diseases to the human body. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Toilet Bugs Cause Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Do Small Insects on Private Areas Cause Infection? A Doctor's Insight
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I am the questioner #191585. I would like to ask if small flying insects coming into contact with the mucous membranes of the genital area or the anus would pose any infection risk? Since children encounter similar flying insects when using res...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, yes, the conditions you mentioned are generally not likely to cause infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Small Insects on Private Areas Cause Infection? A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Urination Issues: Pain After Bathing and Hygiene Concerns
Urinary problems Hello doctor, recently after taking a shower, I have been feeling a bit of pain in my private area when I go to the bathroom, but it goes away after a while. Could this be due to excessive cleaning or a urinary tract infection? Also, if I wash my hands before usi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. The condition you mentioned could indicate either excessive cleaning of the urethral opening or a urethral infection. A urinalysis may be necessary to differentiate between the two. It is recommended to consult a urologist or a family medicine physician for evaluation...[Read More] Understanding Urination Issues: Pain After Bathing and Hygiene Concerns