Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Parasitic infection issues? I have an autoimmune disease and I'm currently taking immunosuppressive medication, which makes my immune system weaker. I just noticed some small worms in my drinking cup and I'm a bit worried about the risk of infections from parasites like...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The likelihood of a single event occurring is very low, so it is recommended to just observe. If there are no issues after one to two weeks, then there is likely no problem. Seek medical attention if you experience any discomfort![Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infections for Immunocompromised Patients
Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Infection issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about an incident that happened while I was at a hotel in Taiwan with my family. I adjusted the showerhead and pressed on the area where the water sprays out. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain, but later I checked my finger an...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is no obvious bleeding or wound on the finger, there is basically little chance of transmitting any infectious disease. Please don't worry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Parasitic infection Hello Dr. Lin, I experienced a mental health crisis in April 2021. To avoid being forcibly taken to a hospital by my family, I hid in a public restroom at a temple. During that time, I completely lost my rationality and felt excessively thirsty. Believing I ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Theoretically, for the toilet water in a public restroom to contain parasites, it would require that a person who had feces with parasites used the toilet just before. Additionally, parasites cannot survive outside the human body for an extended period, so the likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding Soft Stool: Parasite Infection or Medication Side Effects?
Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Infection risk inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask two questions. I came to Shanghai with my family, and today while eating, I accidentally drank from a cup that seemed to have some mucus or phlegm in it. I didn't swallow it, but it felt very unpleasant. I would like ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Drinking mucus or saliva is generally destroyed by stomach acid, so it does not pose a significant risk of contracting any specific infectious disease. Of course, some viruses can be transmitted through saliva, so there is still a certain risk of infection. However, most virus...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Understanding HPV: Can Cervical and Anal Infections Affect Each Other?
Cervical HPV virus and anal HPV virus? Background: There was a previous incident of unprotected anal intercourse. Later, a cervical HPV test showed an infection with HPV type 58, but it has since been treated and resolved. I would like to ask: Can cervical HPV and anal HPV infect...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the HPV virus is a systemic infection that can cross-infect different areas of the body. Additionally, there is currently no cure for HPV once contracted; treatment typically focuses on visible manifestations such as warts and condylomas. However, the virus can still remai...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Can Cervical and Anal Infections Affect Each Other?
Health Risks of Mold Exposure in Humid Environments
Does extensive mold growth on walls pose health risks? I live in Keelung, where the humid climate has caused extensive mold growth on the walls of my room. I would like to know if living in such an environment for an extended period and inhaling a large amount of mold spores coul...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, theoretically yes, because inhaling a large amount of mold can indeed lead to allergies, and there is even a risk of infection in individuals with weakened immune systems. It is advisable to address moldy environments.[Read More] Health Risks of Mold Exposure in Humid Environments
Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?
Animal bite injury About a week ago, I was bitten by some kind of creature while at the beach near Kenting Street. I saw a bat at that time. The next day, I noticed two close red spots on my foot, but since there was no pain, I didn't seek medical attention. Today, I realize...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
It is advised not to proceed, as it is difficult to confirm whether it is an inappropriate bite or if it was a bat bite. Currently, there have been no reported cases of rabies virus found in bats in the country. Alternatively, you can visit a healthcare facility that provides rab...[Read More] Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?
Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Can a one-year-old child get a parasitic infection from drinking aquarium water? Hello, doctor. My child accidentally drank water from an outdoor fish tank. Although I pulled her away from the water's surface immediately and rinsed her mouth with tap water, today is the thir...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the likelihood of contracting parasites from a single exposure to contaminated or dirty water is quite low, and most parasites cannot reproduce within the human body. Therefore, even if one ingests one or two parasites, it is unlikely to cause any significant health effect...[Read More] Can Drinking Fish Tank Water Cause Parasite Infections in Toddlers?
Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Chest pain? This morning, while trying to go back to sleep, I suddenly experienced a sharp pain in my heart for just a few seconds. This is the first time it has happened. However, I have been experiencing more frequent sharp pains in my right chest. Since it seems to be a chest ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the description seems more related to muscle or nerve issues rather than the heart itself. Further evaluation is needed to determine the exact problem. It is recommended to consult with a family medicine physician, general internist, or neurologist for assessment.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chest Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Swallowing Toilet Water Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Using a public restroom in a department store, I accidentally dropped something into the toilet water, and the water splashed out, directly hitting my mouth. In a moment of panic, I swallowed it before I could react. Will this cause an infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the risk of swallowing a small amount of dirty water is similar to eating contaminated food. The main concern is that a higher number of bacteria could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. If the amount is small, it usually does not cause any symptoms. The risk...[Read More] Can Swallowing Toilet Water Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Could Parasites Be Causing My Severe Headaches and Cough?
Cerebral issues caused by parasites? Hello Doctor, I consumed several raw shrimp (purchased from a Japanese restaurant, unsure of the species and handling process) three weeks ago. In the past week, I have experienced severe headaches, strong cough (with phlegm, but minimal nasal...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if there is a combination of cough with phlegm, it is advisable to suspect an upper respiratory tract infection (such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19). The likelihood of contracting a parasite from consuming raw shrimp is extremely low, and it is unlikely to experience headach...[Read More] Could Parasites Be Causing My Severe Headaches and Cough?
Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Effective Solutions
There are many health conditions? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing many health issues, but I have encountered obstacles in seeking medical help and have not been able to find the cause of my problems or receive effective assistance. Therefore, I would like to seek your opi...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the Infectious Disease Department for further examination to determine if there are any physiological issues. Additionally, please measure your body temperature daily to check for fever after experiencing chills and shi...[Read More] Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Effective Solutions
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Regarding healthcare? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask three questions. 1. If there is a wound in the mouth (such as on the lips or inside the mouth), can I get infected if I eat something that has HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids? 2. Similarly, if I have a wound in my m...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. If bodily fluids contain live HIV, there is indeed a risk of infection. 2. All diseases transmitted through bodily fluids or droplets have the potential for infection. 3. Viruses typically die within minutes outside the human body, and public restrooms are unlikely to have bod...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Spaces: Key Insights
I forgot to ask for additional information? Hello, doctor! I apologize for my question. If someone with anal fissures or hemorrhoids sits on a public chair and comes into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, could they be at risk of infection? I also forgot to ask, i...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, if an open wound comes into contact with body fluids containing the HIV virus, there is indeed a risk of infection. However, the HIV virus dies within minutes once it leaves the human body, so the likelihood of encountering live HIV in a public place is very low. It is adv...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Spaces: Key Insights
Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Pork parasitic infection issues? Hello Doctor: Yesterday (January 23), while eating a milk hot pot, I consumed thin slices of pork (originating from Denmark, unsure if it was frozen). After the water boiled, I added the pork and noticed it turned white and firm, so I took it out ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Unless you are consuming fresh pork, generally, parasites cannot survive in meat that has been frozen. Therefore, the likelihood of getting sick from parasites is quite low; it is more probable to experience foodborne illness from bacteria. Given the situation you described, the ...[Read More] Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Stepping on a Syringe: Risk of HIV Infection Explained
Stepped on a syringe? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I step on a syringe outside, is it possible to contract HIV this way? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: To determine the previous use of this syringe and whether it has come into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids, it is important to note that HIV typically dies within a few hours outside the human body. Therefore, the risk of contracting HIV from stepping on a used syr...[Read More] Stepping on a Syringe: Risk of HIV Infection Explained
Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Risk of Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Hello Dr. Lin, Yesterday, I went to my elder's house and was about to take a shower when my elder accidentally spilled a cup of water. In a hurry, I grabbed a cloth to wipe the floor. While wiping, I noticed yellow and black st...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. There is no precise data, but viruses typically do not survive outside the body for more than a few days, so there is definitely no risk of transmission after six months. 2. No, because the virus cannot survive that long after six months. 3. Based on the scenario you describ...[Read More] Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Understanding Persistent Arm Pain After Injection: When to Seek Help
Needle puncture issues I received an anti-inflammatory injection in my right arm a long time ago, but I still feel pain, soreness, and slight weakness in my arm. There are no visible abnormalities. Could you please help me understand the possible reasons for this? Do I need furth...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, to determine how much time has passed, if it is within a week, it is advisable to just monitor the situation, as it usually improves gradually. If it exceeds a week, you can first consult a family medicine physician or the clinic where the injection was administered for an...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Arm Pain After Injection: When to Seek Help
Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Accidental ingestion of untreated water? Hello doctor, I was filling my cup with boiled water at home while there was already a little water in it. At first, I didn't think much of it, but later I became concerned about the possibility that the original water in the cup was ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
In Taiwan, tap water is disinfected with chlorine, so there is generally no issue with parasites. While it is possible to ingest small amounts of bacteria, it usually does not cause any discomfort, so there is no need to worry too much![Read More] Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time
Please consult a doctor regarding the wound? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad with my family for a week. Two days ago, I noticed some itching on the side of my left foot. After rubbing it, some skin flakes came off, and it seems like there was already a small area of broken sk...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the image link cannot be opened! Additionally, online consultations are not available here. Based on your description, I recommend continuing with your current care methods and seeking medical attention as soon as possible.[Read More] Understanding Skin Wounds: Care Tips and Healing Time