Risk of HIV and Other Infections from Beach Needle Injuries
Infection issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask if stepping on a syringe at the beach could lead to an HIV infection or any other diseases. Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Diseases transmitted through needles are more commonly known to include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV, among other bloodborne infections. Additionally, there are other infectious diseases caused by various pathogens. It is recommended that you seek medical ev...[Read More] Risk of HIV and Other Infections from Beach Needle Injuries
Do I Need Rabies Vaccine After Being Bitten by a Formosan Black Bear?
Rabies vaccine Three and a half years ago, I was bitten by a Formosan black bear in the mountainous area of Taitung. I managed to stop the bleeding myself after applying pressure, and once I descended, I only bandaged and treated the wound on my own. Later, I learned that Formosa...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Post-exposure rabies vaccination (vaccination after an animal bite) is recommended to be administered as soon as possible after being bitten by an animal suspected of having rabies. Generally, if rabies infection occurs without appropriate treatment, symptoms typically beg...[Read More] Do I Need Rabies Vaccine After Being Bitten by a Formosan Black Bear?
Can Bird Collisions While Riding a Motorcycle Lead to Infections?
Infection issues Hello, doctor. If I accidentally hit a bird while riding my motorcycle (with both the motorcycle and helmet getting contaminated), is there a possibility of contracting infectious diseases or infections? After cleaning my hands with soap and then disinfecting wit...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Diseases that can be transmitted from birds are typically spread through the eyes, mouth, or nose. If there is no direct contact with birds in these areas, it is important to maintain proper hand hygiene to prevent the hands from coming into contact with birds and their se...[Read More] Can Bird Collisions While Riding a Motorcycle Lead to Infections?
Can Bird Collisions While Riding a Motorcycle Lead to Infections?
Infection issues Hello, doctor. If I accidentally hit a bird while riding my motorcycle (with both the motorcycle and helmet getting contaminated), is there a possibility of contracting an infectious disease or infection? After cleaning my hands with soap and then disinfecting wi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Diseases that can be transmitted from birds are typically spread through the eyes, mouth, or nose. If there is no direct contact with birds through these areas, it is important to maintain proper hand hygiene to prevent hands from coming into contact with birds, their secr...[Read More] Can Bird Collisions While Riding a Motorcycle Lead to Infections?
Can Bird Collisions While Riding a Motorcycle Lead to Infections?
Infection issues Hello, doctor. If I accidentally hit a bird while riding my motorcycle (with both the motorcycle and helmet getting contaminated), is there a possibility of contracting an infectious disease or infection? After cleaning my hands with soap and then disinfecting wi...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Diseases that can be transmitted from birds are usually spread through the eyes, mouth, or nose. If there is no direct contact with birds through these areas, it is important to maintain good hand hygiene to prevent hands from coming into contact with birds and their secre...[Read More] Can Bird Collisions While Riding a Motorcycle Lead to Infections?
Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Treatment Options
Loss of appetite Hello Doctor, last October I experienced vomiting after staying up all night to catch up on my studies. Since then, I have had a persistent loss of appetite. I consulted a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). After trea...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your description of physical discomfort and the situation regarding medical consultations and prescriptions, it is inferred that you may be experiencing anxiety and depression. Additionally, it is important to consider the possibility of endocrine disorders, such ...[Read More] Understanding Loss of Appetite: Causes and Treatment Options
Concerns About Rabies After Biking Incident with Unknown Animal
Collided with an unidentified creature while riding a bike? Hello Doctor, on the night of April 3, 2023, while riding a bike in the Shulin District of New Taipei City, my left knee collided with an unidentified creature, which I suspected to be a small bat. When I got home, I not...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The discomfort you described is more likely to be caused by contact dermatitis or a skin allergic reaction due to exposure to an unknown organism. Common symptoms of rabies include fever, sore throat, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, cough...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Biking Incident with Unknown Animal
Understanding Anemia: Insights from Recent Health Check Results
Anemia issues Hello Doctor, recently in March 2023, my health check showed hemoglobin at 12.6, hematocrit at 37.4, MCV at 85.4, MCH at 28.8, MCHC at 33.7, and RDW at 12.8. However, in June 2021, my hemoglobin was 14.4. Before the health check, my HbA1c was 5.6, and I have been co...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on your blood test results, you have a condition of normocytic anemia, and there is a significant decrease compared to your values from two years ago. It is usually important to investigate whether there is any internal bleeding, with gastrointestinal bleeding being ...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Insights from Recent Health Check Results
Concerns About Kids Using Public Toilets: Infection Risks Explained
Concerns about a child's bathroom habits? Hello, doctor. May I ask if children often let their pants touch the toilet when using the restroom at school or in public bathrooms? I am concerned that the toilet may have urine and bacteria from others, and that wearing the pants ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Generally speaking, the likelihood of infection from bacteria or viruses contaminating pants due to contact with someone else's urine or feces is low. More commonly, infections occur from hand contact with bacteria or viruses, followed by touching the eyes, mouth, or ...[Read More] Concerns About Kids Using Public Toilets: Infection Risks Explained
Understanding Facial Hematomas: When to See a Specialist After an Injury
Hematoma on the cheek? Hello doctor, I was in a car accident last July. The right side of my face sustained a significant impact, resulting in my cheek becoming completely bruised and swollen. After two days, it started to turn purple. Now, there are no visible bruises, but I sti...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The discomfort, pain, and lump on the right side of your face are likely due to contusions and bleeding of the muscles and other soft tissues following the impact from the car accident. It is possible that this may progress to fibrosis during the recovery process. It is re...[Read More] Understanding Facial Hematomas: When to See a Specialist After an Injury
Understanding Chest Tightness from Work Stress and Sleep Aid Effects
Chest tightness at work? After a period of busy work or feeling stressed, I often experience a tightness in my chest. I would also like to inquire about the "Good Health Biomedical Flight Mode Capsule" (a sleep aid) that I took. While it helps me fall asleep, I tend to ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: According to the information I found online, the ingredients of the Good Health Biomedical Flight Mode Capsule are: magnesium glycinate complex (magnesium glycinate, citric acid), microcrystalline cellulose, taurine, calcium phosphate, saffron extract (saffron extract, dex...[Read More] Understanding Chest Tightness from Work Stress and Sleep Aid Effects
Accidentally Cutting a Mole While Shaving: Cancer Risks Explained
Shaving over a mole? I accidentally cut a mole while shaving yesterday, and it bled at the time. Doctor, is there a possibility that cutting a mole could lead to cancer? I've seen cases online, so I'm quite worried. Thank you, doctor, for your hard work.
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Cutting a mole while shaving that causes bleeding generally has a low risk of leading to cancer. However, if you are concerned, it is advisable to monitor the mole for the following changes: 1. The appearance of the mole becomes asymmetrical. 2. The edges of the mole becom...[Read More] Accidentally Cutting a Mole While Shaving: Cancer Risks Explained
Understanding Sudden Body Tremors: When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden whole-body shaking? Hello Doctor, today I was out shopping with friends all day and felt fine. However, after returning home, I suddenly experienced chest tightness and pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, body heat, fatigue, weakness in my legs, discomfort in my stomach, and...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the symptoms you described, it is possible that you are experiencing gastroenteritis combined with fatigue from a full day of shopping, which could lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances causing your discomfort. If you continue to experience chest tightnes...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Body Tremors: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Is It Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Blood report (Hemoglobin 8.5, Serum Iron 14) Hello Doctor, I went for a blood test yesterday afternoon, and I checked the health insurance app in the evening to see that the report is out. However, since my follow-up appointment is not until the 26th, I would like to ask you firs...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Based on the results of your two blood tests, it is concluded that you likely have iron deficiency anemia. However, in addition to taking iron supplements, it is important to check if there is any source of blood loss in your body. Common causes include heavy menstrual ble...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Is It Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Which Specialist Should You See?
Blood report (Hemoglobin 6.8) Hello, doctor. Here is my health check report, and I would like to ask which specialty I should consult. Could the thyroid cyst or uterine fibroid be causing my anemia? (I have no bleeding or pain, and my menstrual flow is normal.) Which department s...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your blood test report indicates that you have microcytic anemia, which is commonly caused by the following: 1. Thalassemia 2. Iron deficiency anemia. Thalassemia is genetically inherited, while iron deficiency anemia is usually due to blood loss. Common causes of bleeding...[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin: Which Specialist Should You See?
Understanding Sleep Issues and Physical Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective
Sleep and physical issues? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing sleep issues for over a month now. I either have light sleep or wake up in the middle of the night, and sometimes I am even aware while I am sleeping. Additionally, for the past two weeks, I have been having headac...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: Your symptoms include headache, insomnia, body heat and sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Given your age, you may be concerned about the following issues: 1. Infectious diseases: viruses (such as COVID-19, influenza), bacteria, etc. 2. Hormonal disorders: hyperthyroidism, d...[Read More] Understanding Sleep Issues and Physical Symptoms: A Family Medicine Perspective
Preventing Indirect Infections from Children's Water Bottles in Public Spaces
Infection issues Hello, Doctor: The children's water bottles often get misplaced or fall on the ground. I would like to ask if placing them on the classroom floor or in other public environments, and then drinking from them or touching other things afterward, could lead to i...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: 1. If the water bottle is properly sealed and the drinking spout does not come into contact with unclean environments, the likelihood of the water inside the bottle being contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens is lower, thus reducing the risk of infection. ...[Read More] Preventing Indirect Infections from Children's Water Bottles in Public Spaces
Should You Rewash Clothes After Spider Contact? Expert Advice for Parents
How should this be handled? Hello, doctor. I have children at home, and I would like to ask if clothes that have been hung out to dry on the balcony have been crawled on by spiders, but I'm not sure if they have spun webs or laid eggs, and I'm also uncertain if my child...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you are concerned that spiders may leave behind secretions, toxins, eggs, spider silk, or other substances on clothing that could affect health, it is advisable to wash the clothes again or even disinfect them. If children at home have worn clothing that has been crawle...[Read More] Should You Rewash Clothes After Spider Contact? Expert Advice for Parents
Should You Rewash Clothes After Spider Contact? Expert Advice for Parents
How should it be handled? Hello, Doctor. I have children at home, and I would like to ask if clothes that have been hung out to dry on the balcony have been crawled on by spiders, but I'm not sure if they have spun webs or laid eggs, and I'm also unsure if my child has ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: If you are concerned that spiders may leave behind secretions, toxins, eggs, spider silk, or other substances on clothing that could affect health, it is advisable to wash the clothes again or even disinfect them. If children at home have worn clothing that has been crawle...[Read More] Should You Rewash Clothes After Spider Contact? Expert Advice for Parents
Understanding Localized Pain After COVID Vaccine: Is It Normal?
Concerns Regarding Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Issues Hello, I would like to ask about the soreness I have been experiencing at the injection site for the past two to three months after receiving the fourth dose of the next-generation vaccine in October 2022. The soreness is locali...
Dr. Lin Zhebin reply Family Medicine
Hello: The "local injection site reactions" that occur after vaccination typically last for a few days to a few weeks. If you have been experiencing symptoms for 2-3 months, it is advisable to visit a rehabilitation specialist to check for any potential tendon or ligame...[Read More] Understanding Localized Pain After COVID Vaccine: Is It Normal?