Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings
Transmission potential of Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. Last week I had a bit of a cold and went to see an ENT specialist. I'm still taking medication. The doctor said my lungs sounded fine, but I sometimes have a sore throat along with phlegm and nasal discharge, so I was...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Ning Ning: 1. The Wuhan pneumonia virus (COVID-19 virus) belongs to the second type of coronavirus (also known as β-coronavirus); it is an enveloped RNA virus with a large genome (26-32 kb) and is classified as a zoonotic virus. Currently, the primary transmission rout...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Transmission Risks in Social Settings
Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Please consult a doctor for your questions? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Last week, my grandfather had surgery for a liver tumor at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Neihu. I occasionally help take care of him. After the surgery, he stayed in the intensive care unit for two days before be...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Hs: 1. The primary mode of transmission for COVID-19 is through direct contact with respiratory secretions or droplets containing the virus. The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being around 5 days. Clinical manif...[Read More] Understanding Post-Surgery Symptoms and Infection Risks in Elderly Care
Can Using Shared Tissue Increase Infection Risk for Seniors?
Is infection possible? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Earlier, I took my grandmother to the ENT department mainly because she was experiencing itching in her ears. Since she had a runny nose, I was going to get her some tissues from my bag, but she ended up using the tissues from the dispense...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wen-Hsin: 1. The primary mode of transmission for the Wuhan pneumonia virus is through direct contact with infected secretions or respiratory droplets. The estimated incubation period is mostly between 1 to 14 days, with the most common duration being around 5 days. Cli...[Read More] Can Using Shared Tissue Increase Infection Risk for Seniors?
Understanding Hepatitis Transmission Risks in Home Care Situations
Infectious disease inquiries? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. Due to my father-in-law being hospitalized recently, we hired a caregiver from the hospital to take care of him. Now that he has been discharged, she has come to live with us. My mother-in-law is also here, but the previous caregive...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Min: 1. The hepatitis C virus primarily transmits through blood entering the body via skin or mucous membranes. Therefore, sharing contaminated needles, syringes, or receiving contaminated blood, blood products, or using inadequately sterilized instruments can lead to i...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Transmission Risks in Home Care Situations
Understanding the Contagiousness of Chickenpox and Blister Infections
The contagiousness of blisters? Hello, doctor. Recently, our school has switched to remote learning due to confirmed cases. Just the day before yesterday, a friend in the dormitory showed me that there was a chickenpox infection on their floor, so they started disinfecting again....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gina: 1. Chickenpox (Varicella) refers to the disease caused by the initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is most commonly seen in children under the age of 10, although it can occasionally occur in young adults. The early symptoms resemble thos...[Read More] Understanding the Contagiousness of Chickenpox and Blister Infections
Should You Worry About Dengue Fever from Mosquito Bites in Taiwan?
Mosquito-borne diseases Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask if I should be concerned about dengue fever after being bitten by mosquitoes in Taiwan. My father is Japanese, and I have been living in Osaka since middle school, only returning to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year to vis...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Taiwan is located in a subtropical region, characterized by a hot and humid environment, which is ideal for mosquito breeding, making it a high-risk area for dengue fever outbreaks. Dengue fever is an acute infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitte...[Read More] Should You Worry About Dengue Fever from Mosquito Bites in Taiwan?
Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues
Inquiry after a cold? Hello Doctor, about a week ago I started feeling discomfort in my throat and I was worried that I might have contracted a virus, especially since many classmates in my class frequently cough without wearing masks. I visited an ENT specialist, who said that m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao Yi: 1. Based on your description and medical history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. I personally agree with your attending physician's assessment that it may be due to post-nasal drip. 2. Please avoid ice products or cold drinks, mainta...[Read More] Post-Cold Concerns: When to Seek Medical Advice for Throat and Chest Issues
Understanding Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids
Transmission routes of diseases? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. My son, who is in middle school, has been spreading strange rumors among his classmates, claiming that if someone has a wound, they can get infected with pneumonia or HIV. He scared his younger sister with these false claims whil...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Fang: 1. The pathogens that can attack humans primarily include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, rickettsiae, and prions. Their modes of transmission vary, including droplet transmission, airborne transmission, fecal-oral transmission, foodborne transmissi...[Read More] Understanding Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids
Understanding Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids
Transmission routes of diseases? Hello Dr. Hsiao, my son is in junior high school and I don't know why he told his classmates that if someone has a wound, they can spread pneumonia and HIV. He scared his sister with these strange rumors while my husband and I were busy. This...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Fang: 1. The pathogens that can attack humans primarily include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, parasites, rickettsiae, and prions, among others. Their modes of transmission vary, including droplet transmission, airborne transmission, fecal-oral transmission, foodbo...[Read More] Understanding Infection Transmission: Clarifying Myths for Kids
Outdoor Cough Etiquette: Protecting Your Child's Health
Outdoor Cough Etiquette Inquiry Hello Doctor, During lunchtime, I accompanied my younger sister home from school, and on the way, we encountered a man who was coughing without wearing a mask and sprayed towards us. When we got home, I quickly told my sister to wash her hands an...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Mei: 1. Covering your mouth and nose while coughing to prevent droplet spread is a basic etiquette and a measure for infectious disease protection. Unfortunately, there are still a very small number of individuals who do not pay attention to this. Currently, we are faci...[Read More] Outdoor Cough Etiquette: Protecting Your Child's Health
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns
Persistent low-grade fever related issues? Hello Doctor, since March 29, I have been experiencing a temperature between 37.5 and 38 degrees Celsius, but I haven't felt particularly unwell, only mild diarrhea and muscle soreness. I work in the service industry and commute by ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. W: 1. Based on your description, while it cannot be completely ruled out, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is low. 2. There are many causes for fever, chills, and respiratory symptoms; if these symptoms persist, rather than worrying, it would be better to discuss ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Infection Risks: Should You Worry About COVID-19 Exposure?
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Today I accompanied my mother to a temple to pray, and while waiting for her to ask something, I suddenly heard at the counter that a woman was being asked to leave and advised to see a doctor because the infrared thermal scanner indicated she had a ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, the most accepted mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets, typically within a distance of about one meter, and with close contact lasting more than fifteen minutes. Based on your description, the distance and contact time are insufficient to cause t...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Should You Worry About COVID-19 Exposure?
Concerns About Bleach Use and Health Risks for Janitors
Please ask your question? Hello Doctor: I am currently working as a janitor, and my daily tasks involve cleaning restrooms and sweeping floors. Given my job, I believe the likelihood of encountering Helicobacter pylori due to contact with feces is significantly increased, althoug...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jason: 1. Bleach is a strong and effective household disinfectant, with its main ingredient being sodium hypochlorite. It denatures microbial proteins, effectively killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Since sodium hypochlorite gradually decomposes over time and is also...[Read More] Concerns About Bleach Use and Health Risks for Janitors