Concerns About Infection Risks from Everyday Activities
Infection issues Hello, Doctor. 1. When riding a bicycle, I place items on the foot mat, but to prevent them from falling, I keep my foot on them the entire time and only use my hand to grab them afterward. Could this lead to an infection, even though I wash my hands? I'm ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The items that shoes come into contact with may carry dirt and bacteria, raising concerns about infection. However, most infections occur through hand contact when proper hygiene is not maintained, leading to touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Therefore, hand hygiene is c...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Everyday Activities
Understanding Infection Risks from Everyday Activities: A Guide for Patients
Infection issues Hello, Doctor. 1. When riding a bike, I place items on the foot mat, but to prevent them from falling, I keep my foot on them the entire time and only grab them with my hand afterward. Could this lead to an infection? Although I wash my hands, I am concerned ab...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If your hands come into contact with something that has been stepped on by shoes, washing your hands with soap is sufficient to achieve cleanliness and disinfection.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Everyday Activities: A Guide for Patients
Addressing Mask Concerns in Shared Living Spaces During Pandemic
The issue of masks? I have a couple of questions regarding my rented room in a shared house. The common hallway is poorly ventilated and often has a musty and strange odor. With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, I have some concerns: 1. When I pass through the hallway wearing ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. General medical masks do not effectively block odors, but they are quite effective at filtering bacteria. On the other hand, activated carbon masks can block odors, but they do not filter bacteria. 2. Alcohol can damage the waterproof layer of masks, reducing their effe...[Read More] Addressing Mask Concerns in Shared Living Spaces During Pandemic
Understanding Mycoplasma Infection: Transmission Risks and Precautions
Mycoplasma infection Hello, doctor. My family members were recently diagnosed with a mycoplasma infection and have since recovered, but they are experiencing some related sequelae, such as coughing. I did not live with them during their illness, so I did not get infected. However...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Mycoplasma is a type of bacteria that can cause atypical pneumonia. The transmission occurs through respiratory droplets and contact with nasal secretions, so preventive measures include wearing masks, proper hand hygiene, and using alcohol for simple environmental disinfe...[Read More] Understanding Mycoplasma Infection: Transmission Risks and Precautions
Can UV Lights and Ozone Kill COVID-19? N95 Mask Reuse Tips
Regarding epidemic prevention? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a couple of questions. 1. Can ultraviolet (UV) lamps and the ozone they produce eliminate the coronavirus? 2. I use an N95 mask in crowded places, but I would like to reuse it multiple times. When I get home...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Ultraviolet (UV) light can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It has previously been used for air disinfection in large spaces such as schools, hospitals, and hotels. Ozone can also kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but the concentration needs to be sufficient. The ozone produced by t...[Read More] Can UV Lights and Ozone Kill COVID-19? N95 Mask Reuse Tips
Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?
Rabies issues Hello Doctor, 1. A few weeks ago, I discovered a large amount of bat droppings on the rooftop of my house. My father and I cleaned it up, but my father’s forearm came into contact with a small amount of the droppings. Should he get a rabies vaccine in this case? ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Rabies is primarily transmitted to humans through wounds caused by the bites and scratches of infected animals, and it is not commonly spread through feces. Currently, Taiwan is considered a rabies-endemic area, but the main animals affected are wild ferrets and civets ...[Read More] Rabies Concerns: Do You Need Vaccination After Bat Encounter?
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:
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:
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?
Concerns About Alcohol Disinfection in Shared Water Dispensers
Questions related to disinfectant alcohol? Hello, Doctor: I currently share a water dispenser with other residents on the same floor. I used 75% alcohol, classified as a type B disinfectant, to spray for disinfection. However, I later realized that my alcohol spray nozzle produce...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If 75% alcohol is accidentally ingested, the primary concern is alcohol poisoning, especially in children. The general recommendation is to drink a large amount of water. However, unless a significant amount was sprayed during disinfection, ingesting a small amount should ...[Read More] Concerns About Alcohol Disinfection in Shared Water Dispensers
Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time. I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection. The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish. The second route is through direct infection via the skin,...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
How to Properly Disinfect Showerheads to Prevent Infection Risks
Questions about environmental cleanliness? If you are concerned about the possibility of indirect infection from a showerhead contaminated with the blood of an individual with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), is it sufficient to disinfect the exterior of bathroom fixtures ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Anonymous: 1. Generally speaking, the pathogens of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), whether bacterial or viral, have a difficult time surviving outside the human body; therefore, the transmission of STIs typically requires intimate contact. 2. Approximately 70...[Read More] How to Properly Disinfect Showerheads to Prevent Infection Risks
Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Is it possible to be diagnosed with tonsillitis? Since last Friday (12/9), swallowing saliva has not been painful, but drinking water causes throat pain. On Friday, I looked in the mirror and did not see anything unusual, but starting Saturday, swallowing saliva also became painf...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Based on your description, it is indeed very likely that you have tonsillitis. 2. Since the symptoms of COVID-19 can manifest in various ways, it is possible to have both tonsillitis and a COVID-19 infection simultaneously, so I recommend that you take a rapid test for ...[Read More] Understanding Tonsillitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Help
Shingles Contagion Concerns: Vaccination and Safety Guidelines
Shingles transmission issues? Hello, Doctor. Currently, a family member has developed shingles, and I am the only one in the household who has never had chickenpox or received the chickenpox vaccine. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. Given that a family member has ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Given your current condition, you will need to receive 2 doses of the varicella vaccine, with an interval of 4 to 8 weeks between doses. The vaccine typically takes about 2 weeks after administration to provide protection, so under your current circumstances, vaccinat...[Read More] Shingles Contagion Concerns: Vaccination and Safety Guidelines
Post-Isolation Cleaning Tips for Safe Family Reunions After COVID-19
I would like to inquire about the disinfection measures after recovering from a confirmed case? Hello, Dr. Hsiao. I would like to ask you a question. After a confirmed COVID-19 case has completed 7 days of isolation, should the room and its contents be disinfected before allowing...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zheyi, 1. When COVID-19 first emerged, research reports indicated that this coronavirus could survive on various surfaces for different durations: 4-5 days on paper, 4 days on glass, 4 days on wood, 48 hours on steel, 8 hours on surgical gloves, 2-8 hours on aluminum, a...[Read More] Post-Isolation Cleaning Tips for Safe Family Reunions After COVID-19
Is There a Risk of Infection from Handling a Dead Mouse?
Is there any danger? Hello Doctor, we have placed glue traps at home. During the 228 holiday, my family went back to the countryside, and on the night of the 28th, we found a small mouse stuck in the trap, which had already died. It seemed to have struggled, so some organs were e...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if you do not have an open wound on your hands, the aforementioned situation may not necessarily lead to an infectious disease. It is still most important to properly disinfect the area of contact. Additionally, the carcasses of small animals should be handled appropriatel...[Read More] Is There a Risk of Infection from Handling a Dead Mouse?
Disinfecting Utensils When Dining Out: Safety Tips and Concerns
Disinfection of utensils when dining out? I would like to ask, recently I went to a restaurant with my family, and my chopsticks fell on the floor. My family member got me another pair of chopsticks. At that moment, I used alcohol to spray on a tissue and wiped the chopsticks twi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! First, regarding whether there are virus residues on the chopsticks used, alcohol disinfection can reduce most viruses, but there are still some viruses that cannot be eliminated by alcohol disinfection. However, not every contact with a virus will necessarily lead to infe...[Read More] Disinfecting Utensils When Dining Out: Safety Tips and Concerns
Is My Phone Disinfection Routine Too Excessive During COVID-19?
Disinfection of the coronavirus? Recently, due to the pandemic, I often clean my phone before going to bed. However, this has led to arguments with my family, who say that I am being overly excessive. I want to ask the doctor if I am really over-cleaning. Currently, I disinfect m...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Since I did not see your disinfection practices, I recommend a reasonable disinfection method: areas that are frequently exposed to the outside should be cleaned and disinfected upon returning home. For instance, hand sanitization should be done frequently, and you should ...[Read More] Is My Phone Disinfection Routine Too Excessive During COVID-19?
Will My Online Package Still Carry COVID-19 After Disinfection?
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) Hello, doctor! I have an online shopping package that was shipped by the seller on June 18th, and I opened it on June 22nd. I have already sprayed the outside of the box with alcohol. My question is, will there still be...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! According to relevant studies, the COVID-19 virus can survive on cardboard for approximately 24 hours, but this finding comes from laboratory research and may not fully reflect real-world conditions. Factors such as temperature and humidity also need to be considered. This...[Read More] Will My Online Package Still Carry COVID-19 After Disinfection?
Rabies Concerns After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Rabies Consultation Hello Doctor: About a week ago, while I was feeding stray cats near my home (in the Taoyuan District), I was scratched on the back of my hand near the webbing between my thumb and index finger. At the time, there were only superficial scratch marks and no blee...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang: 1. The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, with the main infected species being the ferret badger, along with a few cases involving the white-nosed coati. According to the rabies ...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active in Saliva at Room Temperature?
Rabies virus environmental stability issues? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask how long saliva containing the rabies virus remains infectious in a typical non-sterile, non-dusty environment with air at room temperature (20-25°C). There are many articles online discussing this is...
Dr. Wu Zongying Reply:
Based on your letter, it should be difficult to contract rabies. The rabies virus is primarily transmitted through bites from dogs or rodents, with the virus progressively invading the central nervous system via peripheral nerves, leading to the symptoms of rabies. The virus does...[Read More] How Long Does Rabies Virus Remain Active in Saliva at Room Temperature?