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?
Struggling with Headaches and Insomnia: Understanding Your Symptoms
Lying down with a headache makes it difficult to sleep? I often experience tension-type headaches on both sides of my temples and at the back of my head after lying down. The pain feels like pressure. Additionally, when I go to bed and close my eyes, I feel very awake and cannot ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! I recommend that you first visit a family medicine or general internal medicine clinic to rule out any physiological issues. Additionally, please pay attention to sleep hygiene and adjust your daily routine to improve your sleep quality.[Read More] Struggling with Headaches and Insomnia: Understanding Your Symptoms
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:
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
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:
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 Neck Stiffness and Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Stiffness and discomfort in the nape of the neck? Hello, Doctor. I am 27 years old and have a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Last Saturday, after dinner, I clearly felt stiffness and discomfort in my neck, and it was difficult to turn my head from side to side...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your discomfort may be due to the following conditions: 1. Infection, most likely a viral infection 2. Allergies 3. Migraine. It is recommended that you first perform a COVID-19 rapid test. Additionally, if you have any over-the-counter medications for symptom relief (such...[Read More] Understanding Neck Stiffness and Discomfort: Causes and Remedies
Understanding Neck and Shoulder Stiffness: Finding the Right Specialist
Shoulder and neck stiffness with an unconscious tendency to hunch the body, feeling of restricted blood flow? Hello Doctor, a few months ago I started experiencing a tingling sensation in one of my eyes, as if blood flow was not very smooth, and I occasionally saw "stars&quo...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Indeed, issues related to the cervical spine can be addressed by various specialties, including Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Pain Management, and Orthopedics. Although these specialties are diverse, the choice depends on what specific aspe...[Read More] Understanding Neck and Shoulder Stiffness: Finding the Right Specialist
Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes
Blood splashed into the eyes of a patient who is a carrier of hepatitis B? If a patient is a carrier of hepatitis B but has low infectivity, and there was a splash of blood during a blood glucose measurement that got into the eyes, but the individual has been vaccinated against h...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsiao-Hsuan: 1. Since 1985, almost all newborns in our country have received complete vaccinations against hepatitis B. Therefore, since your test still shows the presence of hepatitis B antibodies, the chance of contracting hepatitis B is nearly nonexistent. 2. The...[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B Transmission Risk from Blood Splash to Eyes
Understanding Your Symptoms: Night Sweats, Eye Discomfort, and Digestive Issues
What’s wrong with me? 1. For three consecutive weeks, I have been experiencing night sweats and waking up almost gasping for air, with blood oxygen levels typically ranging between 90-93%. My heart rate is normal, but I then feel extremely cold and shiver, no matter how I cover m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Leslie Lin: Your complaints are very diverse, including issues related to the cardiovascular system, respiratory system, digestive system, and even the nervous system. It is difficult to determine the cause based solely on this information. Often, it is necessary for a p...[Read More] Understanding Your Symptoms: Night Sweats, Eye Discomfort, and Digestive Issues
Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Infection issues 1. If I have a wound on my hand and the other person also has a bleeding wound, and their blood comes into contact with coins or paper bills, can I get infected if my wound touches the wet blood or if I directly touch their bleeding wound? 2. If I haven't ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, the hypothetical situation mentioned has a very low chance of causing infection. You may consider wearing gloves, and if you have concerns, you can go to a designated facility for anonymous testing. General contact is unlikely to cause transmission, and regular handwashing...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Saliva issues Hello, doctor. 1. I would like to ask if, after someone speaks and saliva lands on my belongings, wiping it off with a dry tissue and then rinsing my hands with water for about 2 seconds is sufficient for cleanliness. After that, if I rinse my mouth with water, I ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. For cleaning items, in addition to using dry paper towels, it is recommended to use alcohol or bleach solution if possible. For hand hygiene, besides rinsing with water, it is advisable to use soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 2. Diseases transmitted throu...[Read More] Understanding Saliva Transmission Risks: Health Concerns and Precautions
Blurred Vision and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Blurred vision and dizziness? I have been experiencing dizziness for the past two to three weeks, regardless of my position (I feel dizzy even with my eyes closed), blurred vision that sometimes goes completely black, instability when standing, cold hands and feet, and frequent n...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
If you continue to experience discomfort, please have a family member accompany you to seek medical attention. You may first consult your family physician for an initial evaluation, and based on the situation, they may refer you to a specialist. Please note that online consultati...[Read More] Blurred Vision and Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Help
Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?
Is it possible to get infected with COVID-19 through a wound on the hand? Hello Doctor: I visited the hospital today, and after using my right hand to grip the outpatient door handle without disinfecting, I then touched a small wound on my left thumb, which is about 0.5 cm in siz...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The main transmission routes of COVID-19 are as follows: 1. Inhalation of respiratory droplets and aerosol particles containing the virus. 2. Direct splashing of virus-laden droplets onto the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, or nose. 3. Direct contact of hands with vir...[Read More] Can You Get COVID-19 from Touching a Wound with an Infected Hand?
Understanding Black Flashes Around the Eyes: Causes and Concerns
Flashing black around the eyes? I recently noticed that when I spend about an hour in an air-conditioned room at the library and then look down to use my phone, I experience a flickering darkness around my eyes, almost like a light turning off and on within less than a second, wh...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, it is suspected that there may be peripheral vision loss. Possible conditions include retinal diseases, glaucoma, or migraines. It is strongly recommended that you consult an ophthalmologist.[Read More] Understanding Black Flashes Around the Eyes: Causes and Concerns
Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Which specialty should I see? Hello Doctor, I contracted COVID-19 two months ago, experiencing symptoms such as cough, sore throat, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and difficulty breathing. I did not seek medical attention during that time. After recovering (with a negative...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello: After being infected with COVID-19, some individuals may experience discomforting symptoms. It is recommended that you visit an otolaryngology clinic for further evaluation. Wishing you good health.[Read More] Which Medical Specialty Should You Consult After COVID-19 Symptoms?
Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
Dizziness and lightheadedness? Hello Doctor: Last night around 9 PM, I suddenly felt a bit dizzy and lightheaded. When I lay down to rest, I found it more comfortable to lie on my left side; lying on my right side made me feel extremely dizzy. When I opened my eyes to look at the...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, you may be experiencing Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which is usually caused by disturbances in the inner ear's balance organs (otoliths). It could also be related to head trauma, viral infections, or other inner ear disorder...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Symptoms, and Home Remedies
How to Adjust Your Sleep Cycle When Waking Up at Night?
How to improve an irregular circadian rhythm? I wake up every day around 3:00 to 3:30 AM and feel the urge to use the bathroom. I initially thought that drinking less water at night would help avoid this, but even on nights when I drink less, I still wake up at the same time, alt...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! "The biological clock has its circadian rhythm. If you maintain a normal routine during the day, the chances of abnormalities at night are relatively low. However, if you disrupt its function during the day, such as taking a three-hour nap, the operation of the biolog...[Read More] How to Adjust Your Sleep Cycle When Waking Up at Night?
Understanding Olfactory Issues After COVID-19: When to Seek Help
Olfactory issues About three days after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I started experiencing severe nasal congestion and difficulty breathing. I initially thought that the nasal congestion was the reason I couldn't smell or taste anything. I could distinguish between sweet,...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Due to the olfactory abnormalities caused by COVID-19, a small number of individuals may experience a slower recovery. If you have not yet recovered, it is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Olfactory Issues After COVID-19: When to Seek Help
Understanding Facial Muscle Issues: Causes and Treatment Options
Facial muscle issues? Hello, In February, one day while taking a shower, I suddenly felt a sensation shooting to my forehead, which was followed by headaches and dizziness, making me feel lightheaded. I consulted a neurologist who diagnosed me with tension-type headaches and pr...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. K: 1. Essentially, your issue should be better followed up in a neurology outpatient clinic. 2. There are diagnostic criteria for typical facial nerve paralysis; if most physicians do not agree with this diagnosis, other possible diagnoses may need to be considered. 3. ...[Read More] Understanding Facial Muscle Issues: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: A Guide for Patients in Taiwan
Drug allergy blood testing Hello Dr. Lin: As mentioned, a family member (31 years old) wants to undergo blood tests for drug allergy testing. He has previously experienced drug allergies after visiting a doctor for a cold and also had an allergic reaction to painkillers. Addition...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Based on the information you provided, the medications that your family member may be allergic to include the following: 1. Cold medications: These may contain multiple ingredients, making it uncertain which specific component is causing the allergy. 2. Pain relievers: Thi...[Read More] Understanding Drug Allergy Testing: A Guide for Patients in Taiwan
Understanding COVID-19 Risks from Package Handling and Airborne Transmission
COVID-19 Consultation Hello, doctor. I saw a news report stating that when unpacking packages, one should wear a mask because viruses can become airborne and enter the respiratory tract, posing a risk of infection. I'm unsure about the validity of this claim regarding airbor...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If the sender is confirmed to have COVID-19 and coughs or touches secretions while handling the package, it is indeed possible for the virus to remain on the package. However, current research indicates that the virus can survive outside the human body for a maximum of 2-3...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Risks from Package Handling and Airborne Transmission