Persistent Dizziness and Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Dizziness, vomiting, and persistent upper abdominal pain? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I visited the clinic due to dizziness, chills, and general weakness. The doctor mentioned that I was showing symptoms of an impending cold and prescribed medication for cold and fever. After ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If you have not recovered after medication treatment or have developed new symptoms, it is recommended to return for a follow-up appointment for the physician's evaluation. Thank you.[Read More] Persistent Dizziness and Upper Abdominal Pain: Possible Causes and Concerns
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I recently went to a nearby clinic for an adult health check-up, and during the blood draw, I noticed that the nurse did not use a new syringe, although the needle was newly unwrapped. Could this lead to an infection with HIV or hepati...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Ashan: 1. I do not understand your statement. Generally, needles and syringes are often packaged together and opened for use. It is also possible that a single needle is opened and then used to draw blood from various vacuum tubes one by one. What you observed might be ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks During Blood Tests
Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. My family and I were playing at a hotel in Taiwan, and while showering, I pressed the showerhead, which has many tiny holes, and suddenly felt a sharp pain. At that moment, I checked the showerhead and didn&#...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
If the water pressure is strong and the contact area is small, it is indeed possible to experience a stinging sensation. If there are no external injuries, redness, or other symptoms, there is likely no need for excessive concern. You may also consult a family medicine or dermato...[Read More] Concerns About Potential Infections from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Understanding Sudden Chills and Shivering in Older Adults
Sudden chills and shivering? A 72-year-old patient has recently experienced episodes of sudden chills and shivering. The symptoms are unclear in terms of their underlying cause, but they tend to resolve within about ten minutes. The patient has been drinking warm water and taking...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Ms. Chen: I'm not sure; please see a neurologist.[Read More] Understanding Sudden Chills and Shivering in Older Adults
Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Body temperature issues Hello, I am 27 years old. My usual body temperature measured with a home thermometer is around 36.5-37.5 degrees Celsius. However, for the past two days, it has suddenly dropped to around 35-35.5 degrees Celsius, accompanied by symptoms such as headache, d...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Li Hsin-yun: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to retain internal heat, the bo...[Read More] Understanding Temperature Fluctuations: When to Seek Medical Attention
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries and HIV Exposure: What You Need to Know
Stepping on a syringe? Hello, doctor. I am the one who stepped on a syringe. I would like to ask, I usually experience the sensation of being pricked by a needle (a psychiatric symptom). That day, I was wearing flip-flops, and when I suddenly made a sharp turn while walking, I fe...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If there is only a prickling sensation without any external injury, the likelihood of being injured by a syringe is very low and is likely more related to the illusion of being pricked. Additionally, although the HIV virus typically loses its infectivity and cannot survive...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries and HIV Exposure: What You Need to Know
What to Do If You Step on a Syringe: HIV Risk Explained
If you step on a syringe? Hello doctor, I would like to ask, if I step on a syringe outside, is it possible to contract HIV? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If you have been injured by a syringe, there is a risk of infection from bloodborne and bodily fluid-transmitted diseases. Besides HIV, more common diseases include Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis, among others. It is advisable to seek medical treatment as soon as p...[Read More] What to Do If You Step on a Syringe: HIV Risk Explained
Concerns After Massage: Joint Sounds, Skin Reactions, and Health Risks
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my first massage today. It was at a regular establishment, but I am currently in Vietnam. During the massage, I sometimes heard a cracking sound from my bones; does that indicate any joint issues? Additionally, for...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen: [Feeling a popping sound in the bones during massage]: This may be the sound produced by the movement of ligaments colliding and rubbing against the bones. [What bloodborne diseases can be transmitted through massage?]: The premise for bloodborne diseases is the pr...[Read More] Concerns After Massage: Joint Sounds, Skin Reactions, and Health Risks
Concerns About Disease Transmission After a Possible Needle Incident
Infectious diseases Hello Dr. Lin, I am currently in Vietnam with my family. Just now, while having dinner, I encountered a man who appeared to be Korean, accompanied by a woman. For some reason, he seemed to bump into my left chest as he walked by. At that moment, I thought he w...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Generally, there is a difference between the sensation of being pricked and being bumped, unless it is a very fine needle. Additionally, there are no obvious puncture wounds or marks on your chest, and typically, needles are handled with hands, so it is more likely that it...[Read More] Concerns About Disease Transmission After a Possible Needle Incident
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:
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
Can You Get Monkeypox Vaccine While on HIV PEP Treatment?
Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV and monkeypox vaccination? Hello doctor, I am currently taking HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and I am on the fourth day of the treatment. I have recently scheduled an appointment for the monkeypox vaccine and would like to know if it is saf...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Current data indicates that there are no significant drug interactions between post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV and the monkeypox vaccine, suggesting that PEP's efficacy and the effectiveness of the monkeypox vaccine should not be affected.[Read More] Can You Get Monkeypox Vaccine While on HIV PEP Treatment?
Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
HIV-related issues In mid-December, I had unprotected intercourse with someone. Since then, I have been monitoring my temperature daily and have not experienced any fever or other acute HIV symptoms. I would like to know if this means that the likelihood of being infected is very...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The incubation period for HIV can range from a few weeks to several years, and the initial symptoms may resemble mild flu-like symptoms. If you are concerned about the possibility of HIV infection, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for peace of mind.[Read More] Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Key Insights
Chills Without Fever: Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Symptoms
Feeling cold and shivering without a fever? Hello doctor, in recent years, whenever the weather gets cold, I suddenly feel cold and start shivering at night, to the point where my teeth chatter. This condition can last for over an hour, but I have never had a fever. I usually use...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if an infection has been ruled out, there may be other physical conditions that still need to be evaluated. It is advisable to consult your family physician for assistance, and depending on the situation, they may refer you to other subspecialtie...[Read More] Chills Without Fever: Understanding Cold Sensitivity and Symptoms
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 Low White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Specialist Care
Questions about leukopenia? Hello Doctor, in early September, I had a health check-up as a student, and in mid-October, I received the report which showed that my WBC (white blood cell count) was 3.42, with a reference range of 4.50–10.0, indicating leukopenia. I then went for a ...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. The reasons for your low white blood cell count and low segmented neutrophils may include the following considerations: (1) Normal variation: The reference range for blood tests is based on the majority of the population, and you may belong to a small group with i...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Specialist Care
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
Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Recently, I've been feeling anxious about an issue. I used a safety lancet (one touch) for blood sampling, and I have a small wound. After about 10 hours, the next day when I went to work, I forgot about the blood sampling wound and accidental...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Sir, According to the announcement from the Centers for Disease Control, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin woun...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Minor Blood Sampling Injuries
Understanding Shellfish Allergy: Symptoms and Management Tips
Crustacean allergy issues? Whenever I eat shellfish like shrimp or crab, my lips become itchy, and the taste is overwhelmingly fishy, making my throat and esophagus feel uncomfortable. In severe cases, I even feel like vomiting. I can only barely eat grilled shrimp, but it still ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is a possibility of an allergic reaction, as allergic responses are not solely limited to urticaria. It is advisable to consult an allergist for further evaluation. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and can...[Read More] Understanding Shellfish Allergy: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Temperature issues Hello Doctor: My condition started on the 7th of this month, when I felt a sensation of body heat for about four days (I didn't take my temperature, as I have experienced this occasionally before, and it has never been a real fever; just a warm neck, along...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Amy: 1. Humans possess physiological mechanisms to regulate and maintain core body temperature. When there is a need to release excess heat, the body cools down by increasing blood circulation to the skin and sweating. Conversely, to conserve internal heat, the body red...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Concerns in Family Medicine
Understanding Your HIV Screening Test Results: What a Negative Value Means
I am very anxious about HIV? I checked the following item: HIV Ag/Ab Combo - for screening test. The test result is Negative with a reference value interpretation: Negative: S/CO < 1.00; Positive: S/CO ≥ 1.00. The result shows 0.33. What does this mean? Why is it not 0? Is the...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The serological testing methods for HIV primarily involve initial screening through the particle agglutination method. The principle of the particle agglutination method utilizes artificial latex particles as carriers, which are coated with viral antigens. If antibodies of...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Screening Test Results: What a Negative Value Means