Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B transmission? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Sometimes, my skin has wounds due to various reasons, such as accidental cuts/scrapes, eczema, or insect bites, and I am unsure if these wounds have any fluid or blood. If these wounds come into contact...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control data: The hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are infectious. The presence of the e antigen indicates a high viral load and high infectivity. Transmis...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection Hello doctor, a few nights ago I stepped on something prickly at the beach. If it was a needle, is there a risk of HIV infection? The wound is very small, and I didn't notice if there was any bleeding. Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchang...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Management of diabetic foot and hand gangrene? Hello Doctor: My family member is 58 years old and previously experienced septic shock, which resulted in the necrosis of the toes on one hand and one foot. The doctor mentioned that the circulation in the feet is very poor. At that ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For the management of limb gangrene in diabetic patients, it is necessary to consult with a plastic surgeon or orthopedic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Iron deficiency anemia Hello, doctor! I have a question. I have iron deficiency anemia, and my hemoglobin was initially only 8. The doctor recommended intravenous iron therapy, and after more than a year of treatment, my levels are approaching normal. However, my ferritin remains...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, women tend to lose a significant amount of iron due to menstruation. When combined with irregular daily routines, imbalanced diets, high stress, and lack of exercise, it can lead to long-term iron deficiency. It is advisable to first test for occult blood in the stool. If ...[Read More] Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Treatment, and Concerns
Understanding Long COVID: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
COVID-19 Hello, doctor. I recently tested positive for COVID-19, and after completing my isolation, I've noticed that I experience more shortness of breath and difficulty breathing during exercise compared to before. I would like to ask if I might be experiencing long COVID ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding long COVID, we primarily assess it based on clinical symptoms. According to your description, it does seem to be caused by long COVID. There are no specific treatment medications recommended for this condition. It is advisable to maintain a regular routine, get p...[Read More] Understanding Long COVID: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Eye Allergies: Causes and Solutions for Itchy Eyes
Causes of Eye Allergies Hello Doctor, my child is 19 years old and has been troubled by allergies since childhood, primarily experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose (we have tested for over twenty allergens, which are unrelated to dust mites or pollen; based on regular obser...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my answers: 1) Is my child's itchy eyes due to nasal allergies causing eye allergies, or is it because allergens directly entered the eyes causing eye allergies? In other words, even if my child keeps their eyes covered all day,...[Read More] Understanding Eye Allergies: Causes and Solutions for Itchy Eyes
Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
Shared blood glucose lancet Hello, I lost my blood glucose lancing device, and the pharmacy ordered a new one for me. They also provided me with a demo lancing device for temporary use. I would like to ask if sharing a blood glucose lancing device (not the needle) can transmit bl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily flui...[Read More] Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
I would like to ask the doctor if this could lead to an HIV infection? A few days ago, I underwent anonymous HIV testing, and the result was negative. However, I was very nervous during the test and did not pay attention to whether the blood draw needle was new. I would like to a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. First, refer to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. For example, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): * Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexu...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Used Needle During Anonymous Testing?
Should I Get Tested for HIV Again After 8 Months of Low-Risk Contact?
I am struggling with whether or not to get tested for HIV again after six months? Dr. Liao, the incident occurred about 8 months ago when I met a female online friend. Before we met, I brushed my teeth. During our meeting, I licked her nipple and touched her genital area over her...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): HIV has three main modes of transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. 2...[Read More] Should I Get Tested for HIV Again After 8 Months of Low-Risk Contact?
Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Various Blood/Body Fluid Infectious Diseases Hello, doctor. If there are sores in or outside the mouth and I accidentally consume food contaminated with various bloodborne or fluidborne pathogens, is it possible to contract different bloodborne or fluidborne infections? Thank you...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. The term "food contaminated with various blood or body fluid infectious diseases' viruses/pathogens" refers to consuming items that may be tainted with infectious agents, such as undercooked meat from infected animals or food that has been handled by an infected...[Read More] Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Upper abdominal bloating and pain? Hello Doctor, in the past couple of years, due to exam preparations, I have been sitting a lot and exercising less. I have experienced mild gastric discomfort before several major exams, but recently I have been frequently experiencing upper abd...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your stomach pain is likely primarily caused by exam stress, which is exacerbated by your menstrual period. It is expected that your symptoms will improve after the exams are over and the stress is relieved. During this time, I recommend engaging...[Read More] Understanding Upper Abdominal Bloating: Causes and Solutions
Managing Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Journey
Thyroid issues The family member is 63 years old, has undergone total thyroidectomy over a year ago, and has completed radioactive iodine therapy, with no other chronic illnesses. Initially, they were supplementing with 50 mg of Levothyroxine, but after a follow-up visit, the doc...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
In addition to T3, it is also important to consider TSH and free T4 levels to determine their status. If there are concerns about excessive supplementation leading to hyperthyroidism, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and a bone density test can be performed to check for any arrhythmias...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Issues After Total Thyroidectomy: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Key Insights for Diabetics
Examination Report Doctor, my urine screening report shows a microalbumin level of 30.4 and a urine creatinine level of 270.8. I have diabetes with a hemoglobin A1c of 10.1. Should I be concerned about this? Should I exercise more and control my diet? Thank you.
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Currently, there is no microalbuminuria; however, it is still important to manage blood sugar levels effectively, aiming to keep the hemoglobin A1c below seven to reduce the risk of complications in the future.[Read More] Understanding Your Urine Test Results: Key Insights for Diabetics
Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights
Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB 1. The incidental finding of abnormal levels of these two antibodies during a blood test, without any signs of Sjögren's syndrome or physical discomfort, does not necessarily confirm a diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. It may indicate a potential ri...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The abnormal levels of these two antibodies were discovered incidentally during a blood test, but there are no signs of Sjögren's syndrome and no physical discomfort. Does this indicate a diagnosis or a possibili...[Read More] Understanding Anti-SSA and Anti-SSB Antibodies: Implications and Insights
Understanding Sudden Thigh Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery
Sudden pain? Hello, recently my family members tested positive for COVID-19, and I also tested positive. Then yesterday, I suddenly felt soreness in my thigh (it doesn't hurt when standing or walking, but after squatting, there is pain near a specific point on the right side...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed some people with long COVID experience muscle soreness, which can be difficult to distinguish from strains. However, the management is the same: rest and heat therapy, as well as anti-inflammatory ointments such as Soothe, or acupuncture, can help alleviate symptoms...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Thigh Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Recovery
Post-COVID Symptoms: Taste Changes and Skin Concerns Explained
Please inquire about issues related to diagnosis? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 a while ago. This morning, I felt post-nasal drip, so I took a mucolytic medication prescribed by the hospital. I haven't taken it in a long time, and it seems a bit sour to me; occ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the taste of phlegm is indeed slightly sour and bitter, which is normal. Regarding the small blisters, it is likely that they were caused by accidental friction. There is no need to puncture them with a needle; they can be left to absorb on their own. Thank you for your qu...[Read More] Post-COVID Symptoms: Taste Changes and Skin Concerns Explained
Understanding Bowel Issues: Signs of Colon Cancer and When to Seek Help
Issues related to bowel movements? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to respond despite your busy schedule. Since my mother is a colorectal cancer patient, I have been particularly attentive to related issues. Recently, I experienced constipation for a while, but after...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in addition to the appearance of stool, you can also check for any recent unusual weight loss or abdominal pain. If there are none, the likelihood is low. Another simple screening tool is the fecal occult blood test, which can be performed at most laboratories. If the test...[Read More] Understanding Bowel Issues: Signs of Colon Cancer and When to Seek Help
Understanding Nutcracker Syndrome: Risks and Surgical Options
Renal vascular issues A computed tomography scan revealed that the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery are compressing the renal vessels, leading to a diagnosis of the rare condition known as nutcracker syndrome. A stent procedure was performed, but the stent dislodged...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your doctor is concerned about the potential impact on the renal blood vessels, which could lead to impaired kidney function. It is indeed advisable to place the stent for better management. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Nutcracker Syndrome: Risks and Surgical Options
Managing Blood Sugar and Pressure: Addressing Unusual Voice Changes
Medication issues Hello, doctor... My husband recently discovered that his blood sugar and blood pressure are too high, so he started using medications to lower his blood sugar and blood pressure. His job requires physical labor and exposure to the sun (farming and formwork). Whe...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you experience abnormal voice changes, you can first consult an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).[Read More] Managing Blood Sugar and Pressure: Addressing Unusual Voice Changes
Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Sudden fainting? Around 12:20 AM today, my mother (52 years old) was talking before going to the bathroom when she suddenly fainted just as she was about to enter. I heard a noise and rushed to check, finding her collapsed at the doorway. She regained consciousness after about 30...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it is likely that the alcohol caused vasodilation, leading to a sudden drop in blood pressure, combined with urine production activating the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in a temporary fainting episode. It is recommended that if she drinks alco...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Fainting: Causes and Concerns for Your Health