Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I had a small wound on my fingertip caused by a sharp object, but it has stopped bleeding by today, so it can be considered an overnight wound. However, today I came into contact with a person living with HIV who has a wound on their hand,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (such as semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin wounds. The transmission routes...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Minor Wounds and HIV Exposure
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, BUN, and GFR Explained
Renal function tests: creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), glomerular filtration rate (GFR)? I have chronic kidney disease stage 3. About 10 days ago, I had a blood test (fasting) with the following results: creatinine 2.0, BUN 31, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 40. Today...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
According to your inquiry, stage 3 chronic kidney disease is defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) between 30 and 59 ml/min/1.73m². The two test results you provided, 40 and 51 ml/min/1.73m², do show a difference, even though both fall within stage 3. Due to the lack of b...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Creatinine, BUN, and GFR Explained
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease? Hello Doctor, I had an appointment in October and experienced symptoms of dryness. I consulted a rheumatologist, and all my blood tests came back normal, but my condition shows tendencies towards lupus erythematosus. However, I ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There are many causes of dry symptoms, and Sjögren's syndrome is just one of them. While blood tests show "lupus-like phenomena," there is no definitive evidence of Sjögren's syndrome. Typically, we recommend follow-up visit...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments
Questions about the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If a small wound was made on your finger with a clean, newly opened needle and a few drops of blood were released, there is a potential risk of infection if that wound comes into contact with another person'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control website. 2. There are three main routes of HIV 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....[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?
Is it systemic lupus erythematosus? This is my second follow-up report, and the ANA titer is still 1:640, the same as the first time. All other further examination indices are normal. The doctor said that my two 640 results are quite high, which suggests that I likely have system...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The diagnosis of lupus erythematosus involves not only the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test but also the evaluation of other clinical symptoms and laboratory indicators. In addition to your current test results, you may discuss with your physici...[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: Do They Indicate Lupus?
Managing Thyroid Antibody Levels: Dietary Tips and Medication Guidance
If thyroid antibodies are abnormally high, what dietary changes should be made? Hello, Doctor Gao: I would like to ask you about my current medication, Bile Acid Sequestrants. I have a habit of drinking goji berry tea right after taking the medication. Will this affect the effica...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here is my response summarized as follows: 1. Does drinking goji berry tea immediately after taking medication affect the efficacy of the drug? --> Goji berries are considered to be between traditional Chinese medicine and food, and their i...[Read More] Managing Thyroid Antibody Levels: Dietary Tips and Medication Guidance
Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature After Vaccination
Body temperature issues Hello Doctor, I received the BNT vaccine on November 25th, and for the past three weeks, my body temperature has been consistently elevated. I have been measuring my ear temperature (pulling the ear back and inserting the thermometer deeply), which ranges ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is considered slightly elevated, but it does not reach the level of a true fever (38°C). 2. It is recommended to visit the Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic for a detailed fever evaluation. If everything is normal, you can feel more at ease. 3. It is advisable ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Elevated Body Temperature After Vaccination
Assessing Infection Risks from Vending Machine Injuries in Healthcare
Reagent vending machine I would like to inquire about the risk of infection after accidentally cutting my hand on the sliding drawer of a vending machine while purchasing reagents. I have a small abrasion and immediately disinfected it, but there is no obvious wound. Is there a r...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control: A. There are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Vending Machine Injuries in Healthcare
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Elevated body temperature? Hello Doctor, I received the BNT vaccine on November 25th, and for the past three weeks, my body temperature has been consistently elevated. I have been measuring my ear temperature (inserting the thermometer as deeply as possible) and it ranges from ap...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Women's body temperature is indeed relatively higher during menstruation, while it tends to be lower at other times. 2. Generally, a person's body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day; for example, it is lowest in the morning upon waking and tends to be highe...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever After Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Inflammation and Treatment Options
Ankylosing spondylitis has fluctuating levels of inflammation markers? Doctor: A young male, 18 years old, was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the end of 2020 and started taking Celebrex (200 mg). Below are the CRP (mg/dL) / ESR (mm/hr) and medication records: 2020/11/...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. BNT may lead to instability in certain immune inflammatory diseases. 2. If the ESR is significantly elevated but there are no symptoms, it is advisable to monitor the situation; further investigation should be conducted if abnormalities arise. 3. Disease control includes: ...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Inflammation and Treatment Options
Can Syphilis or STDs Be Transmitted Through Indirect Contact?
Syphilis or sexually transmitted infection (STI) I would like to ask the doctor if it is possible to contract genital warts or syphilis in this situation. I purchased a contouring scissor online, and it was left for three days before I used it. When I opened it, it appeared to ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the cauliflower or syphilis you mentioned is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. The speculation you referred to about transmission through contact is unlikely. I suggest not to worry excessively. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Syphilis or STDs Be Transmitted Through Indirect Contact?
Essential Considerations for Diabetic Patients Undergoing Surgery
Considerations for Surgery in Diabetic Patients Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with diabetes three years ago, and my initial hemoglobin A1c was 9.1. I am still managing my blood sugar with oral medications, and my current hemoglobin A1c is 7.8. I will be hospitalized for surgery ...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello, Ms. Wu. Yes, a blood sugar level of 100-150 is a basic requirement for surgery, and it should remain the same postoperatively.[Read More] Essential Considerations for Diabetic Patients Undergoing Surgery
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Can you get hepatitis B from visiting the dentist? A few days ago, I had swelling when my wisdom teeth were coming in, so I visited a relatively tidy dental clinic. Later, I recalled that a few weeks ago, I had undergone testing for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies, bot...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the CDC website: A. Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in bodily fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are considered infectious. The presence of e antigen indicates a high concentration of the virus in the b...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Managing High White Blood Cell Count and Asthma: Dietary Guidelines
What foods can be consumed with elevated white blood cell count and moderate asthma? Hello, doctor. My family member went to the hospital today for a check-up and found that their white blood cell count is over 20,000. The doctor mentioned there are signs of inflammation. Due to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
1. Regarding the elevated white blood cell count, it is likely not just inflammation but an indication of infection. Based on the symptoms, the most probable cause is a respiratory infection, and an X-ray may be needed to confirm the presence of pneumonia. Antibiotics or hospital...[Read More] Managing High White Blood Cell Count and Asthma: Dietary Guidelines
Understanding High Cholesterol in Underweight Individuals: A 22-Year-Old's Case
Very thin with high cholesterol? Hello doctor, I am 22 years old, 176 cm tall, and weigh 49 kg, which is quite thin. However, my total cholesterol is 201, which exceeds the standard. Due to my work schedule, I often have irregular sleeping patterns and eat convenience store food....
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
In response to your inquiry regarding oral isotretinoin, it is important to note that a small percentage of patients may experience an increase in blood lipids. It is advisable to monitor lipid levels after discontinuing the medication; if levels decrease, this may indicate a rel...[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol in Underweight Individuals: A 22-Year-Old's Case
Understanding the Risks of STIs After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Do I have a chance of experiencing sleep disturbances? On November 28th, I visited a sex worker and engaged in unprotected oral sex and unprotected vaginal intercourse. Although the worker claimed to get tested regularly, I still felt anxious. The unprotected vaginal intercourse ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. 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. B. B...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of STIs After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Food does not transmit HIV? Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. Recently, after sharing a takeout meal with my child, I noticed that part of the food had a strong semen-like odor. If it was indeed semen, I have a sore in my esophagus due to not swallowing my acne medication...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a ris...[Read More] Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
I'm not sure where to look? The patient has experienced abnormal sensations in the left limb for approximately two years and has had persistent hematuria for over three years, although kidney examinations have returned normal results. There is a mild Raynaud's phenomeno...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, I believe it may still be an issue related to immunology or rheumatology. I recommend that you first visit the immunology and rheumatology department at a medical center, where they can arrange for more detailed examinati...[Read More] Navigating Unexplained Symptoms: A Guide to Possible Vasculitis Diagnosis
Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Transmission of Syphilis and HIV 1. If I have eczema on my hands and come into contact with a significant amount of sweat from a person with HIV or syphilis, or if I handle money that has been contaminated with bodily fluids after using the restroom, what is the likelihood of con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, 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. The modes of transmission include: 1. Sexual transmission: En...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Arrhythmias: Post-Vaccine Heart Rhythm Issues and Treatment Options
Cardiac arrhythmia Since I have developed arrhythmia after receiving the vaccine, my heart rate fluctuates between 40-50 beats per minute and sometimes spikes to 110-120 beats per minute. I also experience missed beats and have a cough, although I do not have a cold. I feel short...
Dr. He Yonghe Reply:
Hello Ms. Momo, if you are experiencing arrhythmia, you should immediately visit a cardiology clinic for evaluation. If you feel very uncomfortable, please go to the emergency department right away.[Read More] Understanding Arrhythmias: Post-Vaccine Heart Rhythm Issues and Treatment Options