Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Recently, during my internship at the hospital, someone left an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, so I'm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Can You Get HIV from Food or Water Contaminated with Infected Blood?
HIV Transmission Routes (Food) If you have an oral wound and consume water or food that contains HIV-infected bodily fluids, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the likelihood of transmission through oral exposure is considered to be very low. HIV is primarily...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexual activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected ind...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Food or Water Contaminated with Infected Blood?
Can You Get HIV from Walking Barefoot on Sharp Objects?
Transmission routes of HIV (foot) Walking barefoot and getting pierced by a sharp object that is contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids poses a risk for HIV transmission, but the likelihood is very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with certain bodily...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of inf...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Walking Barefoot on Sharp Objects?
Can You Get HIV from Eating or Drinking Contaminated Food or Water?
HIV Transmission Routes (Food) If you have an open wound in your mouth and you consume food or water that contains HIV-infected bodily fluids, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is generally considered to be low. HIV is primarily transmitted through ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of i...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Eating or Drinking Contaminated Food or Water?
Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
HIV Transmission Routes (Allergy) I have an allergic constitution, so my eyes, nose, and ears are easily itchy. To relieve the itching, I often use my hands to touch the mucous membranes of my eyes, ears, and nose. If my hands have HIV-infected bodily fluids and I continuously to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, 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 o...[Read More] Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
Understanding Cellulitis: Managing Pain and Mobility Issues
Unable to walk after contracting cellulitis? Three days ago, I was diagnosed with an infection in my left leg. I have been taking my medication regularly, but I have been experiencing fever almost continuously after taking the medication. Additionally, standing up causes unbearab...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if you are still experiencing a fever three days after starting antibiotics, it usually indicates that the cellulitis has not been adequately controlled. It is advisable to return for a follow-up or consult an infectious disease specialist for evaluation. If the fever has ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Managing Pain and Mobility Issues
Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Four months ago, the patient developed a rash on the skin and underwent numerous immunological tests. The results showed C1q 24.2, C1c 24.2, C3 73, PL-12 (++), WBC 3600, platelet count 129,000, and urine tests were negative. ANA, dsDNA, pANCA, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The examination data you provided is insufficient, so I cannot offer any recommendations based on these results. However, I believe that a negative ANA (antinuclear antibody) test reduces the likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus and increa...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test results? Hello Doctor: My ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result is 1:40, but the report notes that there are speckles in the blood. Does this indicate that I have a rheumatic-related disease? I have been having sleep issues for over three mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. An ANA antibody result below 1:80 is generally considered normal. However, during the interpretation of the test, abnormalities can be observed at a dilution of 1:40, which is why some laboratories may report 1:40 as abnormal. We typically cons...[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Managing SSA Antibody Positive Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Pregnancy with positive SSA antibodies? Hello doctor, I have a positive SSA result of 160, which has remained around this level for the past three years with no significant symptoms. I have been regularly following up with the immunology department in Taoyuan. Later, when I found...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe you don't need to worry too much at this stage. The likelihood of neonatal arrhythmias in pregnant women who are SSA positive is relatively low, but it is indeed something to monitor. Quinine is a medication and does have potenti...[Read More] Managing SSA Antibody Positive Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Transmission Through Mucous Membranes: Eyes, Ears, and Nose
HIV transmission routes (eyes, ears, nose) The eyes, ears, and nose are mucosal areas. For HIV to be transmitted through these mucosal surfaces, specific conditions must be met, such as exposure to infected bodily fluids (like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk) in a ma...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: There is a risk of infection when engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Through Mucous Membranes: Eyes, Ears, and Nose
Can You Get HIV from Needle Sticks? Understanding the Risks
Regarding acupuncture? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the news regarding the incident on the Taiwan Railways where someone was pricked by a syringe. Is there a risk of HIV infection from being punctured by a syringe like that? Our general understanding of transmission r...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, 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 o...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Needle Sticks? Understanding the Risks
Understanding HIV Transmission Through Mucous Membranes: Eyes, Ears, and Nose
HIV transmission routes (eyes, ears, nose) The eyes, ears, and nose are mucosal areas. For HIV to be transmitted through these mucosal surfaces, specific conditions must be met, such as direct exposure to infected bodily fluids (like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk) ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: There is a risk of infection when engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Through Mucous Membranes: Eyes, Ears, and Nose
Can You Get HIV from Touching a Door Handle with Blood?
HIV transmission (doorknob) If an HIV-positive individual opened a door and there was HIV-contaminated blood on the doorknob, and then I subsequently touched the doorknob with my hand that has an open wound, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk of tran...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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 the risk of infect...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching a Door Handle with Blood?
Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Finger puncture? Hello, doctor. 1. When donating blood, they first test hemoglobin, which involves a finger prick. Is there a risk of HIV infection if the puncture wound comes into contact with blood? 2. If I shake hands with someone who is also donating blood and both of us h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: There is a risk of infection when engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other excha...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Can allergies affect the symptoms of stiffness? Hello Dr. Tseng, my son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking two tablets of Celebrex daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffness for about an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If a person has severe allergies that lead to irregular daily routines, it may affect the stability of autoimmune diseases. Mild symptoms typically do not have such an impact. Based on your description (morning stiffness lasting about 1 hour and an ESR frequently elevated to 40-5...[Read More] Do Allergies Affect Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Managing Hair Loss After Thyroid Dysfunction: Expert Advice
Thyroid-related hair loss issues? Hello Doctor, I was previously diagnosed with hyperthyroidism with the following lab results: 112/04 T4: 5.14 and 112/04 TSH: <0.005. After medication, my levels changed to hypothyroidism with 112/05 T4: 0.59 and 112/05 TSH: 0.058. On July 29,...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If thyroid function improves but hair loss continues, you may want to consult a dermatologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Hair Loss After Thyroid Dysfunction: Expert Advice
The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
The relationship between allergies and stiffness symptoms? Hello, Doctor Gao. My son is 20 years old and has both ankylosing spondylitis and allergy issues. He is currently taking four Sulfasalazine tablets daily for ankylosing spondylitis, but he still experiences morning stiffn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that allergy symptoms are unrelated to stiffness symptoms. An elevated ESR may be associated with inadequate control of ankylosing spondylitis. If you are already taking four Salazopyrin tablets daily and continuously using anti-infla...[Read More] The Connection Between Allergies and Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms
Managing Excessive Sweating and Heat Sensation in Diabetes Patients
Chest heat or chest discomfort? Hello doctor, I have type 2 diabetes, and about three years ago, I started experiencing night sweats while covered with a blanket during winter (mostly concentrated in the chest and back). In recent months, I have been able to clearly feel a wave o...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, since the symptoms you described are non-specific, it is recommended to consult a family medicine physician first.[Read More] Managing Excessive Sweating and Heat Sensation in Diabetes Patients
Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
HIV/AIDS Hello, I would like to ask a question. I am a gay male who is a receptive partner (bottom) and have a steady partner. Neither of us has any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and we sometimes engage in unprotected anal intercourse. I would like to know if there is a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Although one partner may be monogamous, the other may not be, so both parties should be able to get tested. 2. Regarding one partner testing positive, it does not necessarily mean the other will also test positive; consultation and testing at a medical facility are recommend...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
After a critical stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment directions and recommendations include the following: 1. **Continuation of Antitubercular Therapy**: Ensure adherence to a full course of antitubercular medications, typically including isoniazid, rifamp Hello Doctor, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the considerations for the above issues will vary based on the individual patient's condition. It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with your mother's current attending physician, as this type of online consultation cannot address such individual and c...[Read More] Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care