Blood infection, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital

Risk of blood infection from being cut by scissors used by a nurse in the hospital? Hello Doctor: A few months ago, my child was hospitalized for pneumonia for 5 days. On the day of discharge, while the nurse was removing the IV bandage, she accidentally cut my child's littl...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, 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 exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual po...

[Read More] Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital


Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Recovery Challenges

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy recovery issues? Hello Doctor, my father (59 years old) has been experiencing numbness in his legs since October of last year. By January, his condition deteriorated rapidly from being able to walk to having difficulty walking within just a few week...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. Seeking a second opinion, if necessary, is not a waste of time. 2. Some conditions can be cured, while others can only be managed. However, not treating them is not an option, and improvement may take time. 3. If leg swelling cannot be adequately controlled through diet al...

[Read More] Understanding Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Recovery Challenges


Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy

Blood infection After acupuncture, if there are small wounds on the body, is there a concern for bloodborne infections when using electrodes for electrical stimulation and reusing cupping jars? Is there a risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission?


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as the acupuncture needles are not reused and other treatment methods are followed, there should not be a risk of bloodborne infections. Thank you for your question.

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Understanding Blood Infection Risks: Acne Wounds and HIV Exposure

Regarding the previous issue of blood infection? Thank you for your detailed explanation last time. I would like to ask: 1. If the acne wound is bleeding, is it still okay if my face comes into contact with someone else's blood? If both of us are bleeding, is there a risk ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Because the wounds from acne are relatively small, the infection risk you mentioned is still low. 2. There is indeed a risk of infection from a needle stick contaminated with HIV-infected blood, but the probability is much lower than that of blood transfusions or sharin...

[Read More] Understanding Blood Infection Risks: Acne Wounds and HIV Exposure


Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines

Needle-associated bloodborne infection A few days ago, I was worried about accidentally getting pricked by a needle during a blood draw. If I were to get pricked, how long should I follow up for blood tests? For example, is the window period for HIV antibody testing three months ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, follow-up is done every three months unless there are special circumstances, such as ongoing concerns about infection or other sources of infection, which may extend the follow-up period. 2. It is recommended to use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV if ...

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Concerns About Blood Infection Risks During IV Therapy

Suspected blood infection? Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding concerns about blood infections. Recently, I visited the hospital for treatment and received an IV drip. I remember that the IV line had a Y-shaped connector for splitting the flow. During the IV administration...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Blood transmission mainly occurs through sharing needles or blood transfusions. As for the situation you described, there have been no reported cases of HIV infection resulting from it, so the likelihood ...

[Read More] Concerns About Blood Infection Risks During IV Therapy


Unexplained Red Dots on Fingers: Should You Worry About Bloodborne Infections?

Unknown small red spots on the fingers? Yesterday, I noticed a small unknown red dot on my finger that looks like a puncture wound. I would like to inquire whether this could lead to any blood infection. I am concerned because the previous person was an acute HIV infection case w...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chance of infection is very low. However, if you are still concerned, you can visit the infectious disease clinic to inquire about screening options. Generally speaking, if there is no exposure after three months, the risk should be quite low...

[Read More] Unexplained Red Dots on Fingers: Should You Worry About Bloodborne Infections?


Understanding Staphylococcus Blood Infections: Causes and Treatment Options

Staphylococcus aureus infection in the blood? Hello, my family member was hospitalized due to a car accident, suffering from a mild concussion and some external injuries. However, after three days in the hospital, they started experiencing persistent high fever, and tests reveale...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. Regarding <The incubation period of Staphylococcus in blood infections>: A: Staphylococcus infections often originate from wounds, and occasionally from the respiratory and urinary tracts. In short, as long as there is an entry point on the body that is ...

[Read More] Understanding Staphylococcus Blood Infections: Causes and Treatment Options