Can You Contract HIV from Using Public Urinals?
Is there a risk of contracting HIV from contact with public restrooms? No, touching a urinal with the male genitalia does not pose a risk of HIV infection. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and typic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus is primarily transmitted through blood, and it does not survive well outside the human body, so your chances of contracting HIV are very low.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Using Public Urinals?
Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Wiping with a towel contaminated with HIV? Using a towel that has been contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids to wipe the male genitalia can pose a risk of HIV transmission, although the likelihood is generally considered low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus does not survive well outside the human body (with a survival time of less than ten minutes), so the risk of infection is very low. However, there is still a possibility of other infectious diseases, so sharing towels is not recommended.[Read More] Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Sudden Spike in Urinary Protein: Possible Autoimmune Causes?
Sudden increase in urinary protein levels? Hello Doctor, my urine protein levels skyrocketed from below 30 to 106 between June 7 and July 11, along with increases in microalbumin and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, while other urine tests remained normal. I was hospitalized in...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
If you experience any discomfort, please schedule an earlier appointment and discuss it with your attending physician. Thank you.[Read More] Sudden Spike in Urinary Protein: Possible Autoimmune Causes?
Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Thyroid enlargement issue? Hello Doctor: My current issue is related to my thyroid examination. I had an ultrasound that revealed one side is 2 cm thick, along with 2 or 3 nodules measuring 0.4 cm, but my blood test results are all within the normal range. I would like to ask why...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, if you have already visited a medical facility for an examination, it is advisable to consult your attending physician regarding the diagnosis results and whether follow-up outpatient visits are necessary. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Enlargement: Causes, Concerns, and Solutions
Understanding Low Hemoglobin and Cholesterol Levels in Health Reports
The health check report has red text? Based on your health check report, your hemoglobin (Hb) level is 11.2 g/dL, hematocrit (Ht) is 35.4%, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 62 mg/dL, all of which are below the standard values. You should pay attention to the follo...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Please transfer to the hematology department. A low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level of 62 is still within an acceptable range for most individuals.[Read More] Understanding Low Hemoglobin and Cholesterol Levels in Health Reports
Does Ulcerative Colitis Affect Immunoglobulin Levels and Cancer Risk?
Does ulcerative colitis have an impact? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, which is currently under control. A colonoscopy in May showed that my mucosa has almost healed. Recently, due to immune-related issues, my blood test showed positive cold agglutinins wit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of ulcerative colitis being associated with cryoglobulinemia is quite low. Although there are sporadic case reports, I am somewhat skeptical about the correlation between these two conditions; generally, the chances are minimal, ...[Read More] Does Ulcerative Colitis Affect Immunoglobulin Levels and Cancer Risk?
Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Cryoglobulin test The presence of cold agglutinins, indicated by a positive IgM (1+), suggests that your body may be producing antibodies that can cause red blood cells to clump together at lower temperatures. This condition can be associated with various underlying issues, inclu...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to return to the rheumatology clinic for follow-up, as further examinations may be necessary. The presence of cryoglobulinemia is related to many factors, with hepatitis C being the most common. Even if hepatitis C tests are no...[Read More] Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Needle stick injury from HIV? If a finger is punctured by a needle that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to 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 of infection. B...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Can Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?
Exposure to HIV-infected bodily fluids? If the hand has come into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then touches the nose or ears, is there a risk of HIV infection in this scenario?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, 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 the risk of infection....[Read More] Can Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?
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
Concerns About Oral Sex and HIV Risk: What You Need to Know
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that? I had a massage on July 2nd, where I had intimate contact with the massage therapist. I am a male and performed oral sex on a female without a condom, but there was no vaginal intercourse. A few months ago, I had a tooth extracti...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes 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...[Read More] Concerns About Oral Sex and HIV Risk: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Oral Sex and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective
I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that? On July 2, 2023, I received oral sex without a condom from a female massage therapist, but there was no penetrative intercourse. A few months ago, I had a tooth extraction, and I'm concerned if the wound could be infected. A...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, 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. 2. Blo...[Read More] Concerns About Oral Sex and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective
Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some soreness in my lower back lately, along with tightness and occasional pain in my left thigh, left knee, and even discomfort in my calf muscles and the soles of my feet. These symptoms seem to come and go. I have ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe it is less likely to be ankylosing spondylitis and more indicative of symptoms related to a herniated disc. I recommend consulting a neurosurgeon for confirmation. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospit...[Read More] Could Your Symptoms Indicate Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Antinuclear Antibody (Indirect Immunofluorescence) Report I had this report done at the end of last year because I have been experiencing itchy and painful bones for many years, so I underwent a thorough examination. In my report, there are two highlighted results. One is the ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The general value should be less than 1:40. What does it mean if my value is so high? Is there a possibility of developing a disease? --> Generally, a value of 1:1280 is considered high, and we would conduct furthe...[Read More] Understanding Antinuclear Antibody Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Eosinophil count is low? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test at the hospital, and one of the items was the eosinophil count, which was <18, while the standard range is 40-350. Could this be related to my oral Prednisolone treatment (1 tablet BID) for skin vasculitis 10...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your low eosinophil count is indeed a change in your test results due to your previous use of corticosteroids. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Low Eosinophil Count: Is It Related to Prednisolone Use?
Can You Get HIV from Drinking Water Touched by an Infected Person?
Drinking water that has been contaminated with HIV? Drinking water or beverages that have been touched by an HIV-infected person does not pose a risk of HIV transmission. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: A. There are three main transmission routes for HIV: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercour...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Drinking Water Touched by an Infected Person?
Understanding Thyroid Issues During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Thyroid issues Two years ago, during pregnancy, I had a special blood test for thyroid function. The results showed that my TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) was <0.005 and my Free T4 was normal at 1.570. Could you tell me if this is caused by the pregnancy? My mother had a hi...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Please visit the Metabolism Department for further examination to confirm whether there are any thyroid function abnormalities. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Issues During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism has transitioned to hypothyroidism: Free T4 0.884 / TSH 27.07? Hello, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at the end of last year during a health check-up (T4 2.91/TSH 0.005). I have been taking medication in several phases: Carbimazole 10 mg/tab, one tablet each...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you consult an endocrinologist to determine whether there are positive TSH receptor antibodies. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Hormone Fluctuations: From Hyperthyroidism to Hypothyroidism
Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide
Vasculitis symptoms issues? Doctor, I am the previous patient who inquired about vasculitis. It has been confirmed that my skin condition is not ANCA-related and has improved. However, I am unsure why this afternoon I experienced some abdominal discomfort and lower back pain. Aft...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe the symptoms you described are not specific, but if you are concerned, you can schedule an earlier follow-up appointment for tests. A simple urine test can help determine if there are any issues with your kidneys. The Allergy, Immunolo...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms and Management of Vasculitis: A Patient's Guide