Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Questions related to diabetes? Every year, I participate in my company's health check-up. I am 35 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh between 55 to 56 kg. I have always been slim and unable to gain weight since childhood, and I maintain a regular exercise routine. I have mild ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test at the Metabolism Clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
HIV infection What are the transmission routes for HIV? If a person has an open wound on their foot and it is submerged in contaminated rainwater, can they contract HIV?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids. Wounds contaminated with dirty water do not transmit HIV.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Screening-related issues? Hello, doctor! Thank you for your patient response. I am #197315. I would like to ask about the response in this article https://adoctor.tw/article/183997. I'm not sure if it applies to me... or if it's different because I took PEP for a longer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It is possible for the virus to be suppressed by antiviral medication. It is recommended that you focus on completing the PEP regimen, and then follow up with blood tests at the sixth week and the third month as scheduled. If you are really concerned, you can consider getting a P...[Read More] Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (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) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
HIV testing issues? Hello doctor, if the blood test is negative three months after the window period, and remains negative after a year, is there still a possibility of a latent period?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, referring to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the window period is the time after infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during which the virus's antigens or antibodies are not yet detectable in the blood or bodily fluids. ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
Can Needle Sticks at the Beach Lead to HIV Infection?
Needle puncture issues Doctor, I would like to inquire about something. With summer approaching, we sometimes see syringes and needles at the beach or shore. If I accidentally get pricked or step on one, could this lead to HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus is difficult to survive in general environments, but it is still necessary to seek medical attention for blood tests to check for diseases transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.[Read More] Can Needle Sticks at the Beach Lead to HIV Infection?
Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Previously measured elevated postprandial blood glucose levels using a glucometer? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. Last August, during a hot weather, I had a sweet smoothie, and shortly after, I experienced dizziness and fatigue, feeling sleepy. This fatig...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, there are many conditions that could cause the situation you described. Regarding blood sugar levels, since they can sometimes be elevated, it is advisable to consult a physician for an evaluation and to have a blood test to check your hemoglobin A1c levels.[Read More] Understanding Postprandial Blood Sugar Fluctuations and Fatigue Symptoms
Can Switching to Insulin Help Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels?
If the effect of using metformin after meals is not satisfactory, can insulin therapy be considered? Hello, Doctor. Thank you very much for your response. I have had diabetes for 2 years, with an initial HbA1c of 6.6 and a fasting blood glucose of 142. I have been using Metformin...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: 1. There are many factors that contribute to postprandial hyperglycemia, and there are various ways to manage it. Insulin is one of the methods. I am not aware of the specific regulations regarding insulin under the health insurance system. 2. Your physician will likely co...[Read More] Can Switching to Insulin Help Manage Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels?
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
HIV testing issues? On June 5th, I had blood tests done at the provincial hospital, and the health record showed the following urine general examination and syphilis test items: - Treponema pallidum antibody test - Bacterial culture identification test (including general bacteri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For HIV-related inquiries, please contact the Infectious Diseases Department. If this is regarding health check-up items, please call the Health Management Center or the Laboratory Department.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Medical issues Hello Doctor: I am a male and I would like to ask a question. Some time ago (I can't remember exactly when), I went to a barbershop that specializes in men's haircuts. This barbershop supports diverse sexual orientations, as evidenced by the rainbow flag ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the body, so unless the clipper has just come into contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person and is immediately used on you, causing a wound or bleeding, there is theoretically a minimal risk of transmission. However, in...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
White blood cell count is approaching abnormal levels? Hello, doctor. Recently, my lab report showed a white blood cell count of approximately 4250. The neutrophil and lymphocyte classifications are normal, but other types show fluctuations of 1-2%. I have recently experienced fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. This white blood cell count is not a concern. The white blood cell count can fluctuate based on the body's condition, and this value is still within an acceptable range, so there is no need for you to worry. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rhe...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal White Blood Cell Counts: Is It Leukemia?
Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Consultation I have been suffering from skin allergies for over six months, with daily recurrences upon waking up. I believe it is dyshidrotic eczema, but it is very deep and extremely itchy. The outer layer has scabbed over while the inside contin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. We often use chloroquine in patients with early immune dysfunction or rheumatic diseases. Although you only have allergic symptoms, the elevated ANA antibody levels may lead your physician to be concerned that the cause of your dyshidrosis is n...[Read More] Medication Consultation for Persistent Skin Allergies and Joint Concerns
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
Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Will I contract any diseases? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: Over three years ago, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker and kissed a girl. Because I was inexperienced, my teeth accidentally poked her mouth (I am not sure if it was her lips or the insid...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is always a certain risk of disease transmission with exposure to blood and bodily fluids. However, unless there is significant bleeding, the risk of transmission for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis is quite low. On the other hand, viruses such as cytomeg...[Read More] Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Sleeping at three in the morning? Hello Doctor, I am a college student. I often stay up late writing assignments and studying, and I have a habit of using my phone before bed, which means I usually go to sleep around 3 AM. This has been my routine for almost two years. Recently, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. There is no definitive conclusion regarding the correlation between late sleeping and liver enzyme levels; however, late sleeping can indeed affect immune function and blood glucose levels, which are serious issues. There is also no consensus i...[Read More] Late Night Study Habits: Impact on Liver Health and Sleep
Preventing Parasite and Infection Risks from Snails: Expert Advice
Parasitic and Infectious Issues Hello, Doctor. 1. If I pick up a snail (likely an African giant snail) from a pile of grass by hand and then wash my hands with soap, will that prevent parasites and bacteria? What is the proper way to handle this situation? 2. If I touch a snai...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Yes. Parasites and bacteria primarily invade through the gastrointestinal tract. If you wash your hands promptly after touching something, you can effectively remove parasites and bacteria, which generally minimizes the risk of infection. 2. If handwashing is thorough, there...[Read More] Preventing Parasite and Infection Risks from Snails: Expert Advice
Post-Meal Blood Sugar Concerns: Understanding Abnormal Readings
Postprandial hyperglycemia Hello Dr. Li: During my previous visit to the hospital, I found that my blood sugar levels were somewhat abnormal, with a fasting blood sugar of 102 and a hemoglobin A1c of 5.1. However, I recently noticed some unusual changes in my postprandial blood s...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you visit the Metabolism Clinic for an oral glucose tolerance test. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Post-Meal Blood Sugar Concerns: Understanding Abnormal Readings
Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor: Recently, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker, where we bathed and had intimate contact. We both shaved beforehand, but I am unsure if there were any cuts. During the encounter, the following occurred:...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Disease/Index), there are three main transmission routes for HIV: A. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with a...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
When Is Blood Dialysis Necessary? Understanding Kidney Function and Treatment
At what stage of a patient's condition is dialysis necessary? Hello Doctor, my grandmother was recently admitted to the emergency room due to pulmonary edema. After evaluation, the doctor determined that she needed urgent hemodialysis for rescue and then to monitor her recov...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding the extent of renal failure that necessitates dialysis treatment, it is primarily when kidney function declines to stage 5 chronic kidney disease, accompanied by symptoms of uremia or fluid overload. Of course, the decision also depends on the clinical judgment o...[Read More] When Is Blood Dialysis Necessary? Understanding Kidney Function and Treatment
Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues
Antihypertensive medication If you are currently taking carvedilol (a beta-blocker) for hypertension but are experiencing issues with gum swelling and abscesses, there are alternative classes of antihypertensive medications that you could consider. For example, you might discuss ...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Regarding your question about antihypertensive medications, if there are adverse drug reactions that require adjustments, we will need your past medical history, medication history, and responses to the medications. Additionally, we will need to consider your physical exam...[Read More] Alternatives to Carvedilol for Managing Hypertension and Gum Issues