Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Is it possible to contract HIV during the blood draw process? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question despite your busy schedule. Yesterday morning, I went to a nearby medical laboratory to have my blood tested because I was concerned about my blood sug...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main routes of transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into co...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Effective Pain Relief Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Cold Weather
When a cold front arrives, the sacroiliac joint may experience pain. Are there effective pain relief methods? Hello Dr. Gao, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis (21 years old), and I have been experiencing symptoms for 3.5 years. Currently, under treatment from the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I have observed that the pain in my sacroiliac joint does not improve with either Voltaren or Celebrex; it only worsens when a cold front arrives. It takes more than two weeks of taking Voltaren or Celebrex for any r...[Read More] Effective Pain Relief Strategies for Sacroiliac Joint Pain in Cold Weather
Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Blood test? Hello, doctor. This time I suddenly experienced dizziness and vomited twice. I went to the hospital for a blood test, and the results showed RBC 5.11, Basophils 1.9, total cholesterol 202, and triglycerides 219, all highlighted in red. Both RBC and Basophils are sligh...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
If you still experience discomfort, please return for a follow-up appointment to have your attending physician assess your condition and address your concerns in person. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: What High RBC and Basophils Mean
Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome and medication issues? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome two years ago, initially experiencing only dry mouth. By June, I developed stiffness in my finger joints (sometimes only in the morning, sometimes lasting half a ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Based on the blood test report and the current symptom of dry mouth, do I need to take quinine? If I do not take it, what potential complications might arise in the future? (I have been hesitant to take medication sinc...[Read More] Understanding Sjögren's Syndrome: Symptoms, Medication Concerns, and Risks
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? 1. I used the Abbott HIV fourth-generation rapid test on day 90 and day 99 after a high-risk exposure, and both tests were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors during these 99 days. Can I be certain that I have ruled out the risk of infection? 2. A...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, if using a fourth-generation rapid test, a negative result at four months can essentially rule out HIV infection. Therefore, a negative result at 99 days may still carry a very low probability of encountering an extended window period (though this is also e...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: I was shocked to find blood in my stool tonight. There was about 2cc of blood mixed with the stool in the water. At first, I thought it might be my menstrual period or that I had eaten dragon fruit, but then I realized my period just ended yesterday ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is blood covering normal stool, and the bleeding is mostly near the anal opening, the most common cause is a rupture of internal hemorrhoids (which are usually painless), possibly due to a harder stool during a bowel movement. It is advisable to observe if it happ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
When is the appropriate time to initiate medication treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Hello, Doctor Gao: Two years ago, a family member was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome. At that time, the only symptom was mild dry mouth, so no medication was prescribed. However, in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If there are signs of disease activity in Sjögren's syndrome, including abnormal blood test results and associated clinical symptoms such as skin petechiae and pulmonary symptoms, the risk of developing related complications, including lym...[Read More] When to Start Medication for Sjögren's Syndrome: A Patient's Dilemma
Persistent Symptoms: Constipation and Discomfort for Three Days
Hello, this symptom has been persistent for three days? On the first day, I suddenly experienced constipation along with difficulty in bowel movements; sitting down was very uncomfortable. The next day, I used a mentholated oil to relieve the bloating, which helped me pass gas, b...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A user is experiencing anal pain with a sensation of a foreign body, making it difficult to sit down. After defecation, an unknown fluid is being discharged. Based on your description, it is not possible to determine the condition. It is recommended to consult a colorectal surgeo...[Read More] Persistent Symptoms: Constipation and Discomfort for Three Days
Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
HIV transmission routes (abrasions) 1. If you accidentally cut the skin around your eyebrows while using an eyebrow razor that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is considered to be very low, as HIV does...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it is a personal item, there is a potential risk of HIV infection. 2. If it is a shared item, there is still a possibility of contracting HIV, so it is recommended to consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
Preventing HLA-B27 Gene Transmission: Options for Future Generations
How to prevent the inheritance of the HLA-B27 gene to the next generation? Hello Doctor, I am a 26-year-old male who has been suffering from ankylosing spondylitis since I was 17. I am concerned about the HLA-B27 gene being passed on to my future children, which could cause them ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Currently, there is no method to prevent the inheritance of the B27 gene to the next generation. 2. Techniques such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis, along with PGS and Ultra PGD, may be able to address the presence of a baby with the HLA-B27 gene. This involves t...[Read More] Preventing HLA-B27 Gene Transmission: Options for Future Generations
Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Repeated mild swelling and subsiding of the ankle in a short period of time? Hello, Doctor. Let me summarize my condition. On the evening of October 18, I experienced pain in the left heel while walking, and my ankle was slightly swollen that night. On October 19, I felt a sharp ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 2. Recently, I have also noticed that after experiencing coldness in my hands and feet, I feel a sharp pain on the inner side of my left ankle. Is this related to gout or other diseases? --> It should not be related....[Read More] Understanding Recurring Ankle Swelling: Possible Causes and Solutions
Preventing Hereditary Ankylosing Spondylitis: Genetic Testing Options
Preventing the transmission of ankylosing spondylitis to the next generation? Hello Doctor, I am a 25-year-old male. I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis since I was 17, and I am concerned about passing on this genetic condition to my future children. I have heard ab...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. Can chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis performed after pregnancy determine with nearly 100% accuracy whether the fetus is a carrier of ankylosing spondylitis? --> I am not sure about this. 2. Is it truly...[Read More] Preventing Hereditary Ankylosing Spondylitis: Genetic Testing Options
Understanding High Cholesterol: When to See a Specialist
High cholesterol Total cholesterol 235, triglycerides 128, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) 40, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) 169.4, has hypertension, and occasionally experiences a strong heartbeat. Which specialty should I consult, and what kind of issue is this?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: You can first see a cardiologist. There is an issue with high cholesterol. You also have a sensation of a strong heartbeat, so it would be advisable to consult a cardiologist to check for any abnormalities.[Read More] Understanding High Cholesterol: When to See a Specialist
Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Touching a snail that is eating does not directly lead to a risk of parasitic infection. However, snails can carry parasites, such as those that cause schistosomiasis, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated water or soil. It is important to practice ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis is unlikely; it typically requires the consumption of raw snails and occurs in individuals with compromised immune systems. 2. If experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, or diarrhea, seek medical consultation and testing at a...[Read More] Can Handling Snails Lead to Guangdong Blood Fluke Infection?
Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Joint pain after a confirmed COVID-19 infection? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy message. I started feeling unwell on November 11th (muscle aches, fever, fatigue, red rashes on limbs, dry eyes, dry mouth). I was diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 13th. On November 16th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Since the joint discomfort clearly occurred after the blood draw, could it be that the inflammatory markers, ANA, and other indices had not yet shown abnormal trends at that time, and only now can we detect abnormaliti...[Read More] Post-COVID Joint Pain: Understanding Symptoms and Seeking Early Diagnosis
Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: Is It Time to Worry About Kidney Health?
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) Doctor, in my company's annual health check-up reports, my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has consistently ranged between 65-75 for the past nine years. Does this indicate chronic kidney disease? Am I at risk of needing dialysis? What shoul...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Please visit the outpatient clinic for a detailed examination and assessment.[Read More] Understanding Glomerular Filtration Rate: Is It Time to Worry About Kidney Health?
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: If there is a scratch on my leg (suspected to be bleeding) that comes into contact with a blood stain on a bedsheet (approximately within a small square area of 1cm x 1cm) and the affected area (the scratched area) is in contact with the blood stain w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control 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 the risk of infection. 2. Blood t...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Questions about pre-meal blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin? Hello Doctor, during my health check in 2018, my fasting blood sugar was 105, and in 2022, it was 113, with other results normal. After undergoing an endoscopy on September 1st this year, I noticed my previous blood ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Elevated fasting blood glucose is also a risk factor for diabetes. It is recommended that you lose weight and continue to follow up at the metabolic clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Pre-meal Blood Sugar and HbA1c Levels: A Patient's Inquiry
Persistent Positive COVID-19 Test: What You Need to Know
Persistent positivity after COVID-19 diagnosis? Hello Doctor: I tested positive on November 9 and started taking molnupiravir, completing a five-day course. After that, the second line on the test strip became faint, but the next day it started to darken again. As of today, Novem...
Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Patients with complications from COVID-19 require isolation. It is recommended to wear a mask and monitor for any worsening symptoms. You may discuss with your original physician, and if you experience any discomfort or have questions, please consult the infectious disease outpat...[Read More] Persistent Positive COVID-19 Test: What You Need to Know
Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights
Hashimoto's thyroiditis In April of this year, when I had my cholesterol checked, my doctor also tested my thyroid function. The results showed T4 at 1.15, TSH at 1.554, and anti-TPO at 5.57, indicating the presence of antibodies consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You may consider discontinuing the medication, and at least monitor thyroid function annually. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Weight Loss and Treatment Insights