Needle Stick Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult
Needle puncture issues Hello, Doctor. I accidentally pricked my finger with a needle while disposing of it in a sharps container. Later, I felt a slight tingling sensation, but there were no visible signs of injury or significant bleeding. I'm concerned that it might be a ps...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Consultation and examination can be scheduled with Infectious Disease, Family Medicine, or Emergency Medicine. 2. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months.[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult
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 Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet associated with cryoglobulinemia? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the first time in early June this year and recovered. At the end of June, I noticed similar bleeding spots on both feet and visited the hospital, where t...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. To determine whether it is a neurological issue, including polyneuropathy, you can consult a neurologist. They will assess whether further nerve conduction studies are necessary. This test can help initially differentiate between polyneuropathy,...[Read More] Understanding Cold Agglutinin Disease: Symptoms and Connections to Neuropathy
Understanding Risks of Bloodborne Diseases: Key Concerns and Clarifications
Regarding issue #201311? Regarding your inquiry about the risks of HIV and other bloodborne diseases: 1. There is a potential risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases if a wound or blood comes into direct contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. However, if the area around...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. If there is no contact with the skin where the fingers touched, theoretically, there is no risk of transmission (referring to the absence of blood, not just the lack of visible blood). 2. The risk is extremely low because the virus must travel from the bloodstain to the ointm...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Bloodborne Diseases: Key Concerns and Clarifications
Understanding Positive Cryoglobulin Tests: Implications for Your Health
Cryoglobulin test Hello, doctor. In July, I tested positive for cryoglobulinemia with IgM (1+) due to vasculitis, and my RF IgM was 13.92. In early October, I retested and found cryoglobulinemia positive for IgM (1+) and IgG (1+), with RF IgM at 12.8. My usual symptoms are not si...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In cases of cryoglobulinemic paraproteinemia, the immunoglobulins can sometimes be of a mixed type, resulting in positive tests for either IgG or IgM. Regardless of whether it is IgG or IgM, both can lead to elevated levels of γ-globulin, so th...[Read More] Understanding Positive Cryoglobulin Tests: Implications for Your Health
Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Concerns and anxiety about medical consultations, worrying about blood and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I took my child to a pediatric clinic for a urology consultation. During the consultation, I noticed that the physician had a noticeable laceration at the base...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Direct contact of wounds or blood with mucous membranes or broken skin may pose a risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases. However, if there is blood at the base of the fingernail and the finger touches intact skin, theoretically, there is a risk of transmission. 2. The surf...[Read More] Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Immune system issues Hello, Doctor Gao. I have a few questions to ask you, and I appreciate your help. 1. At the beginning of August, I developed a urinary tract infection and took antibiotics for two weeks. The symptoms disappeared, and I thought I was cured, so I didn't ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe there is a high possibility of reactive arthritis, especially considering your age and the occurrence of acute prostatitis along with unexplained joint effusion and swelling. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist nearby. The Al...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding RA Diagnosis: Interpreting Joint Ultrasound Results
Is it confirmed? I started seeing a rheumatologist at the end of last year (2022) due to morning stiffness in my fingers. My rheumatoid factor test results have been inconsistent, showing both positive and negative results. The only relatively consistent finding is from the ultra...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) still requires a comprehensive evaluation based on multiple test results, as relying on a single data point has lower accuracy. However, given the number of inflamed and painful joints you ha...[Read More] Understanding RA Diagnosis: Interpreting Joint Ultrasound Results
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
Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
The likelihood of anxiety-induced rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you questions related to rheumatoid issues. I have health anxiety and had blood tests for rheumatoid-related checks last November. At that time, the doctor said the results were normal and ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. First of all, I'm not sure where you saw that "people who are under long-term stress have a 176 times higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal individuals." In my knowledge and the relevant literature, ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis and Concerns at 20
Rheumatoid arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to ask: 1. In your clinical experience, are there many cases of rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed around the age of 20? 2. Does having rheumatoid arthritis always lead to joint deformities? 3. Is rheumatoid arthritis still considered ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. In your clinical experience, are there many cases diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis around the age of 20? --> Relatively few; it is more common in middle-aged women. 2. Will joints definitely deform after deve...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Diagnosis and Concerns at 20
Understanding Finger Pain: Is It Related to Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis Fingers Hello Doctor, a few days ago, I suddenly started experiencing pain in the interphalangeal joint of my left thumb. It hurts more when I press or apply force (I noticed the pain when the thumb is in a disadvantaged position). I would like to ask what ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation in peripheral joints, but this is less common. The primary manifestation is usually tendinitis or synovitis, leading to swelling and pain in the entire finger or toe. Since your symptoms have be...[Read More] Understanding Finger Pain: Is It Related to Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Understanding Your Health Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Better Wellness
Recently, I have been experiencing a lot of health issues? Hello Doctor, since the beginning of this summer, I have been feeling excessively hot and sweating profusely even with slight exercise. I have also been experiencing recurrent infections in my intimate area (itching and d...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Due to the symptoms involving multiple organ systems, it is recommended to visit a large hospital and consult with a family medicine specialist for a systematic examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Health Issues: Symptoms and Solutions for Better Wellness
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
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I am currently interning, and someone placed 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, and I'm not sure if ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body, so the risk of indirect contact (where the virus transfers from blood to an alcohol swab and then enters your wound) is quite low. Furthermore, alcohol has a strong virucidal effect, so in the case of a single incident, I believe...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation? 1. I understand that the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. However, as a cashier, if I touched a customer's wound and then rubbed my eyes, would there still be a risk of HIV infection d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk can only be described as negligible; if I say it's less than one in ten thousand, you might think that's quite high. 2. Blood on the surface is indeed considered external; the virus dies quickly. 3. There is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases whe...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
The tests for lupus erythematosus are normal, but there are erythematous lesions around the face and eyes. Is this also an early stage of the disease? I have been tested at two hospitals, and the results were normal. However, I have red spots on my face and around my eyes, which ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a large hospital. The presence of erythema around the eyes, along with sensitivity to sunlight and difficulty opening bottle caps, may suggest dermatomyositis. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
Can Using a Blood Glucose Meter Without Washing Hands Lead to Infection?
Eating without washing hands after using a blood glucose meter in the clinic? Hello, I would like to ask about a recent visit to the clinic where I used a glucometer to check my blood sugar. I only applied slight pressure with an alcohol swab to stop the bleeding after pricking m...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It won't happen because at most, it would only involve contact with one's own blood; if it doesn't come from someone else's blood, there is no risk of transmitting diseases.[Read More] Can Using a Blood Glucose Meter Without Washing Hands Lead to Infection?
Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50
How to distinguish between immune issues and menopausal symptoms? Hello, Doctor. I am 50 years and 6 months old. My menstrual cycle was regular until December of last year when it suddenly stopped. Before March of this year, I experienced insomnia, excessive sweating, frequent co...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: (1) What tests should be done to confirm if there is inflammation or adhesion in the spine? --> X-rays and blood tests are sufficient. If necessary, an MRI may also be arranged. Your physician may have started treatm...[Read More] Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
HIV infection I went to the local health bureau for an HIV test on July 17th. Before the blood draw, I had a brief conversation with the doctor. The method used was a fingerstick rapid test (a purple square device was used to prick my fingertip). Since I was washing my hands at t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Since there have been clusters of hepatitis C cases in some medical institutions, there have been instances of needle reuse. If a needle is used for the first time but is old, there may be issues with infection. Safety needles, as the name implies, are designed for single use; on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods