Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Transmission Concerns in Everyday Situations
Infection risk consultation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something that happened today, as I am feeling quite anxious. After using the restroom and washing my hands, a colleague walked in and rubbed his hands on my waist three times (I was only wearing a thin shirt)....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on the situation you described, HIV is not transmissible. 2. Alcohol is not effective in eliminating HIV. 3. HIV does not necessarily become activated; however, this situation does not lead to HIV transmission. HIV transmission primarily occurs through sexua...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Transmission Concerns in Everyday Situations
Can HIV Enter Through Minor Wounds? Understanding Infection Risks
HIV wound infection issues? Hello, doctor. Yesterday, I used a rapid test kit for detection. The first blood draw was not very successful, so I switched to another kit and did it again. However, there are two wounds on my finger from the blood collection needles. About eight hour...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the wound you described will not transmit HIV, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can HIV Enter Through Minor Wounds? Understanding Infection Risks
Understanding Ear Sounds: What You Need to Know About Ear Pressure and Tinnitus
Tinnitus Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you two questions. Last week, I stayed up late and suddenly heard a buzzing sound for less than 10 seconds. Later, I visited a clinic, and the doctor said there was no problem; it was due to staying up late and advised me to rest, espec...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, individuals cannot control the sounds produced by the eardrum, but some people can control the opening of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is primarily responsible for balancing the pressure between the ear and the nasal cavity. At the outlet of the Eustachian tube...[Read More] Understanding Ear Sounds: What You Need to Know About Ear Pressure and Tinnitus
Potential Risks of Unknown Liquid Exposure: What You Need to Know
Contact with unknown liquid? During my visit to a local hospital in Southeast Asia, I was wearing a face mask and face shield due to the pandemic, so I didn't notice if I came into contact with anything. After returning home, I discovered brownish-yellow stains on my hands (...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since it is difficult to determine what items you have come into contact with, it is challenging to assess the potential infectious diseases. However, generally speaking, if you do not have any obvious wounds or needle punctures, it is unlikely that you have been exposed t...[Read More] Potential Risks of Unknown Liquid Exposure: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Condition Monitoring and Questions Hello, Dr. Gao: I have been diagnosed with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis for one year and am currently taking pain relievers, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators (quinine/enteric-coated tablets). My main symptoms are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I will assume that your condition is "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis" for my response. Here is my summary: 1. After dinner, your fingers swell (and the swelling subsides after digestion). 2. During exercise, your fingers swell (an...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Healing Insights
Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
The finger joints are swollen and painful, but the doctor said it is not rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, since late last year, I have noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, which was mild at first. Recently, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. An ANA value of 1:80 falls into a gray area. However, if you continue to experience joint pain and stiffness, along with occasional nighttime pain that disrupts your sleep, I recommend that you visit a rheumatology clinic to discuss your concern...[Read More] Joint Pain and Stiffness: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation
Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Rheumatology and Immunology Examination Results I have been experiencing pain in my shoulders, neck, arms, and fingers for three months, and rehabilitation has not improved my condition. I consulted a rheumatologist, who ordered blood tests, and the results are as follows: ESR:...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The abnormal findings in your test report indicate a PATTERN of Homogeneous 1/640 (Positive) and a PATTERN of Speckled 1/640 (Positive), which are results for Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA). Antinuclear antibodies are one of the screening indicato...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Concerns About STDs After Potential Exposure: What You Need to Know
Concerned about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Hello, Doctor: About four months ago, I met a male friend online and during our encounter, he inserted his finger into my anus while he masturbated and ejaculated (he was wearing a condom; I asked him afterward, and he said ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, acne is usually caused by hot and humid weather leading to folliculitis, which should not be related to sexually transmitted infections. However, the process you described may indeed indicate unsafe sexual behavior. It would be advisable to consi...[Read More] Concerns About STDs After Potential Exposure: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Results of rheumatologic and immunological blood tests? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing muscle soreness in my shoulders, neck, and arms for three months, along with pain in my index finger. Orthopedic rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I had blood tests ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this test value can only indicate a possible presence of lupus erythematosus; however, a diagnosis requires clinical symptoms combined with other values to calculate an overall score for confirmation. Based on your description, the symptoms do not seem to align closely, so...[Read More] Understanding Your Rheumatology Blood Test Results: What Do They Mean?
Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Oral issues Hello Doctor, I would like to consult you. I have had a sensation of a foreign body and severe pain in my throat for over three months (it was slightly milder three months ago). Currently, the symptoms are located at the left base of my tongue and deep in my throat, w...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For issues related to deep throat, abnormalities in the pharyngeal wall, or oral problems, it is important to follow up with an otolaryngology department at a medical center for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Persistent Throat Discomfort: Causes and Solutions
Understanding HIV Survival: How Long Can the Virus Live Outside the Body?
Regarding viral issues? I recently became suddenly worried about having inserted my fingers into my vagina without washing my hands after touching various public transportation handrails, bathroom door handles, etc. I am very afraid of contracting HIV as a result. I know from rea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus is indeed not easy to survive in the environment, primarily because HIV is mainly transmitted through contact with genital secretions. It is not easily spread or transmitted in the environment. Therefore, the contact situations you mentioned would not result ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Survival: How Long Can the Virus Live Outside the Body?
Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines
Rectal issues Hello Doctor, three years ago I had a colonoscopy, which only showed irritable bowel syndrome and hemorrhoids, with no other issues. For the past six months, while showering, I have been using body wash as a lubricant to insert my finger into my rectum to check for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you are feeling are the folds and mucosa of the rectum, which is a normal finding. As for polyps, they are usually small and cannot be definitively diagnosed by palpation; a colonoscopy is necessary for diagnosis. Given your age, unless there is a family history of co...[Read More] Understanding Rectal Concerns: Symptoms, Risks, and Screening Guidelines
Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Stiffness and swelling in the finger joints? Hello Doctor: Last year in late autumn, I noticed stiffness in my finger joints upon waking up, but it was mild, so I didn't pay much attention to it. Recently, however, the frequency has increased, and almost every day my fingers...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, experiencing stiffness in the finger joints upon waking, pain in the index finger, swelling in the fingers, positive urine occult blood test, and hair loss should not be ignored, but there is no need to panic. Please seek medical evaluation, as there are many potential cau...[Read More] Understanding Stiff and Swollen Finger Joints: Causes and Solutions
Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
I would like to inquire if steroids can affect the results of blood tests in immunology and rheumatology? Hello Doctor: In recent months, the joints in my fingers have started to swell and hurt gradually, making it difficult to bend or extend them, and I cannot apply force. The b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The administration of steroids may only affect certain laboratory results, including white blood cell counts, but it should have minimal impact on the indicators for rheumatic diseases or allergic conditions. I believe your symptoms include bot...[Read More] Do Steroids Affect Blood Test Results in Rheumatology Patients?
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Regarding the diagnosis and medication use for rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Director Gao, I apologize for the length of my inquiry and hope you can take the time to clarify my doubts. Thank you! About a year and a half ago, blood tests revealed that my rheumatoid factor (RF) was...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my consolidated responses: 1. Can anti-CCP antibodies be present intermittently? (There was a significant difference in test results just five days apart.) Could differences in testing methods cause varying results? Are there differe...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Concerns
Concerns About Infection Risks from DIY Condom Use: A Young Adult's Inquiry
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have a question. I have some small wounds on my ring finger, and this morning I was trying to use a condom for the first time because I was a bit nervous about using it later. It's a bit funny, but after I finished, I accidentally t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there is no risk of contracting any sexually transmitted infections or HIV, so there is no need to worry. However, please keep the wound clean to avoid infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from DIY Condom Use: A Young Adult's Inquiry
Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Regarding finger and wrist pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis? Dear Dr. Gao, Hello. Last June, during a routine check-up, I unexpectedly found out that my RF factor was positive. Subsequently, I visited the hospital, where the doctor arranged for additional blood tests. T...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are the responses to your questions: 1. Regarding the fluctuations in your Anti-CCP test results: On March 7, the hospital test was normal; on April 20, your self-test showed a significantly elevated level; however, on April 24, another fa...[Read More] Understanding Finger and Wrist Pain: Is It Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know
Is there a risk of injuring oneself while giving a dog an injection? Hello, doctor. While I was giving vaccinations and drawing blood from a stray dog, I accidentally pricked my own finger and it bled. Prior to this, I had already received the tetanus and rabies vaccines. I would...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the risk of contracting these bloodborne diseases is very low. However, due to the needlestick incident, it is recommended to follow the standard post-exposure protocol. It is advisable to have follow-up testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and liver function at 3,...[Read More] Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know
Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
Infection risk 1. If I accidentally cut myself with a utility knife while working, and the knife may have residual dried blood from a colleague who is a hepatitis C carrier, is it possible for me to contract hepatitis C through the cut if the virus survives on the dried blood? (I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through sharing needles or needlestick injuries, while syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact. The scenarios you mentioned are not routes of transmission for these two diseases, so the risk of infection is very low. Please don&#...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations