Understanding Infection Risks from Blood Exposure: A Doctor's Perspective
Consult a doctor? Hello, Doctor. 1. I would like to know your professional opinion regarding my finger cut. I had a colleague help me apply an adhesive bandage (Band-Aid) on the cut, and their wound had blood on the adhesive bandage, which was then directly applied to my finger...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, there are no individuals infected due to the situation you described, so we cannot address hypothetical questions. It is recommended that you seek medical examination and treatment based on your actual symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Blood Exposure: A Doctor's Perspective
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks: What You Need to Know
Bloodborne transmission Hello doctor, today I accidentally cut my finger. A colleague helped me apply a band-aid, but while doing so, their wound bled onto the band-aid. They then placed the contaminated band-aid on my cut. At the time, I didn't think about the potential ris...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Currently, there are no reported cases of infection under the conditions you described, so I cannot answer hypothetical questions. I recommend that if you have concerns, you should go to a hospital for screening.[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks: What You Need to Know
Understanding Mucosal Infections: Key Questions About Urethral Health
Final inquiry about the mucosa? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. Is the area at the tip of the urethral opening that can be touched with a finger considered mucosa? 2. Or is the mucosal area located deeper inside, which cannot be reached by hand? 3. Or i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
It is indeed true that the location is at the mucosal area; however, it is recommended not to be overly fixated on the mucosal location and not to make assumptions about the situation. It is advisable to seek medical consultation based on your actual condition.[Read More] Understanding Mucosal Infections: Key Questions About Urethral Health
Understanding Lupus: Key Lab Results and Symptoms Explained
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello doctor! I would like to inquire about the following lab results: Sediment-WBC 30-49, Sediment-Bacilli 1+, R.B.C 3.29, MCV 79.0, MCHC 30.8, MCH 24.3, Leukocyte esterase 3+, HCT 26.0, Hb 8.0, Creatinine 0.55, C4 2.5, C3c 42.0. The values are...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Based on the information you provided, you currently do not meet the diagnostic criteria for lupus erythematosus. However, the standards for diagnosing lupus by a rheumatologist do not necessarily require complete fulfillment of all criteria, a...[Read More] Understanding Lupus: Key Lab Results and Symptoms Explained
Can You Get HIV from a Small Cut After Shaking Hands?
Questions about HIV transmission? If I shook hands with someone and later discovered a small 0.3 cm cut on my hand that may have been scratched by their fingernail, and I disinfected it immediately after 15 minutes, am I at risk of contracting HIV if the other person is HIV posit...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if the other party only instructed to scratch without any bleeding or bodily fluids, then HIV cannot be transmitted. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Small Cut After Shaking Hands?
Assessing Infection Risks from Needle Exposure: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection If a person engages in high-risk behavior, they can use a fourth-generation combo test for screening four weeks later. I would like to ask, if someone accidentally uses a needle that was previously used by an HIV-positive individual for a fingerstick bloo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regardless of how small the needle is, as long as it has been used by a patient and has pierced the skin, there is a risk of infection. It is recommended that if the situation you described still requires screening, you should proceed with it. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Needle Exposure: What You Need to Know
Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Morning stiffness, urticaria, rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, last Monday night I accidentally ingested shrimp powder, which caused me to develop hives the next day. At that time, I only went to the pharmacy to buy antihistamines, taking one in the morning and evening on Tues...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, Xiaolin. Thank you for your question. I believe your initial concerns are related to urticaria. Some cases of urticaria can have a prolonged duration, starting with widespread symptoms and gradually becoming localized to a few areas, at which point typical urticaria manife...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Its Possible Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Can You Get HIV from a Cut in the Hospital? Understanding the Risks
Are there any cases of HIV infection from a cut on the hand in a hospital setting? Hello Dr. Lin: During an X-ray at a large hospital, I accidentally cut my finger on the equipment, resulting in slight bleeding. I am concerned about the risk of contracting HIV and other infectiou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, A-Jie! HIV transmission requires contact with "blood" or "body fluids." Although your wound did bleed, which does pose a risk, if this device does not come into contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected individual, there is actually no chance...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Cut in the Hospital? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Sjögren's syndrome, articular cartilage Hello, Director Gao! I have several symptoms and I'm unsure if they are related to an autoimmune disease. 1. My dentist informed me that my mouth is very dry. This condition has persisted for at least three years, especially dur...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. I believe your symptoms are indeed related to Sjögren's syndrome, including dry eyes, dry mouth, thyroid dysfunction, cough, and generalized body aches, even lower back pain, which may all be associated with Sjögren's syndrome. ...[Read More] Understanding Dry Syndrome and Joint Cartilage Issues: A Guide to Immune Disorders
Risk of HIV and STIs from Unprotected Oral Sex: What You Need to Know
Unprotected oral sex Hello Dr. Hong, this morning I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker. Before penetration, she performed oral sex on me without a condom for a while, and then I used a condom for penetration until ejaculation. During the process, my fingers were inserted in...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main concern is to check if there are any wounds in your mouth and on your penis. If there are none and you have used condoms correctly, the risk of contracting HIV is indeed low. If you still have concerns, you can consider getting tested for HIV. Thank you for your q...[Read More] Risk of HIV and STIs from Unprotected Oral Sex: What You Need to Know
Accidental Ingestion: What Symptoms to Watch For After Tasting Unknown Liquid
Ingestion issues? Hello, doctor. This morning I saw brown droplets on my desk and mistakenly thought it was a spilled drink, so I dipped my finger in it and put a little in my mouth to taste. However, after tasting it, I realized it had a strange flavor and suspected it might be ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, animal waste may contain some infectious agents, such as Leptospira, which can cause symptoms like fever and general malaise, as well as gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you are experiencing any discomfort, you can consult a fami...[Read More] Accidental Ingestion: What Symptoms to Watch For After Tasting Unknown Liquid
Can You Get HIV from a Minor Scratch? Understanding the Risks
Will this lead to HIV infection? During checkout, I was distracted and accidentally got scratched on my finger by the cashier's nail, resulting in a minor abrasion (the epidermis is red) without any bleeding. Doctor, if the other person has a virus on their hands, am I at ri...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, unless the other person is bleeding and their blood comes into contact with your wound, the risk of transmission is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Minor Scratch? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
I'm sorry, but I need more context or specific information to provide an accurate translation or response? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis about three years ago when I was around 14 years old. It started with pain in my left knee, and then mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is different from adult rheumatoid arthritis, so juvenile rheumatoid arthritis does not directly transition into rheumatoid arthritis in adulthood. Therefore, some patie...[Read More] Understanding Inconsistent Symptoms in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Is morning stiffness always caused by arthritis? Hello, Doctor Gao. Recently, over the past week or two, I've suddenly noticed that when I wake up in the morning (this has happened for three consecutive days, but also occurred once or twice last week), my hand joints feel st...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The definition of morning stiffness is joint stiffness and pain lasting more than one hour. Therefore, if your morning joint stiffness lasts only 5 minutes, it does not meet the criteria for morning stiffness. However, even if your morning join...[Read More] Is Morning Stiffness Always a Sign of Arthritis? Understanding the Causes
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms of g...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Kiki: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. When uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to go...[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Health check shows elevated uric acid and cholesterol levels? Hello Doctor: I recently had a health check-up, and my uric acid level is 7.1, which is above the normal range. Isn't the normal value for women supposed to be less than 6.6? I currently do not have any symptoms o...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. KiKi: 1. Elevated uric acid levels primarily refer to high concentrations of uric acid in the blood. If uric acid precipitates in joint tissues (such as the big toe joint, the back of the foot, or finger joints), it can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to gout....[Read More] Managing High Uric Acid and Cholesterol Levels: Dietary Tips and Concerns
Understanding Temporary Swelling and Pain in Fingers and Toes
Swelling, pain, and itching in the fingers and toes? Hello doctor, recently I have been experiencing intermittent swelling, pain, and itching in my fingers and toes, which occurs in various locations. Sometimes there is slight swelling, but usually, the symptoms subside or improv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptoms, it may be related to growth and development or trauma. However, it is important to monitor for any accompanying symptoms, such as joint pain or skin rashes. If these related phenomena persist, it is advisable to consult a family medicine specialist....[Read More] Understanding Temporary Swelling and Pain in Fingers and Toes
Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Questions about blood glucose meters? Hello Doctor: Recently, a family member noticed that urination attracted ants, so they went to the clinic for a blood test. On the same day, after the nurse drew blood, she used the venous blood to measure fasting blood glucose with a Roche A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Wang Su-Chen: 1. According to the diagnostic criteria for diabetes set by the American Diabetes Association, a. a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥126 mg/dL after fasting for more than 8 hours, b. a 2-hour plasma glucose level of ≥200 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolera...[Read More] Understanding the Discrepancy Between Blood Glucose Meter and Lab Results
Could I Have Contracted an STD? Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Hello, Doctor. I had sexual relations with a mature sex worker on August 22. Initially, she gave me a full-body massage with lotion, and later we engaged in intercourse with a condom. However, about 20 minutes after finishing and returning hom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based solely on your symptoms, it is difficult to definitively determine whether it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), primarily because STIs can present with a wide range of symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests are needed for a more accurate assessment. If you ar...[Read More] Could I Have Contracted an STD? Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure
About HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I had sexual intercourse with a mature sex worker on August 22. Initially, she gave me a full-body massage with lotion, and later we engaged in protected sex. However, about 20 minutes after I got home, I started feeling itchy all over, and a red spo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question about the causes of HIV/AIDS, the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.tw. (I) There are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodefici...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure