Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Symptoms of recurrent rheumatic fever? Hello, Doctor. After experiencing persistent pain for three months, I was diagnosed with recurrent rheumatism. One day I woke up with morning stiffness in both hands, but it disappeared after two days. Later, my doctor prescribed quinine. Be...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I will be undergoing a blood test in the next few days to check the status after taking quinine for a month. I would like to know if the concurrent use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine will af...[Read More] Managing Recurrent Rheumatism: Impact of Traditional and Western Medicine
Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights
Concern about parasitic infection Hello, doctor. Today, I touched a snail on the road and did not wash my hands before going to work. After a break at work, I touched food with my hands and ate it, but I was wearing gloves while working and also touched clothing. I would like to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Not every snail carries Angiostrongylus cantonensis, but developing the habit of washing hands after contact with wildlife or before eating is a good way to prevent disease infection.[Read More] Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights
Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had safe sexual intercourse with a sex worker, but she happened to be menstruating and there was a small amount of blood on the condom. I also had a slight abrasion on my genital area. When I removed the condom, some of the blood got onto my genital ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. There are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Joint and muscle pain Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a few questions. 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and went to an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. However, afte...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Initially, I experienced pain in my right knee and visited an orthopedic clinic where an ultrasound revealed inflammation and swelling. The doctor suggested a possible meniscus injury. After a follow-up visit with no i...[Read More] Understanding Joint and Muscle Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Management
Can You Get HIV from Sharing Nasal Devices and Blood Contact?
Can this lead to an HIV infection? I would like to inquire whether sharing a water pipe for nasal inhalation and using a mouthpiece for smoking between my ex-girlfriend and her sister could transmit HIV. Additionally, since her sister is unaware that she is infected with HIV, and...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Does my girlfriend's sister really have HIV? 2. HIV is transmitted through blood and sexual contact, as the virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. 3. Therefore, there is no need to worry about contracting HIV. 4. If you still have questions, you can consult...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Sharing Nasal Devices and Blood Contact?
Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know
Breaking a light bulb can lead to mercury poisoning? After I removed the bulb from the lamp, it accidentally fell and broke on the table while I was putting it in a bag. During the cleanup, my hand came into contact with the glass shards. Could this cause mercury poisoning? What ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The mercury content in regular light bulbs is very low, and contact with broken glass should not cause poisoning. However, the mercury vapor inside the bulb can potentially lead to inhalation mercury poisoning after the bulb breaks. Therefore, ...[Read More] Mercury Poisoning Risks from Broken Light Bulbs: What You Need to Know
Understanding Post-Massage Discomfort and Skin Concerns: A Doctor's Insight
May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and yesterday I went for a shoulder and foot massage with my university classmates. I would like to ask why my shoulders, which were tight before, feel sore after the massage. This is my first time getting a massage. Addit...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. People who are not accustomed to massages may feel uncomfortable during their first experience and may even resist the massage therapist, resulting in soreness afterward. Therefore, it's important to relax and enjoy the massage process during your next visit. 2. As for ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Massage Discomfort and Skin Concerns: A Doctor's Insight
Understanding Avian Influenza Risks: Safety Measures After Bird Encounter
Avian influenza or other infectious diseases? Hello, doctor. Today, I found a newly hatched bird in my laundry area at home. Its activity level was very low, so I quickly picked it up and called the animal protection unit to take it away. I wore gloves and a mask while placing it...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The probability is extremely low. Avian influenza, like seasonal influenza, is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. Therefore, the main risk comes from close contact with infected birds. Even if you touch birds with bare hands, as long as you thoroughly wash...[Read More] Understanding Avian Influenza Risks: Safety Measures After Bird Encounter
Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Blood infection During a prenatal check-up, blood was drawn, and immediately after the previous pregnant woman had her blood drawn, I was called to sit down. As I sat down, I noticed an alcohol swab on the table that was contaminated with blood from the previous patient. The nurs...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes after leaving the human body, and its survival rate is even lower in the presence of alcohol-based disinfectants. 2. The primary viruses that can be transmitted through needles are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV; however, transmission...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Urinary tract infection (UTI) issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I recently visited the obstetrics and gynecology department, and due to urgency, I went to the restroom first. After urinating, I accidentally dripped some urine on the toilet and the fl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The likelihood of transmission through general contact is low because the environmental differences between a toilet and the human body are significant. In terms of bacteria or viruses, the time required for adaptation greatly reduces their survival rate. 2. However, wounds ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Emergency Medications for Allergies: Sneezing and Runny Nose Relief
What are some alternative medications for allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose or sneezing? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my nose. It often runs or I sneeze when there are changes in the environment, such as when I enter or exit the bathroom, my home, or the car, a...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is advisable to have backup medications and stable control medications. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist. Thank you.[Read More] Emergency Medications for Allergies: Sneezing and Runny Nose Relief
Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Snail parasites Hello, doctor. This morning, I directly touched a small snail on my motorcycle handle. After realizing it was a snail, I used a wet cloth to remove it. At that moment, there was no water source nearby, so I rode for about 30 minutes to my destination before using ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is usually not much risk involved. Eating raw snails is typically riskier because parasites are found inside the snails rather than on their surface. Therefore, touching snails is unlikely to expose you to parasites.[Read More] Risk of Parasite Infection from Snail Contact: What You Should Know
Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Can X-rays or CT scans differentiate the causes of sacroiliac joint arthritis? What are the treatment options for enthesitis? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing chronic lower back pain that alleviates with activity. X-rays from last year show bilateral grade II sacroiliitis, ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: (1) I have been experiencing intermittent sharp pain in my right ankle since last year, as if it is being bitten, with the pain intensifying at night. Additionally, I have long-term soreness on the outer side of my right...[Read More] Can X-rays or CT Scans Differentiate Causes of Sacroiliitis?
Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hello Doctor: 1. I am a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, despite having a light diet, while still losing weight after being diagnos...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I am an SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) patient. I would like to ask if it is normal for me to feel very hungry and eat four to five meals a day, even though I have been eating a light diet and have been on medica...[Read More] Managing Lupus: Weight Loss, Muscle Cramps, and Tattoo Safety
Emergency Medications for Allergic Rhinitis: What You Need to Know
What are some alternative medications for allergic rhinitis, such as runny nose or sneezing? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about my nose. It often runs or I sneeze when there are changes in the environment, such as going in and out of the bathroom, home, or car, as well a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. You can prepare antihistamines, which are available at pharmacies. It is recommended to choose those with minimal sedative side effects, as they are less likely to impact your daily life or work. If the symptoms remain severe, you should consult...[Read More] Emergency Medications for Allergic Rhinitis: What You Need to Know
Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
Hyperthyroidism issues? Hello, Doctor. I have hyperthyroidism and have been undergoing treatment for about 6 years. Currently, my treatment involves taking one Methimazole (5 mg) tablet every night before bed. I would like to ask you about a situation regarding my rental housing....
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
There are no clear reports on the effects of thirdhand smoke on thyroid function. Please cooperate with your outpatient physician and undergo regular blood tests for monitoring. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Impact of Thirdhand Smoke on Hyperthyroidism: Concerns and Insights
Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Regarding contact with another person's blood? Hello Dr. Lin, my family member needs to check their blood sugar, but they cannot operate the device and cannot see, so I assist them. Today, my family member bled more than usual, and when I was about to discard the test strip,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there are many diseases that can be transmitted through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. The ones that are usually of particular concern are HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It would be advisable to first check if any of your family members have a history o...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria
Fecal-oral transmission of parasites or pathogenic bacteria? Hello Dr. Lin, I previously inquired about chronic diarrhea and suspect that it may be due to a parasitic or pathogenic bacterial infection from an incident over three years ago when I accidentally ingested toilet water...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There are many bacteria, predominantly Escherichia coli. 2. Parasites are typically present in individuals who have been recently infected; thus, the water in the toilet may contain parasites only if someone with a parasitic infection has used it (parasites cannot survive long...[Read More] Understanding Fecal-Oral Infections: Parasites and Pathogenic Bacteria