Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Can this lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or tetanus? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, while I was browsing a kitchenware store in a department store, I accidentally scraped my hand on a product displayed by the store (a metal stirring stick with a gear-shaped end). At t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: While I cannot say that the situation you mentioned is impossible, the probability is extremely low (you can think of it as being even less likely than being struck by lightning). The reason is that bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis B and syphilis can survive outside t...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of elevated rheumatoid factor? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test that showed my rheumatoid factor was elevated by more than ten times. I later visited a doctor for further blood tests, and aside from a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My recommendations are as follows: 1. You should have regular follow-ups, such as every three months. If you experience any changes in symptoms before the scheduled follow-up, including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, etc., you can return for an...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for asking about the following situation regarding the risk of HIV infection. Last Friday, while waiting for the bus, I noticed that the person next to me had what appeared to be two or three bloodstains, about the size of a ten-d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently there are no reported cases of HIV infection due to coins or masks. It is advised not to worry, and there is no need for prophylactic medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
The wound came into contact with the water from my own toilet? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I was shopping and accidentally scratched my hand on a sharp object (a store decoration). At that moment, I only felt a sting and there was no bleeding. I sprayed a lot of alcohol on it an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your main concern is the risk of infection from the wound. However, the pathogens found in toilet environments are primarily gastrointestinal bacteria, not bloodborne pathogens, so the risk of sexually transmitted infections or bloodborne disease...[Read More] Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Is there a possibility of contracting HIV after a proctoscopy? Hello doctor, on August 25th, I underwent an anoscopy at the hospital due to hemorrhoid issues. The nurse asked me to lie down without checking if the doctor used properly sterilized instruments beforehand. I would li...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is essential to follow the regulations for instrument disinfection when performing a sigmoidoscopy in the hospital. Therefore, in recent years, there have been no case reports in Taiwan related to sigmoidoscopy, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Management of diabetic foot and hand gangrene? Hello Doctor: My family member is 58 years old and previously experienced septic shock, which resulted in the necrosis of the toes on one hand and one foot. The doctor mentioned that the circulation in the feet is very poor. At that ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
For the management of limb gangrene in diabetic patients, it is necessary to consult with a plastic surgeon or orthopedic specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Diabetic Gangrene: Options Beyond Natural Detachment
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Please consult a doctor? Hello, while I was having a meal with my friend in the underground food street, a sanitation worker came by to help me take my trash. I was unsure if I accidentally touched her gloves. I happened to have a small cut near my nail yesterday, which is no lon...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to infection with these bloodborne diseases, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts: Expert Insights
Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Various Blood/Body Fluid Infectious Diseases Hello, doctor. If there are sores in or outside the mouth and I accidentally consume food contaminated with various bloodborne or fluidborne pathogens, is it possible to contract different bloodborne or fluidborne infections? Thank you...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. The term "food contaminated with various blood or body fluid infectious diseases' viruses/pathogens" refers to consuming items that may be tainted with infectious agents, such as undercooked meat from infected animals or food that has been handled by an infected...[Read More] Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Weakness: When to Seek Help
Dizziness, nausea, and weakness? Hello Dr. Hong, in the past week, I have been experiencing dizziness, headaches, and nausea (one day it was quite severe). I also feel some weakness in my hands, and I have pain around my glabella and from the right side of my nose to the area aro...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to first check your blood pressure to see if it is elevated. The higher likelihoods could be due to elevated intraocular pressure, inner ear inflammation, or migraines. It is advisable to first consult an ophthalmologist, especi...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness, Nausea, and Weakness: When to Seek Help
Is It Safe to Dine Indoors and Stay in Enclosed Spaces During COVID-19?
Regarding COVID-19? Hello, doctor. Currently, Taiwan has tens of thousands of confirmed COVID-19 cases daily. Is it safe to stay indoors for extended periods (such as in libraries or cinemas)? Is wearing a mask indoors sufficient for safety? What about dining indoors? If dining i...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
During the pandemic, it is generally recommended to maintain a distance of at least 2 meters from others indoors and for both parties to wear masks, which can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Therefore, dining indoors carries a higher risk than simply being indoors. On...[Read More] Is It Safe to Dine Indoors and Stay in Enclosed Spaces During COVID-19?
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces
Possibility of transmission Hello Doctor, I went to a convenience store around noon to buy something. While I was in line to check out, a stranger suddenly pushed past me. I tried to dodge him, but he still brushed against me with the straw from his drink bottle (it seemed like h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, there are no obvious wounds, so there is essentially no risk of infection. Please don't worry, and thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces
Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
Contact with unknown liquid? Today, I took my son to the hospital. On our way there, we passed by a flower bed and sidewalk where there was a large puddle of some unknown thick liquid, which could have been vomit or feces. At that moment, we were in a hurry and didn't examin...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in an outdoor environment with relatively good ventilation, the diseases you are concerned about, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, and influenza, are less likely to be contracted through contamination. These diseases primarily spread through inhalation of respiratory droplets ...[Read More] Concerns About Exposure to Unknown Liquid: Health Risks for Children
Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy
Blood draw needle injury and glans mucosa? I would like to ask the doctor to assess the risk in a busy schedule. The other person had a blood test for blood sugar at 18:00 using a blood draw needle, and four hours later at 22:00, he performed manual stimulation (masturbation and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The blood glucose lancet is very fine and will heal quickly, so there should be no bleeding after four hours. 2. Based on your description, there is no risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Risks of Blood Draw Wound and Mucosal Contact During Intimacy
Understanding Moles on the Back of Your Hand: What You Need to Know
Mole on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I noticed a sudden appearance of a black mole on the back of my hand about three years ago. I consulted a dermatologist who said it was nothing to worry about and advised me to just monitor it. Since it has been a long time and it doesn...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, moles can appear on any part of the body. Based on your description, it seems to be a normal mole. If there are no significant changes, there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Moles on the Back of Your Hand: What You Need to Know
Isopropyl Alcohol: Health Risks and Safety Tips for Home Use
Isopropyl alcohol Hello, doctor. During the pandemic, someone in my household purchased isopropyl alcohol, and at that time, we were unaware of its potential dangers. We frequently used it for disinfecting surfaces and hand hygiene, and there were instances where I accidentally i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, these commercially available alcohols should evaporate and decompose quickly when used in open spaces, and they should not pose a risk to human health. If you experience any respiratory or neurological discomfort, please visit a major hospital's toxicol...[Read More] Isopropyl Alcohol: Health Risks and Safety Tips for Home Use
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Unnoticed Cuts
HIV infection During one occasion when I returned home, I noticed two very small circular wounds on my hand, both of which were bleeding slightly. However, I have no idea when they appeared or felt anything. Could it be that I was punctured by a sharp object contaminated with the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) can be categorized into three main pathways: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Unnoticed Cuts
Concerns About HIV Infection from Minor Cuts and Skin Contact
HIV infection issues When I was checking out at a convenience store, the cashier had a small bleeding wound on their finger, and they touched my hand, which had some abrasions. Should I be concerned about the risk of HIV infection in this situation? Additionally, when I visited a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Minor Cuts and Skin Contact
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Is there a possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if a showerhead comes into contact with a small amount of urine from a previous user (since they did not use the toilet flushing mechanism but inste...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you referred to, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?