Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure After Vaccination in Vietnam
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? During my visit to a local hospital in Vietnam for the COVID-19 vaccination, the vaccination process took about 3 hours. After returning home, I noticed an unknown yellow-brown residue on my palms, which resembles either iodine sol...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Basically, if there are no wounds on the palm, there is no chance of contracting bloodborne diseases through contact! Of course, it's a good idea to check if there are any effects on the local skin; if there are none, there's no need to worry![Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure After Vaccination in Vietnam
Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Chronic hypokalemia Hello Doctor 👋 # I have been experiencing low potassium, proteinuria, mild anemia, and diarrhea for over a year! My body often feels unwell with symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, numbness in my hands, nausea, palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on your inquiry, chronic hypokalemia primarily falls under the domain of nephrology, and it is advisable to consult a nephrologist for better coordination in managing your condition. Thank you for your question; the Nephrology Department at Changhua Hospital is here to supp...[Read More] Managing Long-Term Low Potassium: Symptoms and Next Steps
Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
The probability of contracting syphilis? Hello doctor, I had direct contact with the blood of a person infected with syphilis. At the time, my hand had no open wounds, and I washed my hands a few minutes later. That person's blood test for TPPA was 1:640, and they have alrea...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The patient has completed syphilis treatment and is essentially non-infectious. 2. If your hands do not have any open wounds, you will not be infected even if you come into contact with blood containing syphilis bacteria![Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Missed the Golden Treatment Window for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Did rheumatoid arthritis miss the golden period for treatment? Hello, doctor. For the past two to three years, I thought my joint pain was due to aging, but I only learned over a year ago that I have rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, it has already caused damage to my foot joi...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, regarding the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the earlier the better. The first year after onset, or even the six months prior to the onset, is considered the golden period for treatment. However, as long as a diagnosis is confirmed, it is never too late to pursue aggre...[Read More] Missed the Golden Treatment Window for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Suspected food allergy? Hello Dr. Hong, over the past two nights, I have suddenly developed what appears to be hives, primarily on my right hand. My mother and sister are allergic to shrimp and crab, and on the night of September 22, I ate scallops and started experiencing some i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it does seem like an allergic reaction. Since each individual's constitution is different, the symptoms may resolve quickly or persist for several days. 2. Even with the same food, such as shrimp or crab, the allergens can vary due to ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Can Taking Fever Reducers Affect Vaccine Efficacy? A Patient's Concern
Took antipyretics? Hello doctor, last night I received the AZ vaccine and took a Tylenol beforehand. After taking a shower and doing some work, I went to bed around midnight. Suddenly, around 4 AM, I felt very cold and started shivering. Not long after, at 5 AM, I developed a fev...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some studies abroad have indeed shown that using antipyretics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may slightly reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, but it does not render the vaccine ineffective. It is recommended that if you have a mild fever or are only slightly uncomfort...[Read More] Can Taking Fever Reducers Affect Vaccine Efficacy? A Patient's Concern
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
Can You Get Parasites from Unwashed Hands After Handling Dumplings?
I would like to know if this could lead to a parasitic infection? I cooked raw dumplings today (which were pre-made) and forgot to wash my hands before touching my teeth. I remember seeing that there are parasites that lay eggs in pork, so I want to know if I could get infected t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process you described, since you are not directly consuming raw pork, there should be no concern about parasitic infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get Parasites from Unwashed Hands After Handling Dumplings?
Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Medical consultation Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what an ANA titer of 1:160 represents. Does this indicate an autoimmune disease? I also have anemia and palpitations. A doctor previously informed me that it would be dangerous for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; is that...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. I have organized and responded to your inquiries as follows: 1. What does an ANA titer of 1:160 represent? Does it indicate an autoimmune disease? --> This is a screening indicator for autoimmune diseases. A higher titer suggests an increa...[Read More] Understanding ANA Test Results and Vaccine Concerns in Autoimmune Conditions
Why Do I Keep Catching Colds Despite Treating Allergies?
Frequent colds? I have a history of allergic rhinitis, but I also frequently catch colds. For the past couple of months, I have been consistently taking medication to treat my allergic rhinitis. If I don't stay up late and have no habits like smoking, why do I still catch co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you frequently catch colds, there are two important factors to consider. First, you often come into contact with patients who have respiratory infections, so it is recommended to wear a mask and wash your hands regularly. It is also advisable to get the flu vaccine ever...[Read More] Why Do I Keep Catching Colds Despite Treating Allergies?
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 Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Occasionally experiencing chest pain? In the past few months, I have been experiencing sudden chest pain that lasts for a second or two. The location of the pain varies; sometimes it is on the left side of my chest, and other times on the right side. I can clearly identify where ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the pain that changes with posture or massage is more likely to be musculoskeletal pain, typically associated with inflammation of the sternum, ribs, or vertebrae. I'm not sure if you've recently experienced poor posture, lifted heavy o...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Chest Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Excessive Sweating in the T-Zone: Causes and Solutions
The T-zone of the face is prone to excessive sweating? Areas prone to sweating: forehead, nose, sides of the nose, philtrum, chin. Hello, doctor. In the past, during winter, my hands and feet would be cold, and I tend to feel cold, so I generally do not use air conditioning. I us...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The T-zone is prone to sweating; it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Excessive Sweating in the T-Zone: Causes and Solutions
Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Hello, doctor? Hello Doctor, about four months ago, I started experiencing a feeling of discomfort and pain in my upper abdomen, and sometimes my stomach would suddenly spasm. I visited a gastroenterologist and underwent an endoscopy, which revealed only mild gastritis. I also ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I noticed that you have experienced symptoms of dysphagia along with multiple areas of muscle pain, which may be related to rheumatology. If you have seen many specialists without a clear diagnosis, I recommend that you visit a rheumatologist fo...[Read More] Seeking Answers: Navigating Chronic Pain and Unexplained Symptoms
Evening Headaches: Understanding Nighttime Pain and Its Causes
I experience headaches every evening? Hello doctor, my partner has been experiencing headaches that start after 10 PM for the past two to three nights. Sometimes, there is also a tingling sensation in the face. However, after getting some sleep, there are no symptoms during the d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the causes of headaches are often multifactorial, including medication, irregular sleep patterns, lack of exercise, stress, and coffee consumption habits, among others. Based on the situation you mentioned, the potential contributing factors could be: 1. Irregular sleep pa...[Read More] Evening Headaches: Understanding Nighttime Pain and Its Causes
Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Chronic Dermatitis
Vaccination inquiries? Hello Dr. Hong, I visited the dermatologist last week for a follow-up appointment. The doctor said I have chronic eczema and advised me to continue applying the medication. It seems to be improving as I no longer see any flakes. Last time, there was slight ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your provided skin condition, whether it is psoriasis or another diagnosis, it will not affect the administration of vaccines. The choice of vaccine type should also not be impacted, and you can receive the vaccine. The quality of the AZ vaccine is certified by th...[Read More] Vaccination Concerns for Patients with Chronic Dermatitis
Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Can bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and C be transmitted indirectly? Actually, this happened about four years ago when I took a part-time job as a dental assistant. One day, while waiting to clean instruments, I accidentally pricked my hand with a probe, causing some bleed...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the possibility of infection depends on whether the probe is contaminated with the patient's blood and whether the patient has a bloodborne disease. Given the long time frame, it is indeed advisable to consider blood tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Urticarial vasculitis? Hello, doctor. I have a tendency to be allergic and sneeze (which started about nine years ago). I have also experienced mild urticaria intermittently. However, starting in April of this year, I suddenly developed widespread urticaria. I went to a dermatolo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. How is anaphylactic shock determined? Although I was experiencing stomach pain, I was still responsive at the time... --> Perhaps "shock" is a bit severe, but you did have swelling of the lips and eyelids,...[Read More] Understanding Urticarial Vasculitis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options