Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Concerns and anxiety about medical consultations, worrying about blood and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I took my child to a pediatric clinic for a urology consultation. During the consultation, I noticed that the physician had a noticeable laceration at the base...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Direct contact of wounds or blood with mucous membranes or broken skin may pose a risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases. However, if there is blood at the base of the fingernail and the finger touches intact skin, theoretically, there is a risk of transmission. 2. The surf...[Read More] Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits
Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Rheumatoid-related inquiries? Hello, Dr. Gao. I previously asked you about rheumatoid-related issues (pain in both wrists) on September 11. The blood test results are out, and I also had an X-ray of my hands. The rheumatologist said there were no issues. I would like to ask you a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: Question 1: In the case of early rheumatoid arthritis, is it possible for blood test results to be normal and X-rays to show no signs? --> Yes, that can happen. Question 2: What does the quantitative result in the b...[Read More] Understanding Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: Blood Tests and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Suspected ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor, I am 28 years old. Initially, six months ago, after a full-body adjustment, I started experiencing stiffness and pain in my back upon waking up, particularly in the upper back (with no issues in the lower back). After stretching in...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Do I have ankylosing spondylitis? --> It would be helpful to check for HLA-B27. Your symptoms have persisted for a while, and chronic lower back pain in young individuals warrants caution regarding ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Suspected Ankylosing Spondylitis: Symptoms and Next Steps
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Unknown Blood Exposure
Risk of HIV Infection Hello Dr. Lin, today after washing my clothes, I noticed a few small dried blood stains on them while hanging them out to dry. I absentmindedly picked at them, but I couldn't confirm if the blood was mine, as I hadn't noticed it before. Later, I we...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body and are unlikely to remain on dried blood stains. It is even more difficult for them to be transmitted by touching your hands, then touching a tissue, and subsequently coming into contact with the urethra. There is no need to worr...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Unknown Blood Exposure
Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Is this morning stiffness (and pain) a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Tseng, both my son and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis by rheumatologists, but I find it quite peculiar that our experiences of morning stiffness are completely different. When I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Morning stiffness in ankylosing spondylitis refers to the stiffness experienced upon waking and moving, whether bending forward or arching backward. The severity of stiffness varies among individuals, but it typically improves after a period of activity. If your symptoms are rela...[Read More] Understanding Morning Stiffness and Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Can Scratched Groin Skin Lead to HIV Infection After Safe Sex?
Is there a risk of HIV infection from a scratched area in the groin? Recently, I had sexual relations with a sex worker. About 1-2 months later, I noticed that my groin area had been scratched and was red, with some broken skin, but there was no significant bleeding. I used a con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk o...[Read More] Can Scratched Groin Skin Lead to HIV Infection After Safe Sex?
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Recently, during my internship at the hospital, someone left an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, so I'm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
HIV Transmission Routes (Allergy) I have an allergic constitution, so my eyes, nose, and ears are easily itchy. To relieve the itching, I often use my hands to touch the mucous membranes of my eyes, ears, and nose. If my hands have HIV-infected bodily fluids and I continuously to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk o...[Read More] Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
The likelihood of anxiety-induced rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you questions related to rheumatoid issues. I have health anxiety and had blood tests for rheumatoid-related checks last November. At that time, the doctor said the results were normal and ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. First of all, I'm not sure where you saw that "people who are under long-term stress have a 176 times higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal individuals." In my knowledge and the relevant literature, ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next
Needle stick injury and infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Today, I went to buy a sewing needle for leather shoes (it's a bit thicker than a regular needle, and the tip is sharpened into a triangular shape). The male shop owner, who l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, needle stick injuries typically occur shortly after blood is drawn, as the needle may still harbor viable viruses that pose a potential risk of transmission. If the injury occurs two hours later, the likelihood of viable viruses remaining is quite low, and the risk of tran...[Read More] Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Eye Exposure
Possibility of infection Hello Doctor, I work in the service industry and today while I was working, something splashed into my eye. A customer was concerned about the possibility of being splashed with someone else's blood and getting infected with HIV. However, I looked ar...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Just like healthcare workers who are pricked by needles, the chance of infection is very low, but there is a psychological barrier that makes them consider taking preventive medication. 2. If you are concerned about infection, it might be a good idea to wear goggles while wo...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Eye Exposure
Can You Get HIV from Touching Your Nose or Ears After Contact?
HIV transmission routes (nose, ears) If the hand unknowingly came into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then accidentally touched the inside of the nose or the inside of the ear, is there a risk of HIV infection in this situation?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within 10 minutes after leaving the human body. 2. Of course, it is more important to avoid handling items that contain bodily fluids or blood without gloves and to maintain good hand hygiene.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching Your Nose or Ears After Contact?
Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission in Eye Care Settings
Possibility of HIV Infection When I visited the ophthalmologist, the patient before me seemed to have a pus-filled lesion on their eye, which the doctor removed, and it appeared to be bleeding. When it was my turn, only about 10 minutes had passed. I had a blister and an eyelash ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Currently, the number of people living with HIV in Taiwan is approximately 1 to 2 per 1,000 individuals. 2. Medical facilities should ensure that treatment equipment is regularly cleaned and replaced; if necessary, patients can request this from their physician. 3. The HIV...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission in Eye Care Settings
Can You Get HIV from Touching a Door Handle with Blood?
HIV transmission (doorknob) If an HIV-positive individual opened a door and there was HIV-contaminated blood on the doorknob, and then I subsequently touched the doorknob with my hand that has an open wound, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk of tran...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infect...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching a Door Handle with Blood?
Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Finger puncture? Hello, doctor. 1. When donating blood, they first test hemoglobin, which involves a finger prick. Is there a risk of HIV infection if the puncture wound comes into contact with blood? 2. If I shake hands with someone who is also donating blood and both of us h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: There is a risk of infection when engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other excha...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I am currently interning, and someone placed an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, and I'm not sure if ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body, so the risk of indirect contact (where the virus transfers from blood to an alcohol swab and then enters your wound) is quite low. Furthermore, alcohol has a strong virucidal effect, so in the case of a single incident, I believe...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Understanding Morning Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Parent-Child Perspective
Is this morning stiffness (and pain) a symptom of ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Dr. Gao, both my son and I have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis by rheumatologists, but I find it quite peculiar that our experiences of morning stiffness are completely different. When I w...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The significance of morning stiffness lies in the joint stiffness and pain that occurs after rest, particularly following sleep, but improves with activity. Therefore, the presentation of stiffness and pain can vary, potentially affecting the r...[Read More] Understanding Morning Stiffness in Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Parent-Child Perspective
Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation? 1. I understand that the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. However, as a cashier, if I touched a customer's wound and then rubbed my eyes, would there still be a risk of HIV infection d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk can only be described as negligible; if I say it's less than one in ten thousand, you might think that's quite high. 2. Blood on the surface is indeed considered external; the virus dies quickly. 3. There is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases whe...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
Blood splattered into the eyes? Hello doctor, my colleague has a tattoo on his hand, and after getting it done, the tattooed area has been bleeding. Today, while I was crouching to pick something up, my colleague was standing in front of me and something splashed into my eye. If ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I can't say there are no risks, but the overall risk should be lower than being struck by lightning while walking on the street (probably less than one in ten thousand). It can only be said that professional assessments do not consider such a negligible risk worth the expens...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Contact with Eyes: What You Need to Know
Wound contact with the eyes? Hello doctor, today when I was checking out at a convenience store, I noticed that the cashier had a noticeable bleeding wound on his hand. After he handed me the change, I came into contact with his bleeding wound, and then my eyes started to itch, s...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. Even if you accidentally touch a visibly bleeding wound of another person and then rub your eyes, the amount of blood that could be on your hands is extremely minimal (if there is any at all). The live virus present in suc...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Contact with Eyes: What You Need to Know