Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork
Pork tapeworm parasite This morning, I went to the market to buy pork (ground pork). The vendor said the pork was freshly slaughtered. After I brought it home and handled it, I forgot to wash my hands, but I did use alcohol to disinfect them before eating. Is there a risk of para...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No; you can refer to the CDC's information: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g. In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lu...[Read More] Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork
Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork
Pork tapeworm parasite This morning, I went to the market to buy pork (ground pork). The vendor said the pork was freshly slaughtered. After I brought it home and handled it, I forgot to wash my hands, but I did use alcohol to disinfect them before eating. Is there a risk of para...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No; you can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/ListContent/AHwuigegBBBmuDcbWkzoGQ?uaid=T0MRJj8KVycdb4ZS6EGu_g. In Hualien County, an indigenous man named Peng Zhaoxi frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month a...[Read More] Concerns About Pork Tapeworm Infection After Handling Fresh Pork
Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Cellulitis I was admitted to the emergency room on February 28 due to swelling in my left hand. I was diagnosed with cellulitis despite having no external injuries. After 11 days of antibiotic treatment, the swelling finally decreased, and my CRP levels returned to normal. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Severe cellulitis may lead to localized tissue thickening or persistent swelling for some time after infection control, and it may take longer to gradually recover. Another possibility is that if the infection has invaded deeper tissues such as joints or bones, the recovery time ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Assessing Infection Risks from Handling Contaminated Clothing
Is there a risk of infection? On April 6, I helped a patient wash underwear stained with menstrual blood. I had several small wounds on my hands (including cuts from finger flesh and mosquito bites). The patient has a history of genital warts, so I am uncertain about their health...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. In principle, healthcare personnel should not have direct contact with patients' blood, body fluids, or wounds without gloves; they should wear gloves while performing procedures. 2. If there is accidental contact with an infectious wound, remember to first wash it thor...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Handling Contaminated Clothing
Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Immunology Report Issues Dear Dr. Gao, I recently received the following immunology report from my blood test: - Ro-52: (+) - OJ: (-) - EJ: (-) - PL-12: (-) - PL-7: (++) - SRP: (-) - Jo-1: (-) - PM-Scl75: (-) - PM-Scl100: (-) - Ku: (-) - SAE1: (-) - NXP2: (-) - MDA5: (-) - TIF1...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Some of the results do not have reference values, as different hospitals may use different testing machines and reference values, making interpretation difficult. The other results that can be somewhat assessed are as follows: Anti-dsDNA 30.8 WH...[Read More] Understanding Your Immune Report: What Do the Results Mean?
Food Safety: Handling Raw and Cooked Foods to Prevent Infections
Raw and Cooked Food Issues Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions: 1. After defrosting raw food in the microwave, can I directly microwave it again to cook? Will the cooked food have bacteria from the raw food? (I have already eaten the cooked food but am concer...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is best to consume food that has been defrosted in the microwave immediately, as leaving it out for too long can lead to bacterial growth; however, there are no concerns regarding parasites. 2. Washing your hands frequently can help prevent infections. 3. Yes, us...[Read More] Food Safety: Handling Raw and Cooked Foods to Prevent Infections
Can Indirect Contact with Trash Bins Lead to Infections?
Is indirect transmission possible? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection if I accidentally touch a trash can while using the restroom and then clean my intimate areas or touch other parts of my body afterward. Additionally, is it sufficient to wash my...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not lead to infection. Washing hands frequently can indeed help prevent infections. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Indirect Contact with Trash Bins Lead to Infections?
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Lower back pain? Lower back pain, numbness in hands, slight pinkish blood when wiping after urination, sometimes present and sometimes absent, generalized abdominal pain without a specific location, occasional decreased urine output which may be due to hot weather and sweating, d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, urinary tract infection should be ruled out first, as it can cause hematuria and abdominal pain. If there is also kidney inflammation, it may lead to lower back pain. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a urologist for a urine test and further ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Preventing Infections: Hand Hygiene and Personal Care Tips
Is there a risk of infection? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a couple of questions: 1. I have a recent wound on my hand that has not healed. If I come into contact with suspected insect or animal droppings (specifically from a gecko), is washing my hands with soap sufficien...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regular hand soap is sufficient for hand cleaning. 2. It is recommended to perform external cleaning only, about once a day; internal rinsing is not advised. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Preventing Infections: Hand Hygiene and Personal Care Tips
Concerns About Indirect Infection from Lizard Droppings: A Doctor's Insight
Please consult the physician again? Hello Doctor, I am the inquirer with ID 194504. I would like to ask, if I accidentally sit on the droppings of a gecko or other insects and cannot clean it immediately, is there a risk of infection if I touch my pants while using the restroom? ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as you wash your hands properly, the risk of infection will be minimized. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Indirect Infection from Lizard Droppings: A Doctor's Insight
How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time (continued inquiry) Hello, Doctor: This is my original question for you: "Could you please tell me how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, warts, herpes, human papillomavirus, and Chlamydia can surviv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the bacteria or viruses you mentioned can survive for varying lengths of time depending on different environments, including the quantity present in bodily fluids, which can range from a few minutes to several weeks. It is difficult to generalize, and most do not have defi...[Read More] How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Can Klebsiella Pneumonia Spread to Family Members?
Can Klebsiella pneumoniae be transmitted to family members? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor if Klebsiella pneumonia can be transmitted to family members through urine or feces? Can using disinfectants or alcohol to clean the bathroom help prevent this? Does the patient need...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Klebsiella pneumoniae is not transmitted to family members through urine or feces. Using disinfectants or alcohol to clean the bathroom can help prevent infection. There is no need for a separate bathroom; frequent handwashing is sufficient. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Klebsiella Pneumonia Spread to Family Members?
Managing Wounds for Sensitive Hands: Tips for Cold Weather Care
Management of wounds from rich hand injuries? Hello, doctor. I have sensitive hands and suffer from dishydrotic eczema and eczema. When I encounter cold weather, my hands crack and bleed. Should I bandage the wounds? (The wounds vary in size.) I'm concerned about the risk of...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you will be handling food, especially raw food, it is advisable to keep it covered. At other times, it may not be necessary. If there is bleeding or if the wound is very painful, then it should be covered. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Managing Wounds for Sensitive Hands: Tips for Cold Weather Care
Health Concerns: Animal Carcasses, Hygiene, and Intimate Care
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor. I have a few questions: 1. If I step on a bird or other animal carcass while wearing shoes, is there a risk of infection? 2. Additionally, if a tire runs over an animal carcass and I check and touch it, is washing my hands sufficient? 3. Is ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There will be no concerns about infection. 2. Yes, washing hands is indeed the most important. 3. Yes, excessive cleaning can indeed be uncomfortable. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Health Concerns: Animal Carcasses, Hygiene, and Intimate Care
Can Cleaning Public Restrooms Spread Germs and Infections?
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor: I have a couple of questions. 1. If I am cleaning a public restroom (like in an office) and come into contact with the sink, door handles, or other surfaces, is there a possibility of bacteria or viruses remaining that could infect other users...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned can be managed by ensuring proper hand hygiene, which will prevent infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Cleaning Public Restrooms Spread Germs and Infections?
Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Rheumatoid arthritis blood test values I have had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for three years and have been on biologic therapy for about two years. Since the onset of the disease, my blood test results have shown an ESR between 15-40. Recently, during a follow-up visit, my blood r...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your abnormal blood test results seem to be more related to the biologic therapy, but generally, they are not a major concern. However, if you are still experiencing multiple joint pains despite receiving biologic treatment, it is important to d...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Scratching Your Ear After Driving?
Possible infection Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a question. A relative of mine has hepatitis B, and after using his car and navigating for him, I scratched my ear with the same hand. Although my ear did not bleed, I accidentally scratched it a bit harder in the morning, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the ear pulling condition you mentioned will not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Scratching Your Ear After Driving?
Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Leigh syndrome Hello Doctor, after a cold, I experienced pain at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon, which gradually developed into pain in the soles of my feet and in the joints of my hands. There is no redness or swelling in the joints. After an examination by the immun...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Many of my painful areas are symmetrical, but isn't reactive arthritis primarily asymmetrical? --> Yes, it is. However, whether arthritis is symmetrical or not is not a necessary criterion for diagnosing reac...[Read More] Understanding Reactive Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Family Links
Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Small red spots appear on the skin? Since the beginning of the year, I have been experiencing painless and itchless small red spots under the skin (which disappear when pressed). Blood tests for platelet count and liver function (including tests for sexually transmitted diseases)...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is recommended to visit a dermatologist. If blood tests are normal and there is no diagnosis, a biopsy may be considered for further differential diagnosis. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding the Causes of Painless Red Spots on Skin
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Exposure
Blood infection Hello Dr. Hong: I apologize for bothering you. Today, when I went to change my sanitary pad, I wrapped the used one and placed it on top of the tissue box. When I was about to throw it away, I thought to myself that I wasn't sure if it was mine, so I careless...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned is unlikely to result in an HIV infection, so there is no need for post-exposure prophylaxis at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Exposure