Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Blood infection After acupuncture, if there are small wounds on the body, is there a concern for bloodborne infections when using electrodes for electrical stimulation and reusing cupping jars? Is there a risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as the acupuncture needles are not reused and other treatment methods are followed, there should not be a risk of bloodborne infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Infection concerns? Hello, I recently participated in a beach cleanup event, and after it ended, I noticed a red spot on the top of my foot. The spot is not bleeding, and I'm unsure if it was caused by a needle on the beach or an insect bite. I would like to know if, in this...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, unless it is confirmed that you have been punctured, based on your description, it is unlikely that you will be infected with any specific pathogens. You should monitor your body for any fever or discomfort, as well as observe the condition of any red spots. If you experie...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Questions about infection from strangers? Hello Doctor, after class today, while I was checking out at a convenience store, a stranger suddenly pushed past me to throw away his aluminum drink. It seemed like he had finished drinking outside and brought it in to dispose of it. I n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that there are suspected scratch marks on your hand, but no obvious wounds have been caused. In this case, there is no risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis B or C, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Needle-related issues Dear Dr. Hong, I am a nurse at a hospital, and a few days ago, I accidentally experienced a needle stick injury while on the intensive care unit. I have already followed the protocol for screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. However, I am still very...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the conditions you mentioned are mostly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are not transmitted through needle stick injuries. The primary diseases associated with needle stick injuries are HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. It is recommended to follow the needle...[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Does Drinking Unsweetened Tea Affect the Efficacy of PEP Medication?
PEP guitar therapy administration Hello doctor, I am currently taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medication. However, I usually mix it with unsweetened beverages like green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. Will this affect the effectiveness of the medication? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Please refer to the Chimei Medical Center's health education information regarding Biktarvy (https://www.chimei.org.tw/main/cmh_department/59012/info/5500/A5500547.html). <Precautions> A. If you have liver dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, hepatitis B, or other r...[Read More] Does Drinking Unsweetened Tea Affect the Efficacy of PEP Medication?
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Thank you, doctor! First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 this year, with an index of 280. Starting from the 20th, I took one quinine daily. On September 21, I had a second blood test, and the index was 334. During ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 of this year, with a score of 280. I started taking one quinine tablet daily from the 20th, and on September 21, my blood was drawn again, showin...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Two Medical Questions: Rib Discomfort and Hepatitis B Concerns
Two questions, please ask the doctor? Hello, I have two questions I would like to ask you. Today, while practicing diaphragmatic breathing, I noticed that after exhaling, the left rib, specifically the bone in the upper left part of my abdomen, seems to protrude slightly more tha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. In a normal human body, the ribs on both sides are not perfectly symmetrical. The condition you mentioned is likely just a normal physiological variation and should not be a cause for concern. 2. The injury you mentioned from being scratched by a fork does not pose a ri...[Read More] Two Medical Questions: Rib Discomfort and Hepatitis B Concerns
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Elevated rheumatoid factor in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, I underwent a full body health check in August and unexpectedly found my RF to be 240 (normal <15), while other results were normal. I went to the immunology department for a re-examination. I have no discomfort, an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A netizen discovered an RF level of 240 during a comprehensive health check-up. RF is not exclusively associated with rheumatoid arthritis; it is commonly found in carriers of hepatitis B, chronic infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. RF does not have predictive valu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
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?
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
Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Questions related to hepatitis B carriers? I recently learned that my husband is a carrier of hepatitis B after his health check-up. I would like to understand if, apart from vertical transmission at birth, it is possible for someone to become a carrier through infection during t...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: The transmission routes of hepatitis B primarily involve the entry of blood or bodily fluids infected with the hepatitis B virus into the human body through the skin or mucous membranes, particularly into the bloodstream. Hepatitis B can also be transmitted from mother to ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Carriers: Can Infection Occur During Childhood?
Understanding Dual Positivity of Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody
Dual positivity for hepatitis B antigen and antibody? Hello, my student’s health check revealed that they are positive for both hepatitis B antigen and antibody, with an antigen level of 944.1 (+) and an antibody level of 18.12 (+). What does this mean?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, here is a reference: Liver Disease Prevention and Treatment Academic Foundation https://www.liver.org.tw/journalView.php?cat=67&sid=926&page=1 Scenario 3: Both Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody are positive. Regardless of whether Anti-HBs (Hepatitis B sur...[Read More] Understanding Dual Positivity of Hepatitis B Antigen and Antibody
Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Inquiry about Hepatitis B transmission? Hello, I am a carrier of hepatitis B. Sometimes, my skin has wounds due to various reasons, such as accidental cuts/scrapes, eczema, or insect bites, and I am unsure if these wounds have any fluid or blood. If these wounds come into contact...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control data: The hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are infectious. The presence of the e antigen indicates a high viral load and high infectivity. Transmis...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Be Transmitted Through Open Wounds on Public Surfaces?
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my fatty liver disease has resolved, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Could I currently just have simple m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, normal liver enzyme levels indicate that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, follow-up ultrasound examinations are necessary to determine that. I agree with your physician's re...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Health Implications
Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Continuation 173038 Fatty Liver Issues Hello Doctor, my liver enzyme levels have returned to normal. Does this mean that my liver has resolved the condition of fatty liver disease, or is it possible for fatty liver disease to have normal liver enzyme levels? Or is it currently ju...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a normal liver index indicates that there is no inflammation in the liver. Weight loss can indeed improve fatty liver. As for whether the fatty liver has improved, it still requires follow-up with ultrasound to determine. I agree with your physician's opinion that an ...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver: Normal Liver Enzymes and Your Health Status
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B/C Infection Hello Doctor, a few nights ago I stepped on something sharp at the beach. If it was a needle, is there a risk of HIV or hepatitis B/C infection? Do I need to get any tests done? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have been pricked by a needle, it is indeed necessary to get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. If you are unsure about the source of the needle but suspect it might be contaminated, it is also advisable to test for the aforementioned four disea...[Read More] Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
Shared blood glucose lancet Hello, I lost my blood glucose lancing device, and the pharmacy ordered a new one for me. They also provided me with a demo lancing device for temporary use. I would like to ask if sharing a blood glucose lancing device (not the needle) can transmit bl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily flui...[Read More] Is Sharing a Blood Glucose Lancing Device Safe? Risks and Precautions
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?