Can You Get Bloodborne Infections from Dried Blood? A Doctor's Insight
Blood infection issues? Doctor: I accidentally came into contact with dried blood at school. Am I at risk of contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or other bloodborne diseases (such as HIV)? My clothes also came into contact with it; do they need special disinfection?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unlikely that you will contract any of the aforementioned diseases. If your clothing does not have any fading issues, you can consider disinfecting it with bleach. You do not need to worry excessively about your own health. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Can You Get Bloodborne Infections from Dried Blood? A Doctor's Insight
Do Gastrointestinal Medications Affect Infection Test Results?
Needle puncture infection testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I previously suffered a finger laceration in the hospital for unknown reasons. The infectious disease doctor recommended testing for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and HIV. I would like to ask if the gastrointestinal medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications you mentioned will not affect the results, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Do Gastrointestinal Medications Affect Infection Test Results?
Understanding Needle Stick Concerns: HIV and Hepatitis B Testing Guidelines
Needle puncture test If you are still concerned about the possibility of infection from a needle stick, what tests can be done to completely rule out the presence of HIV antibodies, such as a three-month test? Is there a concern that the window period could be extended due to a l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. According to general standards, follow-up after exposure is typically recommended at 3 months. If you still have concerns, you may consider a follow-up at 6 months. 2. Regarding hepatitis B and C, if there are still concerns, you may also consider a follow-up at 6 mo...[Read More] Understanding Needle Stick Concerns: HIV and Hepatitis B Testing Guidelines
Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Needle-associated bloodborne infection A few days ago, I was worried about accidentally getting pricked by a needle during a blood draw. If I were to get pricked, how long should I follow up for blood tests? For example, is the window period for HIV antibody testing three months ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, follow-up is done every three months unless there are special circumstances, such as ongoing concerns about infection or other sources of infection, which may extend the follow-up period. 2. It is recommended to use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV if ...[Read More] Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Haircut Injuries and the Risk of Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Haircut wounds and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I went for a haircut, and during the process, the stylist accidentally cut my skin (the wound is less than 0.5cm x 0.5cm). Although the general consensus online is that haircuts do not pose a risk for common infectio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, getting a haircut will not infect you with the infectious diseases you mentioned. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food, while Hepatitis B and C are mainly transmitted through blood transfusions, shared needles, or vertical transmission from mother...[Read More] Haircut Injuries and the Risk of Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Nail Clipping: Infection Risks and Safety Tips
Issues with nail clippers? Hello doctor, when I was trimming my nails last night, I felt a bit of a sting. I used a small pair of scissors to slightly dig at it. Although there was no bleeding afterward, I noticed some bubbles when I applied hydrogen peroxide, which makes me thin...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The bubbling of hydrogen peroxide is due to a chemical reaction, not because there is a wound. 2. It is advisable to avoid using iron instruments to probe wounds, as rusty iron may harbor bacteria. 3. Regarding disinfection methods, it is better to use sterile dispo...[Read More] Concerns About Nail Clipping: Infection Risks and Safety Tips
Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Previously, I had a cut on my cheek from a blade while getting a haircut, and I consulted you about it. Yesterday, I went to the hospital to see an infectious disease specialist. The doctor administered the hepatitis B vaccine and scheduled blood t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, the chance of infection is indeed very low. Therefore, the more important aspect is the follow-up. Currently, among the diseases mentioned, only hepatitis B has a vaccine. Your physician likely determined that preventive vaccination for hepatitis B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Unexplained Skin Petechiae: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Unknown cause of petechiae on the skin? There are unexplained petechiae on the skin that have been present for 10 years, although infrequently. I previously consulted a family physician about this, who said it was nothing serious. I just returned from the supermarket and noticed ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV typically do not present with petechiae. If you are concerned, it is advisable to see a doctor to check your platelet count and coagulation function. Additionally, petechiae generally do not form scabs, so if you notice similar spots on yo...[Read More] Unexplained Skin Petechiae: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Assessing the Risk of Hepatitis B Infection in Infants After Vaccination
Regarding the issue of hepatitis B infection in newborns? Hello Dr. Lin: My child is currently over six months old and has received the first, second, and third doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, one month, and six months, respectively. Since the child's grandmother ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The chances should be very low. 1. In fact, after receiving the second dose, more than half of the individuals should have immunity against hepatitis B; the third dose is intended to help maintain immunity for a longer duration. 2. The primary modes of transmission for hep...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of Hepatitis B Infection in Infants After Vaccination
Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression
A family member recently sought medical attention due to esophageal swelling compressing the trachea? My uncle is 35 years old and has diabetes (insulin injection approximately 40 units) and hepatitis B (taking Baraclude). Recently, he experienced esophageal swelling and sought m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of esophageal swelling, but it is quite rare for esophageal swelling to compress the trachea to the point where surgery is necessary. It would be important to understand what the initial diagnosis from the physician was regarding the cause of the esop...[Read More] Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression
Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
Loss of appetite, gastrointestinal discomfort, weight changes, Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Hong, I weigh 59 kg and am 173 cm tall, and I am 17 years old. I experience nausea before lunch and after dinner. I have little appetite when I see food and rarely feel hungry, but I haven'...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding hepatitis B, the main focus is on monitoring liver function tests. Based on your description, I would infer that your liver function tests should be normal. If they are normal, regular monitoring is sufficient. However, if you have irregular habits such as drinki...[Read More] Understanding Nausea, Appetite Loss, and Weight Changes in Hepatitis B Patients
Accidental Needle Stick from Diabetic Insulin: Should I Get Tested?
Accidentally pricked by an insulin needle used by a family member with diabetes? Hello Doctor, my mother has diabetes and needs someone to help her with daily insulin injections. However, I have had an experience where I accidentally pricked myself with a used needle, causing it ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, we are usually mainly concerned about the transmission of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, syphilis, and HIV. If your mother does not have any of these four diseases, there should be no need for concern. However, if you are unable to confirm whether your mother has any of these c...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick from Diabetic Insulin: Should I Get Tested?
Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Protect Against Different Virus Subtypes?
Subtypes of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hello, I was born in 1977 and have never received the hepatitis B vaccine. I have hepatitis B surface antibodies. If I were to be exposed to different subtypes of the hepatitis B virus, would the antibodies I previously produced be able to prot...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The surface antibodies for hepatitis B provide protection against different subtypes. Therefore, if your surface antibodies are positive, you will still have protection against various subtypes. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Antibodies Protect Against Different Virus Subtypes?
Can You Contract Hepatitis B or C from an Eye Exam?
Will this lead to a Hepatitis B infection or something similar? Today I went to see an ophthalmologist. After examining the previous patient, the doctor flipped their eyelid without washing their hands and then continued to examine me. At first, they used a cotton swab, but later...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Hepatitis B and C are primarily transmitted through blood, while HIV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Generally, transmission through touching the eyes is unlikely unless the other person's eyes have secretions or blood; otherwise, the risk of transmissio...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B or C from an Eye Exam?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Interferon Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Hepatitis B Interferon Hello, doctor: My mother is a carrier of hepatitis B, but I was vaccinated at birth and have consistently tested positive for antibodies while being a carrier myself, so I haven't paid much attention to it. Recently, when I tried to donate blood, I tes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently hepatitis B cannot be cured; however, hepatitis C can be cured. Many medications for hepatitis B are under development, and it is believed that in the foreseeable future, hepatitis B may also be curable. Currently, treatment for hepatitis B is typically offered t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Interferon Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
anti-HBc If HBsAg is negative and Anti-HBs antibody is positive, there is generally no need to test for Anti-HBc antibody, as this combination typically indicates that the individual has either been vaccinated against hepatitis B or has cleared a past infection. Therefore, it can...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Your blood test report shows that HBsAg is negative, while Anti-HBs antibodies are positive. This suggests that you may have previously received the hepatitis B vaccine, or you may have had a recent hepatitis B infection that is currently in the early recovery phase. It wo...[Read More] Understanding HBsAg and Anti-HBs: Do You Need Anti-HBc Testing?
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Hepatitis B/C, HIV, syphilis, bloodborne infections from acupuncture? Hello, doctor. I have a question regarding an incident at an acupuncture clinic. After the acupuncture needles were removed, there was some bleeding. The physician mistakenly used a cotton ball that had been us...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: First, if your wound has come into contact with another person's blood, there is indeed a risk of bloodborne infection. Second, if the other person is confirmed to be negative for Hepatitis B/C and HIV, then you would not be at risk of in...[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in Acupuncture Practices
Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Health check-up: Proteinuria I have vasculitis and mild arrhythmia, and I am taking immunosuppressive medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and anti-arrhythmic medication. I recently had a check-up, but I couldn't understand the report as the doctor was in a hurry and told me...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
If there are concerns about liver function, please consult a gastroenterologist. Urine protein is 1+, and it is recommended to visit a nephrologist for further testing. Wishing you good health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: What Your Health Check Results Mean
Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using Someone Else's Pimple Extractor?
Hepatitis B infection If someone accidentally uses a comedone extractor that was previously used by a person with hepatitis B, but it was not used immediately after them, is there still a risk of infection?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Apple: 1. The hepatitis B virus is primarily transmitted through serum. Therefore, sharing needles, razors, and other items that come into contact with blood or serum can potentially lead to infection. 2. Since nearly all citizens born in our country after 1985 have ...[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using Someone Else's Pimple Extractor?