Do Hepatitis B Carriers Still Need the Vaccine?
Carriers of Hepatitis B virus? Do carriers of hepatitis B still need to receive the hepatitis B vaccine?
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Chi: 1. Hepatitis B carriers are identified by the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in their bodies, without the production of antibodies against the surface antigen. Therefore, they do not need to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine. 2. Hepatitis B carrie...[Read More] Do Hepatitis B Carriers Still Need the Vaccine?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Kidney problems Hello, my sister is 29 years old and has a history of refractory epilepsy for 23 years, is a carrier of hepatitis B, and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia for 2 years. She was hospitalized on July 31 due to cellulitis and developed sepsis, requiring intubation...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Based on the data you provided, this condition is classified as "acute kidney injury," which may be caused by cellulitis complicated by sepsis. The key point is that as the infection is brought under control, your kidney function will gradually improve. It is recommende...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Insights on Recovery and Dietary Considerations
Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Kidney problems Hello Doctor, My family member (female, 29 years old) has long-term chronic health issues. She has been diagnosed with refractory epilepsy for 23 years and is currently taking the following medications: Depakote 700mg, Vimpat 100mg, Keppra 1000mg, and Lamictal 30...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Currently, your family member's creatinine levels have returned to normal range. The recent decline in kidney function is likely due to acute kidney injury, but regular monitoring is still necessary. Dietary restrictions are not required at this time. The exact causes...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families
Should I Start Medication for High Hepatitis B Viral Load Despite Normal Liver Function?
Liver function and liver ultrasound are normal, but the viral load exceeds 100 million copies. Should medication be taken? Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B, 42 years old, and I have regular follow-up examinations every three months for liver function, fetal protein, an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in cases where liver function is normal, the treatment effect of hepatitis B medications is indeed not very effective. Therefore, it is still recommended in clinical practice to use them when liver function is abnormal, as the results are better. Regarding concerns about t...[Read More] Should I Start Medication for High Hepatitis B Viral Load Despite Normal Liver Function?
Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
ANA index and HIV I had an ANA test at the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with a result of 1:1280. All detailed examinations were normal, but I am experiencing pain in my left knee and finger joints, as well as dry mout...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether a high ANA index is related to HIV, the response is as follows. [Interferents and Unrelated Health Conditions] An assessment of the impact of interferents and unrelated health conditions on the specificity of this assay was cond...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Injury caused by a chest drainage tube? Today, I accidentally got stabbed by a broken glass tube while cleaning the chest drainage bottle. Should I see an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean water and has been left...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of accidentally being punctured by a broken glass tube while cleaning a chest drainage bottle today, is it necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The chest drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean wate...[Read More] Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Changes: Risks and Implications
Regarding the issue of hepatitis B antibodies? Hello Dr. Hong: I would like to ask you about the issue of hepatitis B antibodies. I am currently 60 years old. When I was younger, I was positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg+) and negative for hepatitis B surface antibody...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of surface antibodies typically indicates that your body has cleared the hepatitis B virus. As long as these antibodies are present, the risk of reinfection is relatively low. However, if the antibodies disappear, there is indeed a risk of infection. Additiona...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibody Changes: Risks and Implications
Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results and Follow-Up Care
Issues with the health examination report? Hello, I was vaccinated when I was young, but it seems that I did not produce antibodies, so I was diagnosed as a carrier of hepatitis B last year. I have been monitored since then, and there have been no significant issues. My doctor ad...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you are already a carrier of hepatitis B, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine is no longer meaningful; regular follow-ups every six months are sufficient. Elevated eosinophil levels can have many causes, such as allergic diseases, parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases...[Read More] Understanding Your Hepatitis B Test Results and Follow-Up Care
Understanding the Risks of HIV and Hepatitis B from Toilet Exposure
Issues related to HIV and Hepatitis B virus infection? Hello, doctor. I accidentally got splashed by toilet water on my anus while using the restroom, and there is a wound on my anus (there is blood when I wipe with toilet paper). If the previous user had HIV or Hepatitis B and l...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question about hepatitis B, "I seem to have lost my antibodies during my high school tests, and I have not received any booster shots since then. If I get splashed with toilet water on a wound, could I get infected?" A: Generally, young...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of HIV and Hepatitis B from Toilet Exposure
Understanding Hepatitis Window Periods: Should You Worry After Blood Donation?
Screening issues I am worried about being accidentally pricked by a needle from a passerby, but I didn't feel anything and I'm still scared. Although various associations say that even if it happens, it's unlikely to lead to an infection, I still went for testing a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: A: Regarding the issue of the window period for post-exposure recall of hepatitis B and C, I checked with the blood donation center, and the window period for hepatitis B is 30 days and for hepatitis C is 23 days. Should I still be concerned about this? 1. The risk ...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis Window Periods: Should You Worry After Blood Donation?
Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Using the same toothpaste as a carrier of Hepatitis B? Hello Dr. Liao, my husband is 33 years old and does not have hepatitis B surface antigens or antibodies. Three days ago, he accidentally used a toothbrush that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not remember if he had...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the situation of my husband, who is 33 years old and has no hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) or antibodies. Three days ago, he mistakenly used toothpaste that belonged to a hepatitis B carrier. He does not recall if he had any gum bleeding at that time....[Read More] Should You Get Tested for Hepatitis B After Using a Carrier's Toothpaste?
Is Vaccination Helpful After Being Diagnosed with Hepatitis B?
Is it beneficial to receive the vaccine after contracting hepatitis B? Hello, I would like to ask if receiving a vaccine is helpful after being confirmed to have hepatitis B. Thank you.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Zhang Huo: Generally speaking, whether it is acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B, or even healthy carriers, receiving the hepatitis B vaccine should not be beneficial, and there is currently no evidence indicating a need for vaccination. If someone suggests that hepat...[Read More] Is Vaccination Helpful After Being Diagnosed with Hepatitis B?
Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission, Symptoms, and Incubation Period
Hepatitis infection 1. Doctor, I would like to ask: If someone becomes infected with Hepatitis B due to certain reasons (such as acupuncture, blood transfusion, or tattoos), will they become a carrier? 2. If infected, how long does it typically take for symptoms to appear? I fou...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Regarding your inquiry related to the gastroenterology department under internal medicine, Dr. Chen Chi-Feng from the Gastroenterology Department at Taoyuan Hospital has provided the following response: 1. Modern blood banks conduct screening on all donated blood, so the...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Transmission, Symptoms, and Incubation Period
Concerns About Possible Exposure to Bodily Fluids: What You Need to Know
Encountering a strange person who splashes liquid while walking? Hello Doctor, on Wednesday, May 11, I was chatting with a friend in an alley when a group of strange individuals walked by, seemingly under the influence of drugs. After they slowly passed in front of me, I felt an ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the sensation of an unknown salty liquid (several drops, possibly more than 5 or 6, uncertain) entering my mouth, during those days I also noticed that my mouth had wounds that bled when brushing my teeth. Upon closer inspection, I found that my gums had b...[Read More] Concerns About Possible Exposure to Bodily Fluids: What You Need to Know
Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Floor and shoe sole Hello: I work in a pathology lab where specimens often result in blood or bodily fluids dripping onto the floor. After handling specimens, I walk back to the adjacent office and am concerned that HIV in the bodily fluids on the floor could be brought back to t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. The following are legally mandated infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact: Granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, rabies, anthrax, glanders, leptospirosis, tetanus, neonatal tetanus, scabies, pediculosis, leprosy, cat scratch fever, tularemia, ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Transmission from Contaminated Floors and Shoes
Understanding Infection Risks from Shared Needles: What You Should Know
Disease transmission I borrowed a needle from a friend to sew some clothes. About six days later, after rinsing the needle with hot water for a few seconds, I used it to prick a pimple on my nose, which caused some bleeding. Now I'm a bit worried that if there was saliva lef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the questions asked, please consider (1) whether your friend has any illnesses and (2) the handling of needles. (1) Whether your friend has any illnesses: If your friend has bloodborne infections such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, then w...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Shared Needles: What You Should Know
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Hepatitis B carrier I am a carrier of hepatitis B. If the person I like does not have antibodies, can I transmit the virus to them? I have had tests done before, and the doctor said there were no issues.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The causes of hepatitis B infection can be divided into vertical and horizontal transmission. The former refers to infants being infected by hepatitis B carrier mothers at birth or during the perinatal period, while the latter includes sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, s...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, nine years ago during my high school health check-up, my hepatitis B surface antigen was negative and my hepatitis B surface antibody was positive. However, this year's health check-up report shows that my hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: A positive HBsAg indicates a possible recent infection with hepatitis B or a lifelong carrier of hepatitis B, where the antibodies may also disappear. Transmission routes include: sexual contact; sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or earrings; using non-sterilized need...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Care Options
Liver issues? Hello doctor, I recently had an abdominal ultrasound that showed liver fibrosis. My blood tests did not indicate hepatitis B or C. Is it possible that I had hepatitis B or C in the past and it resolved on its own, leading to the fibrosis? I also do not drink alcohol...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: In addition to hepatitis B and C, there are other causes. It is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist specializing in hepatobiliary medicine.[Read More] Understanding Liver Fibrosis: Causes, Treatment, and Care Options
Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results
What is the likelihood of developing diabetes? Hello Doctor, Happy New Year! I would like to ask about my fasting blood test results after 12 hours: Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) 78.5, Hemoglobin 24.6, High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) 10.58, Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Your fasting blood test report shows an average red blood cell volume of 78.5, hemoglobin of 24.6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of 10.58, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 7.7, GOT (AST) of 86, GPT (ALT) of 172, alkaline phosphatase of 110, total iron binding capacity of 5...[Read More] Understanding Diabetes Risk: Interpreting Your Blood Test Results