Hepatitis, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 3

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Can You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?

About infections? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if food contains HIV, hepatitis B, C, or syphilis viruses, and I have a cut in my mouth that comes into contact with these viruses, will I contract these diseases? Thank you.


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of infection for these diseases. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Can You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?


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?


How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?

Survival time Hello, doctor: I would like to ask how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can survive in the general environment outside the human body. Thank you.


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these pathogens die quickly after leaving a living host, so they are not transmitted through contact but rather through sexual activity and blood transmission. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?


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?


Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure

Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, doctor: I have received the hepatitis B vaccine and have tested positive for antibodies (surface antibody 81, core antibody 0.10). A few days ago, while changing the dressing for an uncle with liver cirrhosis at the hospital, I accidentally...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/jlS2jBHpodI34ATlKUy3oQ): (1) Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are inf...

[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure


Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Using a Shared Electric Razor?

Transmission of Hepatitis B If your father has hepatitis B and you are using his old electric razor that he washed with water and air-dried (and you are unsure if it was cleaned properly), there is a potential risk of infection. Hepatitis B is transmitted through contact with inf...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, if an old razor blade does not have fresh blood on it and you have not been cut by the blade, the risk of infection should be minimal. However, sharing razors is still not recommended. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Using a Shared Electric Razor?


Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?

Blood glucose meter and hepatitis B? My mother is around 58 years old and has diabetes, so she purchased a blood glucose meter. She also has hepatitis B. I used the blood glucose meter once after she bought it, and I remember it wasn't long after her last use. At that time, ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the only risk of infection is from the repeated use of needles that prick the finger. However, currently, disposable needles are commonly used, which reduces this concern. Therefore, based on your description, it should not lead to a hepatitis B infection. Thank you for yo...

[Read More] Can You Get Hepatitis B from Using a Family Member's Glucometer?


Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...

[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home


Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room

Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, 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 of infection. 2. Blood tra...

[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room


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


Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study

Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...

[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study


Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room

Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...

[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room


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


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