Concerns About Infection Risks from Vaccination: What Parents Should Know
Infection issues? Yesterday, I took my baby to get the Moderna vaccine. The situation was quite chaotic at the time, and I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new syringe for the injection. If the nurse forgot to change the syringe, is there a chance that my bab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently, vaccinations are administered using disposable needles. According to the standard operating procedures (SOP), once the vaccination is completed, the needle must be discarded, and the next individual will receive a brand new needle. Therefore, there should be no ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Vaccination: What Parents Should Know
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?
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of elevated rheumatoid factor? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test that showed my rheumatoid factor was elevated by more than ten times. I later visited a doctor for further blood tests, and aside from a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My recommendations are as follows: 1. You should have regular follow-ups, such as every three months. If you experience any changes in symptoms before the scheduled follow-up, including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, etc., you can return for an...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
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
Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal RF and ESR? Hello Doctor, I had a CRP test on April 21st which was 0.1 (normal range 0-1 mg/dL), and on July 19th, my comprehensive health check showed an abnormal RF of 242 (<15 IU/mL). On August 7th, I visited the immunology department, and during a brief consultati...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A high RF (Rheumatoid Factor) may be associated with other conditions, including viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and other rheumatic diseases. It is advisable to consult your physician for more detailed examin...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
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?
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces
Possibility of transmission Hello Doctor, I went to a convenience store around noon to buy something. While I was in line to check out, a stranger suddenly pushed past me. I tried to dodge him, but he still brushed against me with the straw from his drink bottle (it seemed like h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, there are no obvious wounds, so there is essentially no risk of infection. Please don't worry, and thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Contact in Public Spaces
Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Severe dry mouth in xerostomia? Hello Doctor: My mother is 76 years old and has been suffering from Sjögren's syndrome for over 20 years. She also has hepatitis C, which has recently been successfully treated, and she is now virus-free. My mother has severe dry eye syndrome,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there are effective medications available to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, particularly dry mouth, which you can discuss with your primary care physician. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter mouth rinses that can hel...[Read More] Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Liver enzyme levels are normal but higher than the values from three years ago? Hello, doctor: I am 40 years old and a carrier of hepatitis B. I have been undergoing regular abdominal ultrasounds and blood tests every six months at Renai Hospital in Taipei. Each time, the results...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the AFP level is 2.42, ALT is 35, and AST is 27, all of which are within the normal range, indicating no inflammation. You may consider testing for hepatitis B viral load for a comprehensive assessment. You can compare all the series of follow-up data; they should remain w...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Liver Enzymes: Should You Worry?
Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
I have a question? Hello, doctor. I previously interned at a hospital and accidentally cut my finger while puncturing a rubber cap with scissors used for medical waste (like IV bottles). Although I squeezed out some blood at the time, I am still worried about the possibility of c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if this occurs in a hospital, it should theoretically be reported as a sharp object injury, and the injury protocol should be followed. During this process, tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and HIV will be conducted for both you and the patient, and follow-up ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
Can I Get Hepatitis Vaccine While Receiving COVID Booster?
Hepatitis vaccine issues? Hello, doctor: I am scheduled to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 BNT vaccine on March 1. I would like to know if I can also receive the hepatitis vaccine at that time. Thank you. Additionally, is it true that I should avoid street food due to the ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as there is an interval of more than one week between vaccinations, they can be administered to avoid contaminated food. The main concern is to prevent Hepatitis A and other bacterial or viral gastroenteritis. As for Hepatitis B and C, the primary risk is from need...[Read More] Can I Get Hepatitis Vaccine While Receiving COVID Booster?