Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Infection issues? When receiving an injection, if I did not pay attention to whether the needle was new, and considering that I am not in Taiwan where the equipment is reusable, the injection was administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. 1. What is the risk of infection for...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. 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. B. B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
Injection issues? Hello, I have a follow-up question for the doctor. Previously, I mentioned that I was unsure whether the injection equipment was new, as I am not getting vaccinated in Taiwan. The injection equipment should be reusable. If the injection is administered subcutane...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in most advanced countries, needles are typically disposable, so such situations are rare. In the unfortunate event of being pricked by a contaminated needle, if there is no protection, previous large-scale studies indicate that the risk of Hepatitis B is approximately 3-5...[Read More] Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
Concerns About Needle Infections: Risks of Accidental Punctures
Needle infection issues? Recently, I bought glue for repairing my phone, and it came with a needle that looks like a medical one. I'm a bit worried about accidentally pricking myself. Since it was purchased online, it took about two days to arrive. If I accidentally prick my...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described does not pose a risk for hepatitis B or HIV infection, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Needle Infections: Risks of Accidental Punctures
Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello, doctor. Following up on the previous question, during vaccination, due to the high number of people, the nurse did not follow the standard disinfection procedures. It was also noticed that there was blood on her hands (unknown whose it was) during the injec...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers have been busy administering vaccines, which may lead to lapses in following standard disinfection protocols; however, wearing gloves and practicing proper hand hygiene can suffice. 2. Even in the case of HIV-positive individu...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Exposure During Vaccination: What You Need to Know
Risk of Infection from Contaminated Vaccine Injection: What You Need to Know
Viral infection If the nurse did not follow the standard hand hygiene protocols due to a high number of patients and you noticed blood on their hands during the injection (unknown whose blood it was), the risk of infection depends on several factors, including the presence of vir...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the presence of blood stains on the skin, whether related to Hepatitis B or HIV, typically involves infection through needles entering the bloodstream. In your case, the risk of infection is very low, and no special treatment is necessary. Thank ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Contaminated Vaccine Injection: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Bloodborne Disease Transmission During Blood Draws
During blood draw, healthcare personnel directly touch the bleeding wound? Today, I went to the hospital for a blood draw to perform a glucose tolerance test, which required four blood draws within two hours. However, during the fourth blood draw, when the healthcare worker remov...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, typically after drawing blood from a patient, healthcare personnel will disinfect their hands with alcohol before drawing from the next patient, so it should not lead to the transmission of infectious diseases. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Bloodborne Disease Transmission During Blood Draws
Understanding a 1.6 cm Liver Nodule: Implications and Next Steps
Liver nodule measuring 1.6 centimeters? On October 19, 2021, an abdominal ultrasound revealed: Liver: moderate degree of increased echogenicity of the liver parenchyma compared to the kidney. A hypoechoic zone at the gallbladder fossa, possibly due to focal sparing. Intrahepatic ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: There is a 1.6 cm liver nodule on the right side of the liver. What is the nature of this lesion? It is advisable to follow up with a hepatobiliary and gastroenterology specialist for further examination. The fact that the abdominal ultrasound did not detect it may also be...[Read More] Understanding a 1.6 cm Liver Nodule: Implications and Next Steps
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick During Pregnancy?
Needle stick injury from a hepatitis B carrier? I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and have antibodies for Hepatitis B. My mother is a carrier of Hepatitis B. After taking my mother's blood sugar test, I was accidentally pricked by the needle used for blood collection. Is ther...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the risk of contracting hepatitis B is low. However, it is still recommended to follow the vaccination schedule and check the hepatitis B markers and liver function at approximately 3, 6, and 12 months. If both are normal, there should be less ca...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from a Needle Stick During Pregnancy?
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Can you get hepatitis B from visiting the dentist? A few days ago, I had swelling when my wisdom teeth were coming in, so I visited a relatively tidy dental clinic. Later, I recalled that a few weeks ago, I had undergone testing for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies, bot...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the CDC website: A. Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in bodily fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are considered infectious. The presence of e antigen indicates a high concentration of the virus in the b...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Food does not transmit HIV? Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. Recently, after sharing a takeout meal with my child, I noticed that part of the food had a strong semen-like odor. If it was indeed semen, I have a sore in my esophagus due to not swallowing my acne medication...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a ris...[Read More] Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Infection issues I would like to ask the doctor, if I accidentally shared a razor with my dad who does not have hepatitis C or any other known infections, is there a risk of infection? Or is it possible to contract other viruses?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The bloodborne infectious diseases that we typically test for include HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Other viruses or bacteria can also be transmitted through blood, but the likelihood or severity of those infections is generally considered negligible. The ri...[Read More] Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? Thank you for the doctor's initial response. I encountered an unknown yellow-brown residue (possibly povidone-iodine or another substance) at a local hospital in Vietnam. I would like to confirm with the doctor whether "l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, you should also be cautious that the unknown substance may be corrosive and could harm your skin. Generally, after an exposure incident involving blood or bodily fluids, it is recommended to test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In your case, it technically d...[Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Is abdominal pain a sign of a sexually transmitted infection? I had an encounter with a female online friend in March of this year. We did not have sexual intercourse; I engaged in digital penetration for about 30 seconds, touched my own genitals, and she performed oral sex on me...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Indeed, some infectious diseases can be transmitted through sexual contact or oral contact (mainly the ones you mentioned), but they would not typically present with abdominal pain lasting six months. Abdominal pain has many differential diagnoses and is likely unrelated t...[Read More] Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Regarding the postprandial blood glucose test results in the United States indicating prediabetes? Hello Dr. Lee, I am approximately 169 cm tall and weighed 67.5 kg at the time of my examination on July 28. I have a history of ankylosing spondylitis (diagnosed in 2008) and am a ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): A level of 5.8% is sufficient to diagnose prediabetes. HbA1c can be tested after meals, and a follow-up test can be conducted in three months.[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes Diagnosis After Post-Meal Blood Sugar Test
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello Doctor, I later recalled that during the ultrasound examination, the doctor seemed to quietly mention that some cells were dead. Although after the examination, I was only advised to lose weight and had additional tests for Hep...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, ultrasound cannot determine whether cells are alive or dead. What your doctor observed is likely the phenomenon of fibrosis. Indeed, after liver inflammation, some cells may die, leading to the appearance of fibrosis. When fibrosis becomes severe, it progresses to cirrhosi...[Read More] Understanding Fatty Liver Disease: Risks of Cell Death and Fibrosis Explained
Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks
Tonsil issues, may I ask? Hello, Doctor Hong. Previously, I visited an ENT specialist because I had tonsil stones. The doctor used a tool to press on it and later seemed to suction it out. After lunch today, while brushing my teeth, I noticed a white spot near my tonsils that loo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, tonsil stones, as your doctor described, do not necessarily require any special treatment if there is no discomfort or inflammation. Regarding hepatitis B, it is primarily transmitted through vertical transmission and blood. The risk of infection from bleeding in the mouth...[Read More] Understanding Tonsil Issues: When to Seek ENT Help and Infection Risks
Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Stabbed by a soft needle? Hello, I would like to inquire about an incident where I accidentally brushed against a wound while removing a patient's intravenous catheter. I applied pressure and did not see any blood, and I was wearing gloves at the time, so the contact was thr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is a hole in the gloves, it indicates that the soft needle has directly punctured the skin, which poses a potential risk of infection even if there is no visible bleeding! Additionally, it is important to verify whether the patient has been tested for HIV, Hepatit...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Choosing the Right COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals with Antibody Issues
COVID-19 vaccine I have some questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination. In the past, when I was around 20 years old, I received the hepatitis B vaccine but did not develop antibodies. Last year, after a company health check, someone suggested that I get vaccinated again. At the ag...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. The reasons for not producing antibodies after receiving the hepatitis B vaccine include whether the recipient has other chronic illnesses and factors related to individual constitution (gene expression). Research on the ability to produce effec...[Read More] Choosing the Right COVID-19 Vaccine for Individuals with Antibody Issues
Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Can bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and C be transmitted indirectly? Actually, this happened about four years ago when I took a part-time job as a dental assistant. One day, while waiting to clean instruments, I accidentally pricked my hand with a probe, causing some bleed...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the possibility of infection depends on whether the probe is contaminated with the patient's blood and whether the patient has a bloodborne disease. Given the long time frame, it is indeed advisable to consider blood tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. Howeve...[Read More] Understanding Indirect Infection Risks of Bloodborne Viruses: B and C Hepatitis
Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know
Is there a risk of injuring oneself while giving a dog an injection? Hello, doctor. While I was giving vaccinations and drawing blood from a stray dog, I accidentally pricked my own finger and it bled. Prior to this, I had already received the tetanus and rabies vaccines. I would...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the risk of contracting these bloodborne diseases is very low. However, due to the needlestick incident, it is recommended to follow the standard post-exposure protocol. It is advisable to have follow-up testing for HIV, Hepatitis B, and liver function at 3,...[Read More] Risks of Self-Injury While Vaccinating Stray Dogs: What You Should Know