Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
Infection risk 1. If I accidentally cut myself with a utility knife while working, and the knife may have residual dried blood from a colleague who is a hepatitis C carrier, is it possible for me to contract hepatitis C through the cut if the virus survives on the dried blood? (I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through sharing needles or needlestick injuries, while syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact. The scenarios you mentioned are not routes of transmission for these two diseases, so the risk of infection is very low. Please don&#...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
Wound infectious diseases Hello, I accidentally scratched the back of my hand with my own nail. Although the wound is very small and not bleeding much, I'm unsure if there are any other injuries. My family member has hepatitis B, and I'm worried about whether I could ge...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the transmission routes for hepatitis B are higher through needle sticks or sharing needles. The daily life contact you mentioned does not pose a risk for hepatitis B infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Minor Cuts and Hepatitis B Exposure
Can Blood Splash from Nearby Blood Draws Pose Infection Risks?
Blood splatter in the eyes? I would like to inquire further: if I am very close to the previous blood donor at the blood draw station, is there a risk that blood could splash onto my eye mucosa during the needle withdrawal process? Is it easy for blood to splatter near the needle...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned should not lead to splashing, and since the eyes are very sensitive, if there were splashes, your eyes would definitely feel uncomfortable at that moment. Therefore, based on your description, the risk of infection should be low. If you want to ...[Read More] Can Blood Splash from Nearby Blood Draws Pose Infection Risks?
Risk of Blood Exposure: Can Blood Splash Lead to HIV or Hepatitis Infection?
Sprayed into the eyes? Today, while waiting for an examination at the hospital, a man next to me pulled up his shirt sleeve, revealing that his arm was red, likely from a recent blood draw. I started to worry that if his arm hadn't completely stopped bleeding, blood could sp...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned should not lead to splashing, and since the eyes are very sensitive, if there were any splashes, your eyes would definitely feel uncomfortable at that moment. Therefore, based on your description, there should not be a risk of infection. Thank y...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: Can Blood Splash Lead to HIV or Hepatitis Infection?
Can Scratches Lead to Infection? Understanding Risks of STDs and Hepatitis
The issue of abrasions? Hello, while I was grocery shopping with my family, I accidentally got scratched on my hand by a key or something from the back pocket of a vegetable vendor. I'm concerned about the possibility of contracting any STDs, hepatitis B, or HIV from this. T...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, a minor abrasion on the skin surface is unlikely to lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, so you do not need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Scratches Lead to Infection? Understanding Risks of STDs and Hepatitis
Understanding Infection Risks: Skin, Cysts, and HPV Transmission
Infection issues 1. Is it possible for water to enter the small opening of a pilonidal sinus while swimming, or for viruses and bacteria to enter the body through this opening due to the lack of skin protection? 2. Regarding an inflamed and swollen cyst located at the coccyx (w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Pathogens can enter the body through any openings at any time and place, including the small openings you mentioned. However, the human body has an immune system that can eliminate most pathogens, preventing illness. 2. HPV can indeed be transmitted through contact ...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: Skin, Cysts, and HPV Transmission
Skin Peeling Concerns: Is It Safe to Wash Hands Normally?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello Doctor, I consulted you yesterday about the disinfectant issue. The dermatologist said that the skin on my hand will heal gradually, but I forgot to ask this morning if the peeling is considered a minor wound. The d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Try to use milder, non-irritating soaps to reduce skin irritation. 2. Peeling skin does not lead to infections and does not cause COVID-19 infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Skin Peeling Concerns: Is It Safe to Wash Hands Normally?
Understanding Infection Risks from Hair Clippers: What Parents Should Know
Infection risk Taking a child for a haircut, I discovered at home that the hair clippers had accidentally cut the ear, causing it to bleed. After cleaning the wound, I noticed it was about 0.4 centimeters long. I can't help but worry about the risk of infection, such as hepa...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing these utensils does indeed carry some risks, but the probability of a single infection is very low. Typically, the risk of infection increases with prolonged sharing. Based on your description, the chance of infection should be very low unless you experience any di...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Hair Clippers: What Parents Should Know
Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission from Scratches: What You Should Know
Scratched by a patient with hepatitis B? Hello Doctor, thank you very much for your previous response, and I apologize for bothering you again. I have another question I would like to ask you: If I get scratched by my mother who has hepatitis B (because her nails are quite long a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Scratches do not transmit Hepatitis B, so there is no need to worry. 2. Living normally with a Hepatitis B patient will not lead to infection. If you are still concerned, you can visit a family medicine or infectious disease clinic to receive the vaccine. Thank you f...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission from Scratches: What You Should Know
Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Liver enzymes and the eyes? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about my health. Last year, after returning to Taiwan, I had a health check-up with my family at a hospital six months later. During my first blood test, my AST was 22 and ALT was 45. My family physician advised me...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your photo, the sclera of your eyes appears to be a normal color without any signs of jaundice. Jaundice in the sclera is characterized by a distinct yellowing. Additionally, your liver function tests are currently normal, so regular monitoring should suffice. Tha...[Read More] Understanding Liver Enzymes and Eye Health: What You Need to Know
Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Will cutting my nails too deep with a nail clipper cause a hepatitis B infection? Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old, and it has been almost ten years since I received the hepatitis B vaccine in middle school. According to information online, the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vac...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Whether you still have antibodies for Hepatitis B can vary depending on individual physiology, so a blood test is necessary to determine this. However, it is usually assessed based on your occupation and whether you frequently come into contact with Hepatitis B patien...[Read More] Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Needle Stick Injuries: Risks and What to Do Next
Needlestick injury Hello, I accidentally got a splinter while out and immediately asked the shopkeeper for a sewing needle to remove the wood. I am currently worried about the risk of infection from HIV or Hepatitis B. If I need to get a blood test, which department should I visi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chances of contracting HIV or Hepatitis B are very low. If you are still very concerned, you can visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic for screening. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Needle Stick Injuries: Risks and What to Do Next
Concerns About Needle Exposure and Infection Risks in Hospitals
Possible hospital needle stick injury 1. Today at the hospital, I saw a patient with something like a needle and a tube on the back of his hand. He brushed past me very closely, and I wanted to ask if the tube on his hand could potentially puncture my hand, or if coming into cont...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There are too many variables in hypothetical questions, which may make them difficult to answer. 2. Cancer cells are not contagious, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Needle Exposure and Infection Risks in Hospitals
Understanding Needle Stick Injury Testing: Key Infections and Follow-Up
Needle puncture examination items Hello, doctor. Previously, I inquired about the issue of needle stick injuries, and you mentioned that the hospital currently tests for four items: Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, and HIV. I would like to ask the following questions: 1. If all tests a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, most hospitals conduct a follow-up test after 6 months for insurance purposes. 2. If you are referring to the items listed in Table 1, some diseases are rarely encountered in Taiwan. Certain diseases are not transmitted through blood but rather through oth...[Read More] Understanding Needle Stick Injury Testing: Key Infections and Follow-Up
Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Creatinine: Differences Before and After Exercise Hello Doctor, during the company health check, my creatinine level was found to be 1.38 mg/dL, and my glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 63.9 mg/dL. My cholesterol level was 205 mg/dL. I am a carrier of hepatitis B, obese, and h...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
Intense exercise or an increase in muscle mass can cause a slight rise in creatinine levels, which does not necessarily indicate a decline in kidney function. If the levels are not continuously rising or accompanied by proteinuria, it is generally acceptable to monitor the situat...[Read More] Understanding Creatinine Levels: Impact of Exercise and Hydration
Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Blood Tests: What You Need to Know
Blood test? Hello, doctor. I am going to the hospital soon for blood tests to check for diseases (such as hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, etc.). Although the hospital said that fasting is not necessary for the blood draw, I would like to know if it is okay to fast before the blood test...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, fasting or not will not affect the test results. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Blood Tests: What You Need to Know
Do Topical Medications Affect STD Test Results?
Testing issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask if using topical medications (such as acne treatments, depigmenting agents, corticosteroid creams, antibiotic ointments, etc.), eye drops, will affect the test results for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B/C? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these topical medications will not affect the test results. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Do Topical Medications Affect STD Test Results?
Understanding Window Periods for Infectious Disease Testing: Key Insights
Testing issues Hello Doctor, previously due to a suspected needle stick injury, the infectious disease specialist recommended that I retest for Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and HIV three months after the suspected exposure. I researched the window periods for these diseases, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the window period does vary from person to person; however, based on testing reagents, the majority of individuals can be tested within 3 months. Therefore, testing in March should be feasible. If you have any discomfort or concerns, you can still get tested or opt for ano...[Read More] Understanding Window Periods for Infectious Disease Testing: Key Insights
Do Topical Medications Affect Blood Test Results? Common Concerns Addressed
Follow-up on testing issues? Hello Doctor, I have a follow-up question regarding the 163665 test. I understand that, as you mentioned, topical ointments do not affect the results of hepatitis B/C, syphilis, or HIV tests. However, I am still quite anxious and would like to ask if ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned will not affect the interpretation of the test results, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Topical Medications Affect Blood Test Results? Common Concerns Addressed
Do Topical Medications Affect STD and Hepatitis Test Results?
Testing issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask if using topical medications (such as acne treatments, depigmenting agents, corticosteroid creams, antibiotic ointments, etc.), eye drops, will affect the test results for syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B/C? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these topical medications will not affect the test results. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Do Topical Medications Affect STD and Hepatitis Test Results?