Am I at Risk of Infection from Public Transport Cleaners?
Can it be transmitted? Hello, doctor. I'm not sure if I have obsessive cleanliness, but today while holding my child on the train, a man next to us left his trash on the cup holder. Later, a cleaning staff came to clean up, and although I don't think their job is dirty,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process you described, neither you nor your baby should be at risk of infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Am I at Risk of Infection from Public Transport Cleaners?
Can Dental Procedures Lead to Bloodborne Infections?
Is it possible to have a blood infection from dental procedures? Hello Doctor: When I went to the dental clinic to have my wisdom teeth extracted, I was under anesthesia and couldn't control my rinsing, resulting in water splashing into my eyes. However, there was blood from...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV in the situation you described is very low, so it is unlikely that you are infected unless you experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, or swollen lymph nodes, in which case you should seek medical attention. Thank you for your inqu...[Read More] Can Dental Procedures Lead to Bloodborne Infections?
Understanding Needle Stick Infection Testing: Key Questions Answered
Needle puncture infection testing inquiry follow-up? Hello Dr. Hong, I have follow-up questions regarding the infection testing for case 163276. I apologize for asking a few more questions: 1. Since there can be false negatives in testing, should I get tested multiple times to ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. In theory, it is not necessary; unless there are some rare exceptions, such as the possibility of other infections during this period, or if there are certain phenomena that raise suspicion of infection. In such cases, it is advisable to consult an infectious disease ...[Read More] Understanding Needle Stick Infection Testing: Key Questions Answered
Do Health Supplements Affect Blood Test Results for Infections?
Follow-up questions regarding needle stick infection testing? Hello Dr. Hong, regarding the follow-up question on the 163238 needle stick infection test, will taking health supplements such as fish oil, probiotics, or Antrodia camphorata extract affect the test results for hepati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, food or medication should not affect the test results, so there is no need for special avoidance. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Do Health Supplements Affect Blood Test Results for Infections?
Can You Get Bloodborne Infections from Dried Blood? A Doctor's Insight
Blood infection issues? Doctor: I accidentally came into contact with dried blood at school. Am I at risk of contracting hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or other bloodborne diseases (such as HIV)? My clothes also came into contact with it; do they need special disinfection?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is unlikely that you will contract any of the aforementioned diseases. If your clothing does not have any fading issues, you can consider disinfecting it with bleach. You do not need to worry excessively about your own health. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Can You Get Bloodborne Infections from Dried Blood? A Doctor's Insight
Do Gastrointestinal Medications Affect Infection Test Results?
Needle puncture infection testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I previously suffered a finger laceration in the hospital for unknown reasons. The infectious disease doctor recommended testing for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and HIV. I would like to ask if the gastrointestinal medicat...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medications you mentioned will not affect the results, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Do Gastrointestinal Medications Affect Infection Test Results?
Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Gloves in Eye Exams?
Hepatitis C transmission issues? Recently, I visited an ophthalmology clinic and noticed that the ophthalmologist was wearing latex gloves but did not change them after seeing the previous patient. Instead, they opted for "gloved hand washing." I observed that the glove...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through needle sharing, such as with injection drug use, or through blood transfusions. The contact mode you described is not a method of transmission for hepatitis C, so it is unlikely to result in infection. Thank you for your questio...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Gloves in Eye Exams?
Can You Catch Infectious Diseases by Shaking Hands with a Cut?
Shaking hands with an open wound and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: I accidentally scratched my finger while working. The wound is about 1 square centimeter and has slight bleeding. Since I didn't have a band-aid on hand, I continued working and even shook hands with unf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "HIV is difficult to transmit through contact unless there are open wounds and exposure to a significant amount of bodily fluids." This is accurate; based on the situation you described, there would be no risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or HI...[Read More] Can You Catch Infectious Diseases by Shaking Hands with a Cut?
Understanding Blood and Body Fluid Infections: Risks and Transmission
Blood and body fluid infections 1. In general circumstances, when injecting medication into a patient's arm, is it possible for blood to spray outwards after the needle is withdrawn? Is there likely to be residual blood on the needle? Could blood potentially reach my eyes fr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV or hepatitis in the situations you mentioned is very low, so there is no need to worry. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood, and the chances of infection through other factors are very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Blood and Body Fluid Infections: Risks and Transmission
Understanding Needle Stick Concerns: HIV and Hepatitis B Testing Guidelines
Needle puncture test If you are still concerned about the possibility of infection from a needle stick, what tests can be done to completely rule out the presence of HIV antibodies, such as a three-month test? Is there a concern that the window period could be extended due to a l...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. According to general standards, follow-up after exposure is typically recommended at 3 months. If you still have concerns, you may consider a follow-up at 6 months. 2. Regarding hepatitis B and C, if there are still concerns, you may also consider a follow-up at 6 mo...[Read More] Understanding Needle Stick Concerns: HIV and Hepatitis B Testing Guidelines
Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Needle-associated bloodborne infection A few days ago, I was worried about accidentally getting pricked by a needle during a blood draw. If I were to get pricked, how long should I follow up for blood tests? For example, is the window period for HIV antibody testing three months ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Generally, follow-up is done every three months unless there are special circumstances, such as ongoing concerns about infection or other sources of infection, which may extend the follow-up period. 2. It is recommended to use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV if ...[Read More] Needle Stick Blood Infection: HIV Testing and Follow-Up Guidelines
Haircut Injuries and the Risk of Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Haircut wounds and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: Recently, I went for a haircut, and during the process, the stylist accidentally cut my skin (the wound is less than 0.5cm x 0.5cm). Although the general consensus online is that haircuts do not pose a risk for common infectio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, getting a haircut will not infect you with the infectious diseases you mentioned. Hepatitis A is primarily transmitted through contaminated food, while Hepatitis B and C are mainly transmitted through blood transfusions, shared needles, or vertical transmission from mother...[Read More] Haircut Injuries and the Risk of Infectious Diseases: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Nail Clipping: Infection Risks and Safety Tips
Issues with nail clippers? Hello doctor, when I was trimming my nails last night, I felt a bit of a sting. I used a small pair of scissors to slightly dig at it. Although there was no bleeding afterward, I noticed some bubbles when I applied hydrogen peroxide, which makes me thin...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The bubbling of hydrogen peroxide is due to a chemical reaction, not because there is a wound. 2. It is advisable to avoid using iron instruments to probe wounds, as rusty iron may harbor bacteria. 3. Regarding disinfection methods, it is better to use sterile dispo...[Read More] Concerns About Nail Clipping: Infection Risks and Safety Tips
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Suspected vasculitis Hello Doctor: My mother is 73 years old and has hepatitis C, an autoimmune disease (Sjögren's syndrome), and dry eyes. She often experiences headaches and upper back pain (which she has had for many years). She has been seeing a rheumatologist and is on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the clinical manifestations of hepatitis C or autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome) can include vasculitis. However, most symptoms present as petechiae, which are typically painless or slightly painful, and itching is rare, let alone severe itching. It is a...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Immunity and Sjögren's Syndrome Hello Doctor: Two years ago, I experienced joint swelling and inflammation in my little finger. My family doctor recommended tests, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (CCP) tests, both of which returned...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Sjögren's syndrome requires a detailed medical history, which includes not only questions about dry mouth but also inquiries about dry eyes and even respiratory symptoms. Blood tests should be arranged, including screening for antinuclear a...[Read More] Understanding Dryness Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Tests
Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Previously, I had a cut on my cheek from a blade while getting a haircut, and I consulted you about it. Yesterday, I went to the hospital to see an infectious disease specialist. The doctor administered the hepatitis B vaccine and scheduled blood t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, the chance of infection is indeed very low. Therefore, the more important aspect is the follow-up. Currently, among the diseases mentioned, only hepatitis B has a vaccine. Your physician likely determined that preventive vaccination for hepatitis B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Unexplained Skin Petechiae: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Unknown cause of petechiae on the skin? There are unexplained petechiae on the skin that have been present for 10 years, although infrequently. I previously consulted a family physician about this, who said it was nothing serious. I just returned from the supermarket and noticed ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV typically do not present with petechiae. If you are concerned, it is advisable to see a doctor to check your platelet count and coagulation function. Additionally, petechiae generally do not form scabs, so if you notice similar spots on yo...[Read More] Unexplained Skin Petechiae: Causes and Concerns for Your Health
Concerns About Infection Risks After a Haircut Injury
Infection issues Hello doctor, today I went to the barber shop for a haircut. The barber accidentally made a cut on my face about one centimeter long with a razor while trimming my sideburns, and it bled a little. I would like to know if there is a concern about the risk of HIV o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are too many variables in this situation to definitively determine the outcome, including whether the blade is disposable. If it is not, what patients were treated with it previously? Is there any bodily fluid from previous patients remaining on the blade? Generally ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After a Haircut Injury
Assessing the Risk of Hepatitis B Infection in Infants After Vaccination
Regarding the issue of hepatitis B infection in newborns? Hello Dr. Lin: My child is currently over six months old and has received the first, second, and third doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth, one month, and six months, respectively. Since the child's grandmother ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The chances should be very low. 1. In fact, after receiving the second dose, more than half of the individuals should have immunity against hepatitis B; the third dose is intended to help maintain immunity for a longer duration. 2. The primary modes of transmission for hep...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of Hepatitis B Infection in Infants After Vaccination
Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression
A family member recently sought medical attention due to esophageal swelling compressing the trachea? My uncle is 35 years old and has diabetes (insulin injection approximately 40 units) and hepatitis B (taking Baraclude). Recently, he experienced esophageal swelling and sought m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of esophageal swelling, but it is quite rare for esophageal swelling to compress the trachea to the point where surgery is necessary. It would be important to understand what the initial diagnosis from the physician was regarding the cause of the esop...[Read More] Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression