Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Eating lettuce with snails? Hello, doctor. I just ate a large bowl of salad from a restaurant (which had been refrigerated for 3 hours) and only realized at the end that there was a live snail in the bowl. I'm very concerned about the risk of parasitic infection. It's b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if it's just a one-time consumption, the chance of getting sick is quite low. The risk of eating raw snails is higher, but the risk of parasites from vegetables that snails have crawled over is much lower, as the vast majority would be killed by stomach acid. So, you ...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Sexually transmitted disease-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. 1. When I used a public restroom, I noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping myself (I wiped quite hard). Is there a risk of sexually transmitted infections in this situation? 2....
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Answer: 1. Generally, tissue paper in public places should not have blood on it, unless one has accidentally overlooked it or left it behind. 2. Since it is dirty tissue paper, it should not be used to wipe the face or genital areas, as this can help prevent the transmission of i...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Will ankylosing spondylitis continuously cause boils? Hello Doctor, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in April this year. After taking medication for half a month, I suddenly developed a boil in the groin area, which required surgical intervention. I took antibiotics fo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe the relationship with medication is relatively low; it may be more related to ankylosing spondylitis or related rheumatic diseases. I suggest discussing this with your physician and paying attention to whether you have recurrent oral ...[Read More] Can Ankylosing Spondylitis Cause Recurring Boils?
Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Immunological System Abnormalities in Test Report Hello Doctor, I have been troubled for a long time by occasional bone pain and itching. About two years ago, I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist, and my ANA titer was 1:1280. A few days ago, I had a follow-up appoin...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. What does a decrease in the ANA index indicate? Does it mean a gradual return to normal? --> The ANA index can fluctuate over time, influenced not only by the patient's physical condition but also by the testi...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Immune System Test Results: ANA, C3, and C4 Explained
Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Regarding the test values related to hepatitis B..? Due to engaging in risky behavior and concerns about infection, I had blood tests for Hepatitis B and C. The HBsAg value was 0.11 (Negative) and the HBsAb value was 11.3 mIU/mL. I was tested approximately 5 weeks after the incid...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: According to the test results, since antibodies are already present, there is no need for vaccination. An HBsAb level of <10 IU/L is considered negative, while >=10 IU/L is considered positive. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello, doctor. Today, when I went to the clinic for a blood draw, I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new needle for the procedure. I would like to ask, if the needle was not changed and the person before me was an HIV positive patient, would I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus according to the Centers for Disease Control: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids pos...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights
Concern about parasitic infection Hello, doctor. Today, I touched a snail on the road and did not wash my hands before going to work. After a break at work, I touched food with my hands and ate it, but I was wearing gloves while working and also touched clothing. I would like to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Not every snail carries Angiostrongylus cantonensis, but developing the habit of washing hands after contact with wildlife or before eating is a good way to prevent disease infection.[Read More] Can Touching Snails Lead to Rat Lungworm Infection? Expert Insights
Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had safe sexual intercourse with a sex worker, but she happened to be menstruating and there was a small amount of blood on the condom. I also had a slight abrasion on my genital area. When I removed the condom, some of the blood got onto my genital ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. There are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood
Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Dental assistant needle stick At the end of May 2024, the patient reported a history of hepatitis B or C but is unsure of the stage. The health check report from July 2022 showed positive Anti-HBs and negative HBs Ag. What is the likelihood of hepatitis B infection? Is it necessa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If HBsAb is positive and the titer is sufficiently high (>100 IU), there should be no concern about hepatitis B infection. 2. As a healthcare worker who has experienced a needlestick injury, you can seek consultation and follow-up testing at any medical facility, which wi...[Read More] Assessing Hepatitis B and C Risks for Dental Assistants: Key Insights
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage
HIV infection I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: - Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fl...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage
Understanding Oral Sex Hygiene: Addressing Concerns About Smegma and Bad Breath
Oral sex issues? Hello doctor, recently when I was performing oral sex on my boyfriend, I noticed that his glans and coronal sulcus had a white, flaky substance. I want to confirm if this could be smegma. Besides the potential for infection, could this also lead to issues like ba...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Smegma is composed of secretions from the sebaceous glands on the inner surface of the foreskin and dead skin cells from the foreskin. It is typically white or yellow in color and can have a hard or viscous texture, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. If the foreskin is not ...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Hygiene: Addressing Concerns About Smegma and Bad Breath
Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
HIV infection I have a cold and a sore throat. I came into contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person. Since I have a sore throat with wounds, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV infection leads to immune dysfunction, the related symptoms are primarily various infections. Therefore, the issue of HIV should be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please consult with an infectious disease physician. ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Syphilis Issues Hello Doctor: In mid-May of this year, I underwent a rapid screening test that showed a faint line, but it was uncertain whether it was two lines. The physician administered a single dose of treatment, and the subsequent blood test results were RPR: Reactive 1:4, ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, there are two methods for syphilis testing: one is the RPR or VDRL test, which indicates whether there is current infectiousness, and the other is the TPHA or TPPA test, which indicates whether there has been a past infection with syphilis. Both tests should be interpre...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Recurrence after HPV infection? I am a male and about two years ago I contracted genital warts. After undergoing laser treatment, I have had no symptoms until recently when I suspected a new symptom. After laser treatment and testing, it was confirmed that it is not HPV. However,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the question of whether receiving the HPV vaccine affects the ability to conceive: The vaccine is essentially a cultured form of the virus or bacteria, which is then inactivated through heat or chemical agents. To some extent, the HPV vaccine may pose potentia...[Read More] Managing HPV Infection: Safe Practices for Couples During Pregnancy Planning
Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?
What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
What should be done after accidentally taking antibiotics? I had nasal congestion and runny nose for two to three days, thinking it was just my nasal allergies. Later, I woke up to find my throat swollen and realized I had a cold. I thought I would just go to the pharmacy to buy ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Biaxin is an antibiotic that we commonly prescribe, and it can indeed have diarrhea as a side effect. If you are only experiencing a cold with a sore throat, without a fever, and your symptoms are improving, you may not need to continue taking ...[Read More] What to Do After Accidental Antibiotic Overdose?
Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions regarding my last unsafe sexual encounter in February of this year. I was concerned about potential infections, so I went for a blood test on June 27, and the result was negative! I have heard that the HIV window period doe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis related to HIV are managed by infectious disease specialists. Although the issues caused by HIV are related to immune function, we kindly ask that you direct any questions regarding HIV to an i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello Doctor, I apologize if I am repeating a question as I forgot whether I successfully asked it last time! I had unprotected sexual intercourse in June of last year, and a month later I took a rapid blood test which was negative. In January of this ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it has been more than six months, the possibility of HIV can be ruled out. 2. If you are still concerned, you can visit a nearby medical facility for further consultation and testing.[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed