Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
White blood cell count above 10,000? Hello Doctor: I underwent a health check-up at school on September 12th of this year. The results showed a white blood cell count of 10,190, a pulse rate of 96, and I have issues with being overweight and atopic dermatitis, but I do not have a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The normal range for white blood cell counts in the general population at our hospital is between 3,500 and 11,000, which means that 5% of individuals may have counts below 3,500 or above 11,000, so there is no need to panic at this time. 2. However, it is important to compare...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: When to Seek Medical Attention
How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
How long does it take for kidney stones to shrink and be expelled? In August of this year, I underwent a renal ultrasound at Taipei Shin Kong Hospital, which revealed two kidney stones measuring 0.7 cm each (asymptomatic). There was no proteinuria and no signs of chronic kidney a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, what you have done is already the basic necessary steps. However, kidney stones may not pass out due to individual differences in body constitution and location. Since your stone is small and you do not have any specific symptoms, it can indeed be monitored long-term. Emer...[Read More] How Long Does It Take for Kidney Stones to Shrink and Pass?
Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Cauliflower/HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Eight years ago, I had genital warts, which were treated over six months, and I received three doses of the nine-valent HPV vaccine. It has been eight years without a recurrence. I would like to know what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infec...[Read More] Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. 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. 2. Blood tra...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Concerns About Infection from Old Needles Found on Beaches
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor. I have a question I would like to ask you. Recently, I have been looking into environmental issues, and I came across an article stating that there is quite a bit of needle waste on the beaches. I would like to ask, if someone accidentally gets ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, viruses cannot survive for a long time outside the human body. However, if you are injured by a needle found on the beach, it is impossible to determine how long that needle has been there or whether there are still viruses present. Therefore, as a precautio...[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Old Needles Found on Beaches
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Blood infection After acupuncture, if there are small wounds on the body, is there a concern for bloodborne infections when using electrodes for electrical stimulation and reusing cupping jars? Is there a risk of hepatitis B and HIV transmission?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as the acupuncture needles are not reused and other treatment methods are followed, there should not be a risk of bloodborne infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Infections from Acupuncture and Electrotherapy
Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Medication-related issues Hello Doctor: I have ankylosing spondylitis, and I am currently taking 1000 mg of Celebrex daily. I would like to ask you: 1) If I contract an infection, should I continue taking Celebrex? If I need to stop, how long should I refrain from taking it? 2) I...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. If infected, you can continue taking Celecoxib. 2. In your situation, Paxlovid may not be necessary. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Managing Medication for Ankylosing Spondylitis During COVID-19
Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Infection concerns? Hello, I recently participated in a beach cleanup event, and after it ended, I noticed a red spot on the top of my foot. The spot is not bleeding, and I'm unsure if it was caused by a needle on the beach or an insect bite. I would like to know if, in this...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, unless it is confirmed that you have been punctured, based on your description, it is unlikely that you will be infected with any specific pathogens. You should monitor your body for any fever or discomfort, as well as observe the condition of any red spots. If you experie...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Can Sharing an Electric Toothbrush Lead to Infections?
Indirect infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if sharing an electric toothbrush handle while using separate brush heads poses any risk of transmitting or infecting diseases. Thank you! Additionally, I would like to inquire whether there is a risk of infection or disease t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Using individual brush heads does not pose an infection risk. 2. The disinfection of hospital instruments follows specific regulations, so the risk of infection is quite low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Sharing an Electric Toothbrush Lead to Infections?
Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study
Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Healing Process and Structural Differences
Oral ulceration Previously, I had a suspected hole in my cheek or oral cavity that was quite large. I didn't pay much attention to it, and after a day, it stopped hurting, and I forgot how many days have passed. It should have been at least a week since that spot stopped hur...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of oral ulcers, including the friction from teeth or viral infections. If the ulcer persists for more than a week, it is recommended to visit a dental clinic for an examination to determine the cause. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Healing Process and Structural Differences
Managing Chronic Fatigue and Immune Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Feeling unwell? At the age of 41, my immune system seems to be particularly weak, and I have trouble sleeping. My gastrointestinal digestion has slowed down, and I feel that the nutrients from the food I eat are not being absorbed properly, leading to frequent vaginal infections ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. It is recommended to maintain a regular routine and engage in regular exercise to boost immunity and reduce the likelihood of infections. 2. Regarding blood pressure, it does not directly affect immunity; however, effectively managing blood pressure can reduce the ri...[Read More] Managing Chronic Fatigue and Immune Issues: A Comprehensive Guide
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Risk of HIV Infection On October 1st, I noticed a small amount of unknown blood on my right big toe. I'm not sure if it was from someone who dripped it on the ground or if I stepped on it, as I didn't feel anything and didn't notice anyone nearby bleeding. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description of the wound on your foot, it is unlikely that it has led to an HIV infection. The symptoms you described are not indicative of HIV, so there is no need for you to undergo specific testing at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Minor Injuries and Oral Symptoms
Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Continuation #188061 Suspected Parasites and Blood Test Values Thank you, doctor, for your response. I have a few more questions. In your previous answer regarding point 2, you mentioned that "it could take months to years." Therefore, can we basically rule out that the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, the likelihood of a parasitic infection seems very low. 2. Yes, headaches can indeed be a post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), but they may also be caused by other factors such as high stress, insufficient sleep, or significan...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Concerns and Blood Test Results in Internal Medicine
Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Suspected parasitic infection and blood test values? Hello, on October 1st, I consumed a steak that was not cooked to the required doneness (I requested medium, but some parts were rare to medium-rare). I am concerned about parasites (specifically, tapeworms) and have since been ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The pork tapeworm can also be killed by freezing. 2. Each individual's condition varies significantly, ranging from a few months to several years. 3. Based on your clinical symptoms and blood test results, it currently does not appear to be a parasitic infection. T...[Read More] Concerns About Parasites and Blood Test Results After Undercooked Meat
Can I Use Iodine Sitz Baths with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis undergo iodine-rich sitz baths? Hello Doctor: I have been suffering from an infection in my private area for a long time and have seen two doctors without improvement. The gynecologist prescribed a suppository and also recommended a povidone-iodin...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can perform a povidone-iodine sitz bath as recommended by your gynecologist.[Read More] Can I Use Iodine Sitz Baths with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?
Can STDs Spread Through Shared Laundry? Understanding the Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) has their clothing contaminated with bodily fluids such as semen, and these clothes are washed together with others in a washing machine using a mild detergent without b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you mentioned that the situation does not pose a risk of sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, HIV, or genital warts, and that they are unlikely to be transmitted. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can STDs Spread Through Shared Laundry? Understanding the Risks