Can Using Public Restroom Toilet Paper Lead to STIs or Infections?
Is indirect transmission possible? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if using toilet paper in public restrooms poses a risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections or other infections. Thank you!
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as the tissue paper has not been used by anyone, there is no concern about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections or any specific infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Using Public Restroom Toilet Paper Lead to STIs or Infections?
Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Infection issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I asked you some questions: 1. You mentioned that the chance of infection from being splashed with blood containing the HIV virus in the eyes, nose, or mouth with an open wound is low. Does this mean that if I accidentally get splashe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. On one hand, the infectiousness through this route is low, and on the other hand, the immune system can clear it. 2. It will not. 3. This will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks: HIV Exposure and Safety Precautions
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
HIV infection issues Hello Doctor: 1. I would like to ask, there are articles stating that HIV in blood quickly becomes inactive when exposed to air. If someone with a bleeding hand sprays blood into my eyes, nasal cavity, or mouth, especially if I have an open wound, is there ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The chance of infection should be low. 2. Yes. 3. The likelihood is very low. 4. This is not a mode of transmission. 5. You will not be infected. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Questions Answered
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
HIV infection If you have small cuts on your hands and are washing utensils that have been used by someone else, there is a risk of HIV infection if those utensils have saliva or blood from the other person. Additionally, if the other person has a wound that comes into contact wi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned do not carry any risk of infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Contaminated Utensils and Water
Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Generalized urticaria and elevated C4 complement levels? Hello doctor, I noticed many small papules on my body on October 9th, particularly on my arms and legs. They are not painful, but sometimes itchy (I'm not sure if it's due to friction from clothing). I had blood d...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Elevated C4 levels can occur when the body is experiencing discomfort, including infections. Generally speaking, elevated complement C3 and C4 levels are usually not concerning, while low levels often indicate abnormalities in immune function. ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Rashes and Elevated C4 Complement Levels
Understanding HIV Risks After Brief Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Fear of contracting HIV? Hello, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker (female) on October 4th. During the encounter, I may have become too excited and removed the condom for about one minute. I had previously met with the same person, and during that encounter, we both insis...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If safe sex practices are followed, the chances of transmission are low. 2. However, there are over thirty types of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), all of which are transmitted through contact; remember to maintain hand hygiene to avoid infection.[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks After Brief Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please also check for any abnormalities in other areas. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is generally lower in t...[Read More] Managing Fever After COVID-19 Diagnosis: Symptoms and Treatment
Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Fever after diagnosis? In the first three days after diagnosis, I experienced a fever of 38.5°C. After that, my daytime temperature was around 37.2-37.5°C, but as the sun began to set, I felt my temperature rise to 38.5°C, which lasted for about 3-4 hours before it decreased, acc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. When infected with COVID-19, there may also be infections in other areas, such as the upper respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wound infections. Therefore, please check for any abnormal signs in other areas as well. 2. Body temperature throughout the day is typically lower ...[Read More] Fever After Diagnosis: Understanding Post-Infection Symptoms
Can Shoe Laces Cause Indirect Infections? A Medical Inquiry
Indirect infection issues Hello! If shoelaces often rub against the floor or occasionally come into contact with urine in public restrooms, I would like to ask if tucking the shoelaces inside the shoes and rinsing the feet with clean water while showering would pose a risk of inf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not cause an infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Shoe Laces Cause Indirect Infections? A Medical Inquiry
Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
If diagnosed with COVID-19, should Salmeterol be discontinued? Hello Doctor: I am a 20-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis. Currently, I take two tablets of Salazopyrin daily (without taking anti-inflammatory medication) to manage my condition. I was diagnosed with COVID...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Salazopyrin is an immunomodulator, which is different from immunosuppressants. It only suppresses the body's immune response but does not inhibit the immune response to foreign viruses, so it does not lower the ...[Read More] Should I Stop Taking Salazopyrine After Testing Positive for COVID-19?
Concerns About Infection from Splashing in Public Toilets
Toilet water splashing? Hello, I would like to inquire about the concerns regarding using a squat toilet in a public place. If water and urine splash up while using the toilet and come into contact with the genital area, anus, or private parts, is there a risk of infection or oth...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not cause an infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from Splashing in Public Toilets
Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Steroid dosage usage Hello Dr. Gao, my mother is 68 years old. She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in May of this year. During the infection, she did not experience any severe symptoms. However, one month after testing negative, she developed unexplained muscle pain in both legs, whi...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Steroids can be taken on an alternating schedule, which is a method we use to gradually taper the dosage when there isn't a lower dose formulation available for adjustment. Steroids may cause edema and can also affect sleep, so it is advis...[Read More] Understanding Steroid Dosage and Side Effects in Myositis Treatment
Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Groin issues Hello Doctor: Initially, I noticed a round, hard lump near my anus (I consulted a colorectal specialist because I was concerned it might be an anal fistula, and there was significant swelling from the groin area towards the perineum, which I suspected might be lympha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the lump next to the anus is likely a benign cyst. If the doctor has already incised it, it should gradually heal and reduce in size over time. As for the vaginitis and urethral discharge, they are likely not directly related to this issue. If yo...[Read More] Understanding Groin Issues: When to Seek Medical Help
Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Questions about infection from strangers? Hello Doctor, after class today, while I was checking out at a convenience store, a stranger suddenly pushed past me to throw away his aluminum drink. It seemed like he had finished drinking outside and brought it in to dispose of it. I n...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that there are suspected scratch marks on your hand, but no obvious wounds have been caused. In this case, there is no risk of contracting HIV or hepatitis B or C, so please do not worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection from a Stranger: HIV and Hepatitis Risks
Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Medications for dialysis patients? Hello, my father undergoes dialysis three times a week, but he often reports experiencing painful urination and dizziness. Should I discuss this with the doctor at the dialysis center and request medication, or is it necessary to consult a urolo...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dysuria: If there is residual urine, please check to rule out infection and provide medication that can be administered at the dialysis clinic. Dizziness: Check hemoglobin levels to ensure they are adequate, and arrange a neurology consultation if necessary. Wishing you health an...[Read More] Medication Management for Dialysis Patients: When to Seek Specialist Care
Assessing HIV Risk After Unprotected Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
HIV transmission issues? On October 6, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker, which included unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. The female sex worker cleaned my penis before we engaged in further activities. During the encounter, we also kissed and had u...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, due to the risk of infection from unsafe sexual practices, it is currently recommended to follow up for at least three months. If all tests are negative, it will be considered safer. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Unprotected Oral and Protected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe disease? Hello Doctor, my son is 19 years old and has ankylosing spondylitis. I have some questions to ask you. 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (such ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) There are many risk factors for severe COVID-19, one of which is "diseases affecting immune function (HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, use of ste...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Is ankylosing spondylitis a risk factor for severe illness? Additional question? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the follow-up question regarding the issue I asked yesterday (#187270). I would like to ask you: My child has been taking 2 tablets of Salbutamol daily for the past six ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Broadly speaking, I believe it is. In a narrower sense, having a smaller quantity of two can also be considered as not being so. I tend to lean towards the broader definition. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hos...[Read More] Is Ankylosing Spondylitis a Severe Risk Factor for COVID-19?
Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Do patients with ankylosing spondylitis who are diagnosed with COVID-19 need to take antiviral medication? Hello Doctor, I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. I would like to ask you: 1) If a patient with ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed with COVID-19, what are the gover...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the second risk factor, one of the conditions is diseases that affect immune function (such as HIV infection, congenital immunodeficiency, solid organ or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants). Therefo...[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Drugs for COVID-19?
Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms
If diagnosed with COVID-19 and symptoms are becoming milder, is there a significant chance of suddenly progressing to moderate or severe symptoms? Hello Doctor: After being diagnosed with COVID-19, I saw a doctor and received medication (it seems like the medication is mostly for...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have previously been diagnosed, your body will still have some antibodies; however, these antibodies will gradually decrease over time. Therefore, if there is a long interval since the last infection and your immune system is not functioning well, it is indeed possi...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of Severe COVID-19 After Initial Mild Symptoms