Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Is antiviral medication needed for stiffness? Additional inquiry? Hello Doctor, below the line is the doctor's response from this morning. I would like to confirm with the doctor regarding the second point. Does the doctor's reply mean that "not all patients with a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, it is important to check if there are any relevant medications being taken (such as immunosuppressants) that could affect immune function, as these would be considered significant risk factors. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Do Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients Need Antiviral Medications for COVID-19?
Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Leukopenia The most recent blood biochemistry test showed a white blood cell count of 3300, which is low; red blood cells are normal, hemoglobin is low, mean corpuscular volume is low, mean corpuscular hemoglobin is low, and total bilirubin is 2.22, which is high, while all other...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the white blood cell count, it's important to first know what your previous levels were. Some individuals naturally have a white blood cell count around 3,000, which can be normal for them. However, if your count has suddenly dropped to 3,000 from a previous...[Read More] Understanding Low White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Follow-Up
Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Dizziness, feeling of heaviness in the head, and lightness in the legs? Hello, doctor. I've been feeling a bit dizzy these past few days. It's not severe, and I feel dizzy whether I'm standing or sitting, but I don't feel anything when lying down. I visited a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are indeed many factors that can cause dizziness. Based on your situation, the following possible factors may apply: 1. Staying up late or irregular sleep patterns 2. Excessive stress 3. Anemia 4. Side effects of cold medications 5. Inner ear imbalance. It is recomme...[Read More] Understanding Dizziness: Possible Causes Beyond Viral Infections
Are Home Rapid Tests Reliable? Understanding Infection Risks After a Year
Rapid testing for infection issues? I would like to ask if the rapid tests sold online by the health department are accurate. I buy a rapid test almost every month and have been testing for a year now. My last test was two days ago, and it was negative. I would like to know if I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, are you referring to HIV rapid testing? The accuracy of HIV rapid tests for initial assessment is indeed not as high as that of formal tests conducted in medical institutions. Each rapid test kit may also have varying degrees of accuracy. If you want to confirm your result...[Read More] Are Home Rapid Tests Reliable? Understanding Infection Risks After a Year
Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Needle-related issues Dear Dr. Hong, I am a nurse at a hospital, and a few days ago, I accidentally experienced a needle stick injury while on the intensive care unit. I have already followed the protocol for screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. However, I am still very...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the conditions you mentioned are mostly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are not transmitted through needle stick injuries. The primary diseases associated with needle stick injuries are HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. It is recommended to follow the needle...[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options
Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Please consult the doctor regarding blood draw and related issues? I apologize for the interruption. I was diagnosed about 3-4 months ago, and sometimes I feel like I have some lingering symptoms, so I thought I should get a check-up. Last week, I made an appointment with a famil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the lymphocyte count, as your physician mentioned, it is true that various conditions can cause fluctuations in individual values. Your results are within the normal range, so there is no need to worry. As for the outer part of your ear, based on your description...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results and Ear Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice
Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Hello, I would like to inquire about infection issues? On the morning of September 3rd, around 10 AM, I had a blood test for a gynecological check-up. In the afternoon, I noticed itching on the back of my hand. I went to the pharmacy, explained the situation, and bought an ointme...
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] Concerns About Infection After Blood Test and Allergic Reaction
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
HIV issues I would like to ask the doctor, when I went to the restroom in the dormitory at night to change my sanitary pad, I found blood on the floor afterward. I'm not sure if it was mine. Then I used a piece of toilet paper from the trash can to wipe it up, but I forgot i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Is there a risk of HIV infection? I know I might be overly anxious, but I still want to consult a doctor. Getting an answer from a medical professional might help ease my mind. Two days ago, an older woman asked me how to rent a Ubike, and during that time, I took her phone to as...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Sjögren's Syndrome Index Thank you, doctor! First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 this year, with an index of 280. Starting from the 20th, I took one quinine daily. On September 21, I had a second blood test, and the index was 334. During ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: First question: I was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome on August 19 of this year, with a score of 280. I started taking one quinine tablet daily from the 20th, and on September 21, my blood was drawn again, showin...[Read More] Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Blood Test Results and Treatment Insights
Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Health Advice
I almost got caught by the train door? Hello, today when I was out with my boyfriend, he hurriedly pulled me onto the train, and as I was walking in, the door almost closed on me and I felt a slight bump. Although I don't feel any pain now, I'm wondering if I might have...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, it seems that there is likely no injury. Regarding your concerns about needle pricks or infections, the chances are low, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Health Advice
Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Safety Tips
I almost got caught in the train door by accident? Hello, today when I was out with my boyfriend, he hurriedly pulled me onto the train, and as I was getting on, the door almost closed on me, causing me to be slightly bumped. Although I don't feel any pain now, I'm wond...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description and the images provided, it does not appear that you have sustained an injury. Regarding your concerns about needle pricks or infection, the likelihood seems low, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns After Train Door Incident: Injury Risks and Safety Tips
Can You Get HIV from Scratches in Public Places?
Infection concerns? If I get scratched by a plastic board displaying prices in a store, and someone before me has also been scratched, am I at risk of contracting HIV? The wound situation is that there is a slight bleeding from a horizontal scratch, while other abrasions are not ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Scratches in Public Places?
Understanding Post-Masturbation Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
Issues After Masturbation Recently, after masturbation, I have noticed some swelling on the glans. This occasionally happens when I masturbate with my hand, but I haven't noticed this issue when using sex toys. I masturbate about every two to three days. I would like to ask:...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. Masturbation does not lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)! You can only contract STIs through contact with an infected person. 2. 3. 4. This is not within the scope of infectious diseases; I would recommend abstaining for one week to see if it resolves natura...[Read More] Understanding Post-Masturbation Issues: When to Seek Medical Advice
COVID-19 Transmission Concerns: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Transmission of COVID-19 Hello Doctor: Due to work, I come into contact with 3-4 clients daily who are not wearing masks (each interaction lasts about 20 minutes), as well as colleagues. Since I have a one-year-old child at home, my current practice is to spray alcohol all over m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The primary mode of virus transmission is through hand contact with surfaces or shaking hands, so handwashing is the most important measure; other forms of exposure are not as significant. 2. The situation you mentioned has a low risk of infection. 3. When outdoors with...[Read More] COVID-19 Transmission Concerns: Safety Tips for Healthcare Workers
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Post-exposure prophylaxis symptom inquiry Hello Doctor, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with a sex worker on August 31st at noon. That evening at 7 PM, I immediately registered at the infectious disease department, and at 8 PM, I started taking PEP (post-exposure prophylax...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms are more indicative of an allergic reaction or eczema, and it may not necessarily be a treatment failure. Whether you are HIV positive can only be determined through testing. 2. The incidence of HIV infection after prophylactic treatment failure is very...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in an Elevator
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor Hong. Yesterday, while I was in the elevator, I noticed a large pool of red liquid flowing from the buttons to the floor. I later heard that someone had vomited blood inside the elevator (I did not see it happen). I was told that the floor was co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, you are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV from contact with blood in the elevator. However, since you did not have mucous membrane exposure or direct contact with fresh blood through an obvious wound, it appears that there is...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in an Elevator
Concerns About Eye Exposure to Water in Public Transport: Should I Worry?
Please ask your question? Hello Doctor, today when I was on my way home after class, I took the MRT and suddenly water started dripping from the ceiling. I suspect it might have come from some pipes, and some of it got into my eyes. Although I rinsed my eyes at a nearby departmen...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are not transmitted through eye contact as you mentioned. The only concern would be the possibility of a bacterial infection causing conjunctivitis; however, since you have rinsed your eyes, the risk is lower. Unless you...[Read More] Concerns About Eye Exposure to Water in Public Transport: Should I Worry?
Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Syphilis skin contact infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred during my internship at the hospital. While removing an IV from a patient, my fingertip accidentally came into contact with the blood of a patient diagnosed with syphilis. At that m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no puncture wound, simple intact skin contact with blood does not lead to syphilis infection unless there is a needle stick injury. In the case of a needle stick injury, it is necessary to follow the needle stick protocol, which includes testing for syphilis an...[Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Infection Inquiry Hello, Doctor Hong. Yesterday, while I was in the elevator, I noticed a large pool of red liquid flowing from the buttons to the floor. I later heard that someone had vomited blood inside the elevator (I did not see it happen). I was told that the floor was cove...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, you are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV from contact with blood in the elevator. However, since you did not have mucous membrane exposure or any obvious open wounds that came into direct contact with fresh blood, it current...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator