Understanding Window Periods for Infectious Disease Testing: Key Insights
Testing issues Hello Doctor, previously due to a suspected needle stick injury, the infectious disease specialist recommended that I retest for Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and HIV three months after the suspected exposure. I researched the window periods for these diseases, and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the window period does vary from person to person; however, based on testing reagents, the majority of individuals can be tested within 3 months. Therefore, testing in March should be feasible. If you have any discomfort or concerns, you can still get tested or opt for ano...[Read More] Understanding Window Periods for Infectious Disease Testing: Key Insights
Can Scratching a Nail Injury Lead to Infection? Expert Advice
Will it get infected? Hello Doctor, I used my fingernails to scratch at the hard skin growing out from my toenails last night. I slightly tore the skin, and although there was no bleeding, there is a small wound. My fingernail got caught in my toenail, and I'm worried about ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the redness you described is likely a mild inflammation. Whether there is an infection would need to be assessed through a direct examination. For the wound, you can use fusidic acid ointment; however, hydrogen peroxide is not recommended as it can be too irritating to the...[Read More] Can Scratching a Nail Injury Lead to Infection? Expert Advice
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 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?
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Sticks: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV from Needle Stick Injury 1. In Taiwan, there have been cases of HIV transmission through needlestick injuries, although they are relatively rare. 2. There is a risk of HIV infection if the object that caused the injury was contaminated with HIV-positive blood, even if...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are indeed cases of HIV infection from needle stick injuries, but the likelihood is very low, approximately less than 1%. If it is uncertain whether the needle was contaminated with HIV, it is generally considered a risk. The presence or absence of bleeding does not ...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Sticks: What You Need to Know
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 HIV Testing for Newborns and Risk Factors Explained
HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) I would like to ask if a newborn can know whether they have HIV. If they haven't had it for over ten years, does that mean they are free of it? (There was no sexual intercourse...) I performed oral se...
Dr. Su Zhehong Reply:
Mucosal contact can lead to transmission, but the likelihood of exposure to bodily fluids is generally higher. The incubation period can exceed 10 years, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years. If you have concerns, you can consult an infectious disease specialist for evaluation or...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing for Newborns and Risk Factors Explained
Understanding Swelling in the Right Foot: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Swelling of the right dorsum of the foot? Hello doctor, about 9 years ago I was hospitalized for cellulitis in the dorsum of my right foot. It recurred approximately 4 years ago, and I was treated with oral antibiotics. Since then, my right foot has been persistently swollen, wit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. After repeated infections in the foot, local circulation may deteriorate, leading to increased swelling and even pigmentation changes. It is recommended that you consult with an infectious disease specialist or a cardiologist, and inform them of...[Read More] Understanding Swelling in the Right Foot: Causes and Specialist Guidance
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
Fever of unknown origin? Hello, doctor. Last October, I was hospitalized for a week due to a fever. At that time, I had no other symptoms, just persistent fever, chills, and muscle weakness in my limbs. My temperature was around 38 degrees Celsius, and despite undergoing rapid te...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed necessary to conduct a detailed examination regarding the fever. Routine health check-ups may not necessarily identify the cause. I recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist at a major hospital for a fever workup. If no c...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Causes and When to Seek Help
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
Concerns About Infectious Diseases: Staying Safe in Public Spaces
Concern about infectious diseases? Hello Doctor, I have been seeing a lot of news about imported cases recently. Today, while I was on my day off and taking the train to visit my mother-in-law and see the baby, I encountered many foreign individuals who appeared to be from the Ph...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you are in an open space and you are wearing a mask, so the risk of infection should be very low. You can set aside any concerns regarding this matter. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Infectious Diseases: Staying Safe in Public Spaces
Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
In recent months, there has been an unexplained fever? Hello, doctor. Since December of last year, I have experienced fever in December, March, May, August, and this week. The longest duration of fever was about three days, while the shortest was an afternoon fever that resolved ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the main symptoms are intermittent fever and throat inflammation, with no other symptoms present. The most likely diagnosis is multiple episodes of the common cold, which is a type of upper respiratory infection. It is advisable to monitor the duration ...[Read More] Unexplained Fever Episodes: When to Seek Medical Evaluation?
Flea Infestations: Health Risks and Prevention Tips
Insect issues? Hello, doctor. Recently, I've noticed fleas in my house. This morning, I saw one on my ankle while wearing socks, and when I tried to catch it with a tissue, it suddenly jumped and I lost track of it. I'm worried that it might have jumped onto my body, po...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is important to pay attention to the presence of rodents or wild animals, as parasites such as chiggers on these animals can more easily cause infectious diseases. If there are no such animals, the risk of contracting serious diseases from common indoor fleas is relativ...[Read More] Flea Infestations: Health Risks and Prevention Tips
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
Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Infectious potential Good evening, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. A while ago, an old friend of mine called me. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Japan around May. He wasn't hospitalized and experienced difficulty breathing and a persistent fever, which eve...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. You cannot get infected while talking on the phone, so please rest assured. 2. COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact transmission; however, since the virus is invisible to the naked eye, people often get infected without knowing th...[Read More] Understanding Transmission Risks: Can You Catch COVID-19 Over the Phone?
Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Issues in Infectious Disease Prevention Hello Dr. Hong, today and tomorrow I have a day off and I'm accompanying my boyfriend to have dinner and go shopping with his mother for the first time. I graduated last year and am currently working in RCC at a hospital in Linkou, nor...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding tuberculosis, it is primarily the open form of pulmonary tuberculosis that can cause airborne transmission in closed spaces. During caregiving, as long as proper N95 masks are worn and basic protective measures are taken, there should be no concern about contract...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Infectious Disease Exposure in Healthcare
Food Contamination and HIV Risk: What You Need to Know
Foodborne transmission 1. Today, while taking my medication, I noticed something that looked like a clump of gray dust or lint on my hand. I'm not sure if I accidentally swallowed it along with the medication. If I did swallow something dirty like that, is there a risk of co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The cotton fibers outside do not adhere to the HIV virus, so there is no risk of infection from them. 2. Dietary habits do not transmit HIV. 3. Drinking cups do not pose a risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Food Contamination and HIV Risk: What You Need to Know
Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Intermittent unexplained fever Hello doctor, my daughter has been experiencing a fever since the end of March, and it continues to this day. Her recorded temperatures have ranged from a low of 36.5°C to a high of 40.3°C, fluctuating back and forth, with an average temperature abo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but I assume she is likely a child. In cases of unexplained fever, about 20% may persist without a known cause, and sometimes it can take one to two years for the actual diagnosis to emerge. Therefore, if she can maintain her nor...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Insights on Antibody and Combo Tests
HIV Testing Consultation Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your previous response. There are many different types of HIV tests available on the market. I would like to ask you, is it sufficient to perform an HIV antibody test (HIV Ag+Ab Combo (AIDS), Anti-HIV, etc.) to determine if a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is currently recommended to use the HIV Ag+Ab Combo test to check for HIV. If there are any special circumstances, it is advisable to discuss with an infectious disease specialist whether any additional interventions are necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Insights on Antibody and Combo Tests