Unexplained Red Dots on Fingers: Should You Worry About Bloodborne Infections?
Unknown small red spots on the fingers? Yesterday, I noticed a small unknown red dot on my finger that looks like a puncture wound. I would like to inquire whether this could lead to any blood infection. I am concerned because the previous person was an acute HIV infection case w...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the chance of infection is very low. However, if you are still concerned, you can visit the infectious disease clinic to inquire about screening options. Generally speaking, if there is no exposure after three months, the risk should be quite low...[Read More] Unexplained Red Dots on Fingers: Should You Worry About Bloodborne Infections?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Minor Cuts and Injuries
Suspicion of infection I'm sorry to ask again, but basically, in daily life, it's unlikely for someone to get infected with HIV from a minor injury or from accidentally coming into contact with blood, even if I have an unknown small wound or touch shared items like door...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the small wounds you described will not lead to HIV infection. However, if you are still very concerned, you can consult with an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Minor Cuts and Injuries
Understanding HIV Viral Load Testing: PCR, NAT, and Safety Concerns
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation for Is the HIV viral load test the same as PCR and nucleic acid testing (NAT)? If the window period is over 33 days, can I feel reassured? I have heard that so-called elite controllers may have undetectable viral loads on PCR tes...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. PCR can be considered a type of NAT (Nucleic Acid Test). 2. If both antigen and antibody tests are negative after 33 days, it should be conclusive. 3. It is possible. 4. Currently, hospitals specializing in HIV care should provide viral load testing. 5. Safety needles ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Viral Load Testing: PCR, NAT, and Safety Concerns
Where to Get HIV Testing in Taiwan: A Guide to Certified Facilities
HIV Testing Unit Consultation Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for bothering you again. Currently, in addition to the one-stop anonymous testing hospitals and other facilities that provide anonymous testing, almost all municipal hospitals and laboratories in Taiwan offer HIV testing s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, you can go to the units listed in the registry for testing or consultation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Where to Get HIV Testing in Taiwan: A Guide to Certified Facilities
Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Low-grade fever for four consecutive days? Hello, For the past four days, my axillary temperature has been between 36.4°C and 36.6°C (previously, it was mostly between 35.6°C and 35.9°C, and during my menstrual period, it peaked at 36.1°C). However, when measuring my ear temper...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, your body temperature is slightly elevated but not significantly high. Due to the combined factor of a white blood cell count below the standard range, it is recommended that you first visit an infectious disease specialist. The physician will evaluate the results of your ...[Read More] Persistent Low-Grade Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation?
Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Is it Wuhan pneumonia? Hello, doctor. On Tuesday afternoon, I experienced fever, muscle aches, and mild diarrhea accompanied by abdominal cramps. The fever subsided on Wednesday morning, leaving only slight diarrhea. On Friday, I noticed that my breasts were painful to touch. I h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no travel history or contact history, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is very low. It is suspected to be acute gastroenteritis. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease outpatient clinic for consultation, and testing for COVID-19 may not be neces...[Read More] Do I Need to Get Tested for COVID-19? Understanding Your Symptoms
Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Throat and trachea issues, suspected choking on traditional Chinese medicine powder? Hello, Doctor Hong. I took some traditional Chinese medicine powder after breakfast, and I’m not sure if my mouth was too dry, but when I poured the powder into my mouth, it felt like it stuck to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the process and symptoms you described, there are no signs of aspiration pneumonia unless there are subsequent symptoms such as wheezing, chest pain, or fever. In that case, you would need to consult a pulmonologist, an infectious disease specialist, or a family m...[Read More] Concerns About Inhalation Pneumonia After Taking Herbal Powder
Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Feeling of a foreign body in the throat? Hello, doctor. About a month ago, I had a slight cold and visited an ENT specialist. The doctor mentioned some inflammation. After taking medication for three days, I felt better and didn't return for a follow-up, allowing myself to r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems to be just a throat inflammation and not aspiration pneumonia, unless there is severe coughing or wheezing, which would warrant concern. 2. If something is lodged in your throat, usually consuming soft foods can help alleviate the...[Read More] Feeling of a Foreign Body in the Throat: Causes and Relief Options
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes
Slightly elevated body temperature over a prolonged period? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing slightly elevated body temperature since before my vacation, particularly feeling uncomfortable when it reaches around 37.5 to 37.8 degrees Celsius, while my usual temperature is ab...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. If you are experiencing unexplained elevated body temperature or mild fever and have already consulted the specialties mentioned in your message without finding a solution, it would indeed be advisable to visit a Rheumatology and Immunology depa...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever and Its Possible Causes
Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Unexplained fever with low-grade temperature, unintentional weight loss, and joint and muscle pain? Hello, doctor. I have undergone numerous tests in the infectious disease department, and the only abnormal finding was a slightly elevated cancer marker (for reference only) and a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does align with the situation of "fever of unknown origin." We should indeed be cautious about atypical infections or bone marrow issues. Therefore, I agree with your infectious disease physician's recommendation to conduct furt...[Read More] Unexplained Fever, Weight Loss, and Joint Pain: A Medical Mystery
Understanding Unexplained Fever: Insights and Recommendations for Patients
Consultation for Fever of Unknown Origin Hello, doctor. Recently, from the beginning of this month until now, I have measured my ear temperature to be between 37.1 and 38.5 degrees Celsius (my usual ear temperature is around 36 to 36.2 degrees). At the beginning of the month, I v...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding body temperature, different devices and measurement sites can yield varying results. It is advisable to refer to the baseline values provided by the device (usually found in the user manual). Body temperature should be assessed in relation to these baseline ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: Insights and Recommendations for Patients
Understanding Fever in Young Adults: Risks and Aftercare
Adult fever If a 22-year-old person has a fever starting around 8 PM and does not seek medical attention until the following morning at 11 AM, it is unlikely to cause significant long-term complications, especially if the fever is not associated with severe symptoms or underlying...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of fever, and it is important to determine the underlying infection to assess the subsequent impact. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic for further evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Fever in Young Adults: Risks and Aftercare
Understanding HIV-Related Neuropathy and Its Impact on Brain Health
HIV-related neuropathy symptoms Hello Dr. Hong, I had unprotected sexual intercourse five years ago, and for the past three years, MRI scans of my brain have shown suspected tumor formations. The affected areas are the cerebellum and brainstem. Initially, both the oncologist and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, after HIV infection, the disease itself can present with such phenomena. HIV-related opportunistic infections, such as Kaposi's sarcoma or toxoplasmosis, may also exhibit similar manifestations. However, engaging in unsafe sexual practices does not necessarily result ...[Read More] Understanding HIV-Related Neuropathy and Its Impact on Brain Health
Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Previously, I had a cut on my cheek from a blade while getting a haircut, and I consulted you about it. Yesterday, I went to the hospital to see an infectious disease specialist. The doctor administered the hepatitis B vaccine and scheduled blood t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your condition, the chance of infection is indeed very low. Therefore, the more important aspect is the follow-up. Currently, among the diseases mentioned, only hepatitis B has a vaccine. Your physician likely determined that preventive vaccination for hepatitis B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks and Vaccination After a Minor Injury
Concerns About Infection Risks After a Haircut Injury
Infection issues Hello doctor, today I went to the barber shop for a haircut. The barber accidentally made a cut on my face about one centimeter long with a razor while trimming my sideburns, and it bled a little. I would like to know if there is a concern about the risk of HIV o...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are too many variables in this situation to definitively determine the outcome, including whether the blade is disposable. If it is not, what patients were treated with it previously? Is there any bodily fluid from previous patients remaining on the blade? Generally ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After a Haircut Injury
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Eye Exposure to Blood and Testing Guidance
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation without the specific Hello Doctor, I have a question. I read online that the eyes are considered mucous membranes, so if blood splashes into the eyes, there might be a risk of HIV infection. 1. I am worried because my colleague h...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
There are no clinical reports suggesting any of the hypothetical scenarios of infection you mentioned. Based on your symptoms, if you experience any discomfort, it is recommended that you consult the infectious disease outpatient clinic.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Eye Exposure to Blood and Testing Guidance
Understanding PEP Treatment: When to Test for HIV Infection
Questions regarding testing after Pep administration? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the interruption. I started Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) on June 11 due to engaging in high-risk sexual behavior and completed the full course of medication on July 8. However, I mistakenly had...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, this question indeed does not have a standard answer because currently, there are different practices internationally based on various studies and treatment guidelines, including the use of different reagents, which can affect sensitivity. Therefore, each hospital will hav...[Read More] Understanding PEP Treatment: When to Test for HIV Infection
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Blood Exposure to Eyes
Final inquiry? Hello, doctor. I started to worry about many things after reading online that there is a risk of HIV infection if blood gets into the eyes. 1. The doctor mentioned that a single incident does not require testing because there are various behaviors involved. Is it t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Based on the assessment of potential transmission risks from a single occurrence, the scenarios you mentioned do not present a high enough risk to warrant specific testing (in cases where the source of blood is not confirmed and is from an untreated HIV-positive individual...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Blood Exposure to Eyes
Assessing HIV Infection Risks from Blood Exposure to Eyes
Please ask again? 1. Hello doctor, I have a question again. Today while I was working, I was wearing gloves and came into contact with someone else's blood. Then, I grabbed a plastic bag, and the wind blew it into my eye. If the area of the plastic bag that hit my eye had so...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If your work involves a high risk of blood splatter, it is advisable to wear goggles or use other protective measures. The various situations you mentioned carry a low risk of infection, but it is not impossible to contract an infection. Therefore, if you are concerned, it is rec...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks from Blood Exposure to Eyes
Understanding Blood Exposure Risks: Eye Infection and Transmission Questions
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide Hello, doctor. Thank you for your previous response. I would like to ask two questions: 1. If a colleague has a wound on their hand and blood from that wound splashes into my eyes when they shake their hand, is there...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The questions you raised are actually common concerns among many people. It's fundamentally a matter of probability, much like how no one can guarantee that they won't be struck by lightning while walking down the street, but the likelihood is so low that it does...[Read More] Understanding Blood Exposure Risks: Eye Infection and Transmission Questions