Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Infection-related issues? Hello Doctor, I have some questions I would like to ask you: Current situation: 1) During a recent blood test, it was found that my monocyte count was above the normal range (normal is under 10, and my count was around 11; all other blood cell values wer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The total count of monocytes is typically assessed based on the total white blood cell count and the percentage they represent, as looking at the percentage alone may not provide an accurate assessment. 2. If there is only swelling in the groin area, it is important to ...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels and Lymph Node Swelling: What to Know
Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Immune system Hello, Director. Recently, a chest CT scan suggested possible pulmonary tuberculosis, leading to blood tests and bronchoscopy: anaerobic bacteria (+), tuberculosis DNA test (-), T Cell (CD3): 93.0, B Cell (CD19): 2.6, T Cell (CD4+): 54.4. Could you please explain wh...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, these questions may need to be directed to the physician who arranged your tests! The interpretation of these data requires a comprehensive evaluation, as the lymphocyte count must be compared with other white blood cell types; looking at the absolute value alone does not ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: T Cells and B Cells Explained
Post-Cellulitis Complications: Understanding Your Ongoing Symptoms
What are the sequelae of cellulitis? In May 2021, I suddenly experienced severe pain on the inner side of my left tibia when getting out of bed. Walking was also very painful. Initially, I thought it was plantar fasciitis since I had been running a lot in the days prior. However,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, during the recovery process of cellulitis, it is indeed common for the surface to start peeling, which does not necessarily indicate a lack of improvement. However, the tissue is more fragile right after recovery, and continued exercise, work, or rehabilitation pressure ca...[Read More] Post-Cellulitis Complications: Understanding Your Ongoing Symptoms
Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Military service medical examination issues? Hello doctor, I underwent a military physical examination in December, and a month later I was informed that I tested positive for HIV. In January, I immediately purchased an at-home rapid HIV test, which returned a negative result. I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to visit the infectious disease outpatient department at a medical center for a Combo test or Western blot test to confirm whether there is an actual infection. As for your daily routine, it should not significantly affect the test results. Thank you for ...[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Military HIV Testing: Key Insights
Negative Rapid Test but Positive RPR: Understanding Syphilis Diagnosis
Rapid test negative but RPR positive? Due to having a rash on my body, and aside from that, there are no signs of primary syphilis or rashes on my hands and feet. I saw a doctor this morning who ordered a blood test, and I will wait a week for the results. However, I took an anon...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, let's take a look at what tests were performed in the anonymous screening to understand the negative report results. 2. Additionally, syphilis is generally tested using RPR/VDRL and TPHA/TPPA to clarify the patient's status. It is recommended to seek a nearby ...[Read More] Negative Rapid Test but Positive RPR: Understanding Syphilis Diagnosis
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Lymphadenopathy-related issues? Hello Doctor, I noticed that the lymph nodes in both groin areas have been swollen for over a week. Each side has multiple nodes, approximately 1 cm or slightly more, with a round or oval shape. However, I don't feel any significant discomfort...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The presence of multiple enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area should be evaluated by a physician. Generally, ankylosing spondylitis does not cause lymphadenopathy, so it is advisable to consult a doctor who can assess other parts of your body....[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: When to Seek Medical Advice
Can Toilet Bugs Cause Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Can it cause an infection? Hello doctor, I have noticed small flying insects around the toilet or on the toilet wall, but I'm not sure what kind of insects they are. Could this pose a risk of infection to my intimate areas or anus? I'm concerned about whether these inse...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the contact with flying insects on the skin does not pose a significant risk of infectious diseases to the human body. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Toilet Bugs Cause Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks
May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. Is there a concern about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections from the doorknobs of public restrooms or private bathrooms? 2. Can hot shower water or frequent wiping of the anal area cause...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The chance of infectious disease transmission is very low. 2. If you rub too vigorously, it can indeed cause skin inflammation. 3. Most pathogens can be eliminated. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks
Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?
May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, may I ask if there is a concern about the transmission of infectious diseases when encountering birds flying by or taking off nearby while walking or riding a bike? Additionally, can bacteria or viruses carried by birds be transmitted through t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the pathogens in these birds are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. As you mentioned, simply flying by does not cause infection unless there is prolonged close contact, such as feeding them. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Infection concerns Following up on the previous question about the HIV rapid test, I would like to ask if a positive result with the Western blot test is essentially also considered positive? If it is confirmed positive, what steps should I take next? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, a high Western blot result is likely to be positive. After that, you should visit an infectious disease clinic to test for viral load and CD4 T cell count. We will determine whether to initiate antiviral treatment based on your symptoms and CD4 T cell count. Thank ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads
Wound management questions? There is a small area on my lower leg just below the knee that was originally a grayish color, approximately 2 cm in size, likely caused by long-term friction from wearing pants. One day, I felt a foreign body sensation, and when I squeezed it, a black...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be a larger folliculitis, commonly referred to as "dingzi" in Taiwanese. This type of folliculitis does indeed heal very slowly. However, if there is a bacterial infection involved, it may require some debridement and the us...[Read More] Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads
Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Questions about the treatment of cellulitis? Hello Doctor: My mother experienced redness, swelling, and pain in her foot dorsum at night in late November, accompanied by fever. Therefore, she went to the emergency department for evaluation. Although there were no wounds, the doct...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in patients with compromised immunity or poor blood circulation, cellulitis can indeed be difficult to resolve. It is usually necessary to confirm whether there is pus formation or bone infection. Based on your description, a CT scan has already been performed, which shoul...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis Treatment: Addressing Ongoing Pain and Swelling
Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
Elevated white blood cell count? Hello, doctor. First, I would like to inform you that I am a patient with myasthenia gravis. I am currently taking four tablets of Mestinon daily and one tablet of Anspine weekly. Here are my questions: Since mid-September, I have been infected wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, we are currently in the era of COVID-19, so it is essential to rule out this possibility by conducting a self-administered rapid test and receiving the COVID-19 vaccine (at least four doses are recommended). 2. Secondly, the side effects of medications should also be c...[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Count: Causes and Next Steps
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
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 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
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 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
Unexplained Itching Sensation: Causes and Remedies for Discomfort
The sensation of itchiness inside the body is uncomfortable? Dear Dr. Hong, This is the medication I was taking: Ibuprofen, OxyBroncolin, Carimycin (250), Incida, Medicon (30), brompheniramine, and COX-2 inhibitors. However, I have stopped taking the medication for almost 48 ho...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the medication you are taking contains Ibuprofen, which has a high likelihood of causing allergic reactions. It is recommended to stop taking it immediately. Other medications may also cause allergic reactions in a small number of people. If you are only experiencing itchi...[Read More] Unexplained Itching Sensation: Causes and Remedies for Discomfort