Understanding Syphilis Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Syphilis-related issues? Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I was diagnosed with syphilis on April 28 and went to the hospital on April 29 to receive a shot of Benzathine Penicillin. I am occasionally worried about its effectiveness; the rash has diminished, but there...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the syphilis blood test, the serological response is usually slower, and it typically takes 3 to 6 months for the blood test to more accurately determine whether the treatment has been successful. Immediate blood testing may have limited usefulness. As for your d...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is it simple urticaria, a drug allergy, or a side effect of antithyroid medication? I started experiencing hyperthyroidism on April 2nd and began taking Levothyroxine, one tablet twice a day, and Metoprolol, one to two tablets daily. On April 20th, a Bartholin gland cyst recurred...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Cephalosporins and penicillins have similar structures, and individuals who are allergic to one type have a 10-20% chance of being allergic to the other type of antibiotic. Therefore, it is indeed possible that you may also have an allergy to penicillin antibiotics. It is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria: Allergic Reactions or Medication Side Effects?
Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Is the immune system weakened? How can it be improved? Hello, Doctor Gao: Over the past six months, I have experienced occasional small cuts on my fingers that are difficult to heal, often taking 3-4 weeks (each time a small cut turns into a small area of skin ulceration, but th...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Dear Mr. Chen, thank you for your message. Your symptoms are nonspecific, making it difficult to determine if there is an underlying immune dysfunction. I have a few suggestions as follows: 1. "Occasional small cuts on the fingers that are slow to heal, taking 3-4 weeks&qu...[Read More] Is Your Immune System Weakening? Tips for Improvement
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Misconceptions Explained
Questions about HIV infection? I inquired yesterday and would like to ask the doctor again. In general, contact with objects such as mobile phones, chairs, or paper, even if there is blood on them, does not pose a risk of transmission if they come into contact with my pants or va...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the behaviors you mentioned do not constitute sexual activity, nor do they involve intravenous injection or blood transfusion, which are known routes of HIV transmission. No one has been reported to contract HIV through such means. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Common Misconceptions Explained
Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Will cutting my nails too deep with a nail clipper cause a hepatitis B infection? Hello Doctor: I am 22 years old, and it has been almost ten years since I received the hepatitis B vaccine in middle school. According to information online, the effectiveness of the hepatitis B vac...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Whether you still have antibodies for Hepatitis B can vary depending on individual physiology, so a blood test is necessary to determine this. However, it is usually assessed based on your occupation and whether you frequently come into contact with Hepatitis B patien...[Read More] Can Using Shared Nail Clippers Lead to Hepatitis B Infection?
Understanding Needle Stick Infection Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
Needle stick infection testing inquiry follow-up? Hello, Dr. Hong. I have some follow-up questions regarding the infection test for the 163250 injection. 1. You mentioned that the test results I described would not be affected by food or medication, so if the results are normal...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most laboratory tests are not affected by food, medications, or external factors. If there are any specific conditions that could interfere with the results, it will be indicated on your test report, and the ordering physician or the phlebotomist will also provide reminder...[Read More] Understanding Needle Stick Infection Testing: Common Concerns and Clarifications
Clarifying Injection Infection Testing Concerns and Dietary Impact
Needle puncture infection testing follow-up questions? Hello Dr. Hong, I have follow-up questions regarding the infection testing for the 163244 needle stick. 1. Since you mentioned that theoretically food and medications do not affect the test results, does this mean that even...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Yes, it will not have an impact. 2. A normal test result that indicates a problem is referred to as a "false positive," while a test result that shows normal when there is an issue is called a "false negative." Both of these are potential errors in t...[Read More] Clarifying Injection Infection Testing Concerns and Dietary Impact
Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Lymphedema caused by dialysis? Hello Doctor: My father has a long history of dialysis due to a family history of hereditary diseases. As a result of the dialysis, he frequently experiences various side effects (such as weight loss, dizziness, low blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea,...
Dr. Wu Jiyu Reply:
Due to the lack of direct examination of the patient, it is difficult to distinguish what you refer to as "lymphedema" from the "general edema" seen in dialysis patients. If it is general edema in dialysis patients, enhancing dehydration should resolve the iss...[Read More] Understanding Lymphedema in Dialysis Patients: Causes and Treatment Options
Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Gloves in Eye Exams?
Hepatitis C transmission issues? Recently, I visited an ophthalmology clinic and noticed that the ophthalmologist was wearing latex gloves but did not change them after seeing the previous patient. Instead, they opted for "gloved hand washing." I observed that the glove...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through needle sharing, such as with injection drug use, or through blood transfusions. The contact mode you described is not a method of transmission for hepatitis C, so it is unlikely to result in infection. Thank you for your questio...[Read More] Can Hepatitis C Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Gloves in Eye Exams?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Urine and Blood Splash
Urinary blood splatter? 1. If urine containing HIV splashes onto your vaginal mucosa, there is a risk of infection. However, HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk. The risk of transmis...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The amount of HIV in urine is very low, so the exposure to urine you described would not result in HIV infection. 2. Blood can only transmit HIV if it enters the bloodstream through transfusion or injection; the exposure situation you described is unlikely to result in ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Urine and Blood Splash
Understanding Blood and Body Fluid Infections: Risks and Transmission
Blood and body fluid infections 1. In general circumstances, when injecting medication into a patient's arm, is it possible for blood to spray outwards after the needle is withdrawn? Is there likely to be residual blood on the needle? Could blood potentially reach my eyes fr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV or hepatitis in the situations you mentioned is very low, so there is no need to worry. Hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through blood, and the chances of infection through other factors are very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Blood and Body Fluid Infections: Risks and Transmission
Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Accompanying family members to receive the influenza vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, today I accompanied my grandparents to get vaccinated and I also decided to pay for my own vaccination. I have a slight cold and was initially hesitant to get vaccinated, but the doctor mentioned that a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. There is no specific interval required between vaccines and medications because their mechanisms of action are different, so it is fine to use them together. 2. Local soreness is a normal phenomenon; adverse reactions would only be indicated by symptoms beyond local ...[Read More] Getting the Flu Vaccine: What to Expect and Common Concerns
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries
Needle infection If a vaccination needle accidentally pricks another person during the injection, is the risk of HIV infection high? I would like to know why there is a risk of HIV infection from a needle stick, given that it is said that the HIV virus loses its viability within ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of HIV infection from needle stick injuries is very low, approximately less than 1%. The HIV virus does not survive well outside of living cells and tends to die quickly in the environment. However, needle sticks can leave residual blood on the needle, and if that...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries
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
Does Antibiotic Use Affect HIV Testing Results?
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Screening I would like to ask about HIV testing. I took antibiotics the night before the test, received an antibiotic injection a week prior, and also took anti-inflammatory medication and folic acid. Will this affect the test results? Thank y...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
I cannot.[Read More] Does Antibiotic Use Affect HIV Testing Results?
Understanding Persistent Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
Vomiting Hello doctor, my girlfriend has been vomiting continuously since midnight the day before yesterday. She has vomited everything she ate and has not had a fever or diarrhea. She has vomited to the point of expelling bile. She is afraid to eat because of the vomiting and ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems to be acute gastroenteritis. Acute gastroenteritis typically presents with persistent vomiting and diarrhea for the first 2-3 days. It is recommended to avoid solid foods initially and to consume clear liquids, such as sports drinks or diluted ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Vomiting: Causes and Solutions
Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression
A family member recently sought medical attention due to esophageal swelling compressing the trachea? My uncle is 35 years old and has diabetes (insulin injection approximately 40 units) and hepatitis B (taking Baraclude). Recently, he experienced esophageal swelling and sought m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are many causes of esophageal swelling, but it is quite rare for esophageal swelling to compress the trachea to the point where surgery is necessary. It would be important to understand what the initial diagnosis from the physician was regarding the cause of the esop...[Read More] Seeking Alternative Medical Opinions for Esophageal Swelling and Airway Compression
IVIG Treatment for Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Hospitalization Necessity Explained
Treatment methods for autoimmune diseases and the necessity of hospitalization? Hello, Doctor. I have been diagnosed with antiphospholipid syndrome. In the past, I have been treated with oral medications, but now I am experiencing discomfort. My attending physician has suggested ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There are only a few cases of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome using IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin). If it is the first injection, it is recommended to administer it in a hospital setting for observation, as it is safer and more reassuring. If you have any questions or ...[Read More] IVIG Treatment for Antiphospholipid Syndrome: Hospitalization Necessity Explained
Understanding Syphilis Treatment: Slow Progress and Lymph Node Concerns
Syphilis treatment Last November, I was diagnosed with syphilis with a titer of 1:256. I received one injection and took tetracycline for 21 days. During this week's follow-up, the titer is still at 1:128, which seems to be decreasing slowly. Therefore, I received another in...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. <Is the decrease in index a bit slow?> A: If it is a first-time infection and treatment is received within a year, the index does indeed decrease somewhat slowly. If it is a reinfection (more than twice) with an increase of fourfold or more, it can be co...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment: Slow Progress and Lymph Node Concerns
Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment
What is happening with my medical process? I am filled with confusion and fear? I am currently on antibiotics and waiting for an MRI examination... Let me recount my medical journey from November 23, 2018, to the present... On the 23rd, I developed a corn on my right big toe, so ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding your questions, here are the responses: 1. When bacterial infection is confirmed, why is it not possible to be hospitalized immediately (waiting for 4 days), and even after hospitalization, immediate testing is not available? After nearly 2 weeks of anti...[Read More] Navigating My Medical Journey: Confusion and Fear Amidst Antibiotic Treatment