Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Regarding the effects of anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications? Hello, Doctor Gao. I have ankylosing spondylitis, primarily experiencing pain in my buttocks (sacroiliac joint) and lower back (at the level of my navel). I have been taking Voltaren and Celebrex for three mont...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Can the same anti-inflammatory pain reliever (such as Naproxen) effectively treat sacroiliac joint pain but not lower back pain? Or can Celecoxib effectively treat lower back pain but not sacroiliac joint pain? -->...[Read More] Understanding the Effectiveness of Anti-Inflammatory Pain Medications
Can Cleaning Public Restrooms Spread Germs and Infections?
May I ask the doctor? Hello, Doctor: I have a couple of questions. 1. If I am cleaning a public restroom (like in an office) and come into contact with the sink, door handles, or other surfaces, is there a possibility of bacteria or viruses remaining that could infect other users...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned can be managed by ensuring proper hand hygiene, which will prevent infections. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Cleaning Public Restrooms Spread Germs and Infections?
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 Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infection
What are the issues related to consuming raw food? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I touch a plate or raw meat, will washing my hands be sufficient to avoid bacteria and infection? 2. If a plate with raw meat is placed on tables or other surfaces, is there a risk of bacteria remaining or ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infections. 2. Being separated by a plate does not prevent infection. 3. Any area that comes into contact with raw food may harbor bacteria. 4. Areas that come into contact with raw food should be cleaned, and hands shoul...[Read More] Understanding Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infection
Understanding Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infections
Could you please clarify your question regarding raw food issues? Hello Doctor, 1. Is washing hands sufficient to avoid bacteria and infections after touching a plate or raw meat? 2. If a plate with raw meat is placed on tables or other surfaces, is there a risk of bacteria re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Handwashing is the most effective way to prevent infections. 2. Being separated by a plate does not prevent infection. 3. Any area that comes into contact with raw food may harbor bacteria. 4. Areas that come into contact with raw food should be cleaned, and hands shoul...[Read More] Understanding Food Safety: Handling Raw Meat and Preventing Bacterial Infections
Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Hepatitis B transmission issues? Hello, doctor: I have received the hepatitis B vaccine and have tested positive for antibodies (surface antibody 81, core antibody 0.10). A few days ago, while changing the dressing for an uncle with liver cirrhosis at the hospital, I accidentally...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/jlS2jBHpodI34ATlKUy3oQ): (1) Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in body fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are inf...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B Transmission After Accidental Blood Exposure
Understanding Elevated Mono Levels: When to Seek Medical Advice
Abnormal blood test results? Hello Doctor, I had a blood test a few days ago and found that my Mono level is 11.4, which is above the normal range, while other parameters are normal. I would like to ask what this might indicate and which specialty I should consult? Background: ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, MONO (mononuclear cells) levels may fluctuate due to physical conditions, disease factors, or medications. However, since subsequent values are gradually returning to normal, it is likely in the recovery phase. It is recommended to continue monitoring the indices, and if a...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Mono Levels: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding COVID-19 Recovery: When Will You Test Negative?
COVID-19 Hello Doctor, I tested positive on February 6th, but today is February 15th and my rapid test is still positive, with the second line still quite clear. I would like to ask how long it will take for me to test negative. Am I still contagious? Traditional Chinese medicine...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The CT value of PCR tests can provide some insight into infectiousness, but it is generally believed that the infectiousness is not very strong. 2. It is recommended to wear a mask and wash hands frequently; this should allow for safe outings in well-ventilated outdoor ...[Read More] Understanding COVID-19 Recovery: When Will You Test Negative?
Understanding HIV Testing: Can False Negatives Occur?
Is there a possibility of false negatives in HIV testing? 1. I had protected sexual intercourse on October 5th at 11 PM, and I took an antibody and antigen rapid test on January 4th, which came back negative. Can I rule out the possibility of a positive result? 2. Many hospital...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After a three-month window period, infection can generally be ruled out; however, this is contingent upon no unsafe sexual practices or sharing of needles during this time. 2. Generally, the timeframe is three to six months; one month refers to the earliest time at which a p...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can False Negatives Occur?
Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Pain in the limbs and back? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing upper back pain, pain in the finger joints and fingertips, pain in the toes, knee pain, and occasional elbow pain for the past 1 to 2 months. This past month, I went to a large hospital for examinations. The docto...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Some young individuals do experience intermittent joint effusion, with symptoms that come and go, often lasting no more than three days. In such cases, we generally first check for any serious rheumatic diseases behind these symptoms, as your p...[Read More] Understanding Short-Term Joint and Back Pain: When to Consider Medication
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a syringe for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the syringe at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minute...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used, so it is crucial never to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash typically occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis, which happens approximately six weeks to six m...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Therefore, it is crucial not to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash is associated with secondary syphilis, which typically occurs approximately six weeks to six mont...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Recent health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels? Recently, a health check revealed slightly elevated cholesterol levels. My height is 164 cm and weight is 44 kg. Total cholesterol is 238 mg/dL, triglycerides are 42 mg/dL, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is 69.9 m...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to see a physician. Whether treatment is necessary depends on the physician's assessment of any risk factors you may have, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and other risk factors. Additionally, it is im...[Read More] Managing High Cholesterol: When to See a Doctor and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Fasting blood glucose levels are elevated? On October 14, 2021, I went to the emergency room due to discomfort from vaccine side effects, around 8 PM after dinner, feeling very anxious (due to chest pain). The emergency department recorded a blood glucose level of 171. A few days...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Fasting blood glucose greater than 100 mg/dL or hemoglobin A1c greater than 5.6% indicates prediabetes. Low-dose mirtazapine is not commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Maintaining proper dietary control and lifestyle adjustments is key. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire whether my symptoms could be diagnosed as arthritis. At the end of October: I felt an unusual sensation when bending my hands. At the beginning of November: I experienced an unusual sensation in my big toe, and my knees h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe further monitoring is appropriate. Although the RF value is abnormal, it is not significantly elevated, and with normal CCP levels, I think tracking is sufficient. If ANA, CRP, and ESR are also normal, the likelihood of severe rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the risk of infection if a patient with HIV accidentally splashes sputum into my eyes while assisting with sputum suction. I usually wear prescription glasses, and today while helping the patient, I felt that some sputum m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding HIV transmission routes: 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 infe...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
HIV testing issues I previously underwent a military physical examination, and the HIV test was conducted using the EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) method, with a result of 370.40, which indicates a reactive result. Does this mean it is positive? If it is positive, should I get tested a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The general testing for HIV is divided into two categories: the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the Western Blot test. The former is considered a screening method with a threshold of 1, which can result in a small number of false positives; typically, a result greater than 20 is ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
How to manage obesity? I want to lose weight, especially abdominal fat. How does your department handle this? What is the difference between seeing a metabolic specialist and a family medicine physician?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: The metabolic department focuses on obesity issues primarily related to endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism, among others. The management approach includes correcting endocrine abnormalities, dietary control, and exercise management. I'm not very clear on the ...[Read More] Effective Strategies for Managing Abdominal Obesity: A Guide
Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Cauliflower/HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Eight years ago, I had genital warts, which were treated over six months, and I received three doses of the nine-valent HPV vaccine. It has been eight years without a recurrence. I would like to know what ...
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] Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
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