Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Does the immunomodulatory function of Salvia miltiorrhiza reduce the likelihood of developing moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19? Hello Doctor, I have ankylosing spondylitis and I am currently 20 years old. I am taking two Salazopyrin (500 mg each) and one Met...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1) From a theoretical standpoint, could it be that because I am taking Salazopyrin, I am less likely to develop moderate to severe symptoms after contracting COVID-19 compared to others of the same age and condition who ...[Read More] Can Immune Modulators Like Salazopyrin Reduce Severe COVID-19 Risk?
Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Kidney problems Kidney: mild bilateral cortical echogenicity increase and irregular contour. > Aorta: patent and normal size. > Inferior vena cava: patent and normal size. IMP: Fatty liver with focal sparing. Bilateral renal parenchymal disease. 1. This ultrasound indicate...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The main findings are fatty liver and renal parenchymal disease. Renal parenchymal disease refers to the observable damage to the kidneys that can occur with aging or disease; however, it should be evaluated alongside kidney function indices, specifically serum creati...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Issues: Ultrasound Findings and What They Mean
Risks of Hair Salon Razors: Can You Contract HIV or STDs?
Razor used in hair salons? Hello, Director. When I went to the hair salon for a haircut, the stylist used a razor at the end to shape my face. The previous user had their service about 2-3 minutes before me, and the stylist did not disinfect the razor after use. After getting my ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk...[Read More] Risks of Hair Salon Razors: Can You Contract HIV or STDs?
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello, doctor. First of all, thank you for your attention. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used some tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There are three main routes of transmission for the HIV virus: A. 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. B. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming in...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure? A Guide
Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
HIV Infection Counseling - Exposure Hello Doctor, first of all, thank you for your time. About a year ago, I masturbated in a public restroom and, in a moment of urgency, I couldn't find any toilet paper, so I used the tissue from the trash can to wipe my glans after ejacula...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infection. B. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into contact w...[Read More] Should You Get Tested for HIV After Potential Exposure?
Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Infection issues? When receiving an injection, if I did not pay attention to whether the needle was new, and considering that I am not in Taiwan where the equipment is reusable, the injection was administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. 1. What is the risk of infection for...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. 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. B. B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Half-service establishments, French kissing, and wet kissing? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a massage parlor where I engaged in several minutes of French kissing, wet kissing, mutual nipple licking, fondling, finger stimulation, and manual stimulation with massage oil, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infectio...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
Medication usage and exercise? Hello Doctor: I am a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. 1) I have been taking Secukinumab for six months, and it has been effective in controlling my condition. However, recently, despite unchanged medication, my pain and inflammation levels have ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, online friend. 1) Autoimmune diseases have a characteristic of fluctuating symptoms, which may not always be related to medication issues. 2) Vaccines can activate autoimmune diseases or trigger immune abnormalities in approximately 5%-10% of cases. 3) The impact of food i...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Medication, Exercise, and Inflammation Concerns
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Ankylosing spondylitis and immunity? Hello Doctor, I am currently 18.7 years old. I have already received the first dose of the BNT vaccine and am considering self-paying for the first dose of a biologic agent and the second dose of the BNT vaccine. I would like to ask you: 1) Ho...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1) Some biologic agents have effects, while others do not; please consult the attending physician. 2) Autoimmune diseases can have fluctuating conditions, and vaccines may also have an impact, so it is important to consider the actual situation. 3) Generally, in ankylosing spondy...[Read More] Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and Its Impact on Immunity
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Health Examination Report Hello doctor, last month I visited a rheumatology and immunology specialist due to an unexplained rash on my skin (similar to petechiae). Initially, the doctor suspected it might be an allergy, but they still conducted blood tests. The results showed abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Among the antibodies you tested, some are related to Sjögren's syndrome (Ro/La, C3/C4), some are associated with myositis (Jo-1, Ku), and others are more related to lupus erythematosus (ANA, C3/C4). However, we will consider clinical sympto...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Possible Immune System Disorders
Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Accidentally pricked by a needle? I accidentally got pricked by a contaminated needle on the night of January 3rd, and I saw a doctor on January 5th to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV. I have a few questions: 1. How long should I take the PEP medication? 2. How lon...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Since you have been potentially exposed to an infected individual through a needle stick injury, please follow your physician's instructions and complete a one-month course of medication. 2. The previous standard procedure involved blood tests on the same day, at one an...[Read More] Accidental Needle Stick: What You Need to Know About HIV Prevention
Can Oral Sex Without Protection Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Transmission routes of HIV/AIDS? Hello doctor, may I ask if receiving oral sex without a condom can transmit HIV? Thank you!
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexual activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individua...[Read More] Can Oral Sex Without Protection Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Managing Childbirth Challenges in Women with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Issues related to childbirth in women with ankylosing spondylitis? Hello, Doctor. I started experiencing severe joint swelling and pain around the age of 13, and now at 31, the locations and timing of the pain have changed with age. I only began seeking medical attention in adult...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) Due to the frequent pain during flare-ups, which can make movement difficult, is it possible to have a smooth delivery if the condition flares up during natural childbirth? --> In principle, flare-ups of ankylosin...[Read More] Managing Childbirth Challenges in Women with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments
Questions about the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If a small wound was made on your finger with a clean, newly opened needle and a few drops of blood were released, there is a potential risk of infection if that wound comes into contact with another person'...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control website. 2. 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....[Read More] Understanding Bloodborne Infection Risks in High School Experiments
Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Can you get hepatitis B from visiting the dentist? A few days ago, I had swelling when my wisdom teeth were coming in, so I visited a relatively tidy dental clinic. Later, I recalled that a few weeks ago, I had undergone testing for hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies, bot...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the CDC website: A. Mode of Transmission: Hepatitis B surface antigen can be found in bodily fluids and secretions, but only blood, semen, and vaginal secretions are considered infectious. The presence of e antigen indicates a high concentration of the virus in the b...[Read More] Can You Contract Hepatitis B from Visiting the Dentist?
Understanding the Risks of STIs After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Do I have a chance of experiencing sleep disturbances? On November 28th, I visited a sex worker and engaged in unprotected oral sex and unprotected vaginal intercourse. Although the worker claimed to get tested regularly, I still felt anxious. The unprotected vaginal intercourse ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. 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. B. B...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of STIs After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Food does not transmit HIV? Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. Recently, after sharing a takeout meal with my child, I noticed that part of the food had a strong semen-like odor. If it was indeed semen, I have a sore in my esophagus due to not swallowing my acne medication...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a ris...[Read More] Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Syphilis rash-related issues? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in early October and have been taking Doxycycline for four weeks. Prior to treatment, I had four deep red rashes on my palms. During the second to third week of treatment, I experienced...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The presence of a rash does not indicate the effectiveness of treatment; in some cases, the rash may become more pronounced during treatment. It is recommended to follow up three months later for a more accurate assessment of the indicators. 2. It is advisable to di...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Can You Take Large Pills with Food? Tips for Easier Swallowing
Medication issues Is it okay to take large pills with food if they are difficult to swallow?
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Medications are designed for specific administration times; some should be taken before meals, some after meals, and others during meals. Some tablets may be too large and can be split or crushed, while others must be swallowed whole. It is advisable to consult a pharmacist or th...[Read More] Can You Take Large Pills with Food? Tips for Easier Swallowing
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Barbershops: Key Questions Answered
Inquiry about routes of HIV transmission? Hello, Director. I apologize for asking a few questions. 1) A few days ago, while getting a haircut, I was accidentally scraped on my cheek and neck with a folding razor. The razor had been used by the previous customer about 2 minutes ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. Razors can cause small cuts and bleeding, which means there is a risk of transmitting HIV or other bloodborne diseases through sharing razors. It is recommended to avoid sharing razors with others. 2. This cannot be statistically quantified, as individuals infected with...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Barbershops: Key Questions Answered