Others, Internal Medicine FAQ

Can I Rule Out HIV After Multiple Negative Rapid Tests?

HIV Rapid Test Confirmation Inquiry Hello, doctor: I had sexual intercourse with others (all sex workers) in July 2016, August 2017, and December 2017 (with condom use). Due to concerns, I took an HIV rapid test at a health center in January 2018, which was negative. I also had a...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there has been no unsafe sexual behavior since December 2019, the likelihood of contracting HIV is very low. Thank you for your question.

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...

Understanding Heart Palpitations: When to Seek Medical Advice

Cardiac issues Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I experienced symptoms of chest tightness. After searching online, I found that palpitations can be felt as a noticeable heartbeat. However, for several years, I have been able to feel my heartbeat almost all the time when I am still ...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: The sensation of feeling one's heartbeat is referred to as palpitations. There are many situations that can cause palpitations, commonly including life stress, tobacco and alcohol use, and even changes in temperature. Certain medical conditions are also associated wit...

Can Blood Splash from Nearby Blood Draws Pose Infection Risks?

Blood splatter in the eyes? I would like to inquire further: if I am very close to the previous blood donor at the blood draw station, is there a risk that blood could splash onto my eye mucosa during the needle withdrawal process? Is it easy for blood to splatter near the needle...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned should not lead to splashing, and since the eyes are very sensitive, if there were splashes, your eyes would definitely feel uncomfortable at that moment. Therefore, based on your description, the risk of infection should be low. If you want to ...

Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Asymptomatic Carriers, and Testing

Disease Inquiry Hello Doctor, I found the description of gonorrhea on the CDC website: Symptoms in men typically appear 2 to 7 days after infection and include: purulent urethral discharge, painful or burning sensation during urination. Some patients may resolve the infection on ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Symptoms may be mild or absent, and there is a significant variation in symptoms among individuals. 2. If there are no symptoms and no urethral discharge, it may not necessarily be detectable. 3. If there are no symptoms, continuous observation is sufficient. Howeve...

Is It Safe to Take Expired Tetracycline? Understanding the Risks

Tetracycline that has expired for several years? Hello, doctor. I took a tetracycline that expired several years ago. After researching online, I found out that it could be toxic. Is it possible to reach a toxic dose by taking just one pill? Do I need to seek medical attention? T...

Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Hello: Poisoning refers to a situation where the dosage of a toxic substance is too high or interacts with other medications, causing harm to the human body. In your case, the dosage is neither too high nor too low, and there are no other medications being taken concurrently. Ins...

Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients

The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...

Assessing COVID-19 Risks in Shared Spaces: Elevator Safety Concerns

Inquiries about epidemic prevention? Hello, today it seems that there are individuals returning from abroad who need to be quarantined in the building. I did not encounter them, but an elder in my family wanted to collect laundry and pressed the elevator button. When the door ope...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if the areas that were passed through have been disinfected and left to sit for an hour, the risk of infection should be relatively low. Currently, if patients are confirmed, they should be receiving treatment in the hospital. The situation you d...

Understanding Elevated Anti-SMD Levels: Implications for Lupus and Other Conditions

ANTI SMD Hello doctor, I would like to ask about a single anti-Smith antibody (anti-Sm) level that was elevated at approximately 13, which later decreased to 8 after a year of medication. What does this signify clinically? Other lupus-related antibodies, such as anti-nuclear anti...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I have summarized your inquiries as follows: 1. What does it mean clinically if a single anti-SmD level was elevated at approximately 13 and later decreased to 8 after one year of medication? Anti-SmD is a specific antibody for Systemic Lupus ...

Understanding Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

What is mixed connective tissue disease? Hello Doctor: I previously experienced an outbreak of urticaria and visited a nearby dermatologist two or three times without improvement. I read in magazines that I should see a rheumatologist, so I found the only clinic nearby that offer...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Mixed connective tissue disease is a type of rheumatic disease, which, as the name suggests, exhibits features of other rheumatic diseases, including scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, but it is classified as an...

Concerns About HIV Infection After Accidental Needle Stick

Concerns about HIV infection? Hello Dr. Hong: On December 23, 2020, at 9:30 AM, I bought sushi from a breakfast shop near my home (the sushi is sourced from an external supplier by this shop). When I opened the sushi box, I accidentally pricked my finger on a staple, causing a sm...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the risk of contracting HIV from a stapler puncture injury is very low. If you are not experiencing any discomfort, it is not necessary to get tested unless you have other symptoms unrelated to the wound. As for your daily life, it will not be af...

Understanding Your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels: Key Insights

Issues with blood lipids and blood glucose? Hello Dr. Lin, I have a few questions regarding my blood sugar and lipid levels. Below are my test results from two health check-ups spaced seven months apart: - Total Cholesterol (TCH): 235 mg/dL, 256 mg/dL (Reference value: <200)...

Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
1. According to your Glu AC and HbA1C, they are currently within the standard range. 2. Whether you need to take lipid-lowering medication depends on other risk factors, such as a family history of cerebrovascular disease or cardiovascular disease, among others. 3. It is currentl...

Can You Catch Infectious Diseases by Shaking Hands with a Cut?

Shaking hands with an open wound and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: I accidentally scratched my finger while working. The wound is about 1 square centimeter and has slight bleeding. Since I didn't have a band-aid on hand, I continued working and even shook hands with unf...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "HIV is difficult to transmit through contact unless there are open wounds and exposure to a significant amount of bodily fluids." This is accurate; based on the situation you described, there would be no risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or HI...

Understanding Bowel Sounds and Bloating: Insights on IBS Symptoms

Borborygmi and bloating? A year ago, I experienced constipation due to high stress, with occasional abdominal sounds at midnight, occurring infrequently about once or twice a month. After undergoing surgery for a lipoma and taking amoxicillin for a month, my symptoms worsened. Th...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed possible that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or that you may be experiencing issues related to fecal impaction. I recommend starting with a regular routine, increasing your intake of vegetables, and exercising more, as these...

Navigating Endocrine Issues: Finding the Right Specialist for Your Health

Endocrine issues Hello, Doctor: Our family has a history of diabetes and thyroid nodules, but I seem to be the unluckiest one. After undergoing thyroid cancer surgery, I have been taking thyroid hormone (levothyroxine), which causes my heart rate to be consistently between 110 an...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you described, it is indeed necessary to conduct a detailed examination of the thyroid. I recommend visiting the endocrinology department at a major hospital. You can refer to the outpatient schedule to find a physician who specializes in thyroid dis...

Understanding Sebaceous Gland Disorders: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance

Sebaceous gland abnormalities Symptoms: 1. Several small white spots on the inner side of the lips (appeared at the end of October, confirmed by a dentist as sebaceous glands). 2. Dense small white spots on the upper eyelids and around the eyes (have been present for some time, c...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Excessive hair loss and weight loss can be evaluated for thyroid function abnormalities, while sebaceous gland issues should be referred to a dermatologist.

Managing Side Effects After Stent Placement: Dizziness and Dry Mouth Concerns

Dizziness and dry mouth? Hello, Doctor! I underwent a cardiac catheterization and had a stent placed in early June of this year, and I started taking anticoagulant medication daily afterward. I would like to ask if this stent can never be removed? Do I need to take anticoagulants...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it seems you need to use anticoagulants long-term, which suggests that you have a metal stent. Some metal stents have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced after a certain period, while others can remain in place for a long time unless ...

Concerns About STIs: Risks of HIV and Syphilis After Sauna Encounter

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions. Yesterday, I went to a sauna (a regular sauna), and after taking a shower, I lay down in the resting area to sleep. After a while, I heard some strange noise...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The situation you described generally poses a very low risk of transmission, unless there is a "bleeding" wound on the sole of the foot, which could increase the chance of disease transmission through that wound. The skin on the soles of the feet is quite thick, ...

Assessing Infection Risks for Children After Exposure to Spit

Thank you for your inquiry? Hello, Dr. Hong: Today, my husband took a day off, and we went out to eat clay pot chicken with our baby. Although it seems that the pandemic is less talked about domestically now, I still wear a mask as much as possible and ask my husband to do the sa...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that you were approximately one meter away from a potential droplet exposure outdoors. Since it is a more open space, the risk of transmission should be very low, especially since you and your family were wearing masks. Therefore, the likelihoo...

Assessing Infection Risks for Children After Exposure to Spit

Thank you for your inquiry? Hello, Dr. Hong: Today, my husband took a day off and we went out to eat clay pot chicken with our baby. Although it seems that the pandemic is less talked about in the country now, I still try to wear a mask and ask my husband to do the same to protec...

Previous｜Page ｜Next