Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Accidentally cut oneself? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and accidentally scratched myself with the metal part of an electrical outlet. Although there is no bleeding, it appears to have broken the skin. Two years ago in Taiwan, I received a tetanus shot after getting cut b...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have received a tetanus shot within the last 5 years, there is no need for a repeat vaccination. Therefore, you likely do not need to get vaccinated again. As for the wound, you should mainly observe for any local redness, swelling, heat, or pain, as well as any sig...[Read More] Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Minor Cut Abroad?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Healthcare Settings
Questions about HIV infection? I would like to ask the doctor if the risk of HIV transmission through contact requires exposure to a large amount of fresh blood. Since I work in a hospital and encounter patients undergoing blood draws and those with body fluids, I would like to k...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the risk of infection is generally higher with blood transfusions. For typical wounds or general skin contact, the risk of infection is very low. The daily life situations you described do not pose a risk for HIV infection. The HIV virus is primarily found in semen and blo...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Healthcare Settings
Understanding Mucosal Infection Risks: HIV and Eye Safety Concerns
Mucosal eye infection 1. While I was in the hospital, the person next to me had just had blood drawn and didn't apply enough pressure. I noticed some blood seeping from his elbow crease, and I was concerned that during his movements, his blood might spray into my eyes. I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The distance of blood splatter is limited, and there are currently no case reports of HIV infection through splashes into the eyes, so you should not be concerned about being infected. 2. HIV cannot be transmitted through acne, so there is no need to worry. Thank you fo...[Read More] Understanding Mucosal Infection Risks: HIV and Eye Safety Concerns
Can You Get Rabies from a Dog's Saliva? Understanding the Risks
Rabies issues Hello doctor, today I encountered a stray dog on the street. It was barking at the dogs near a food stall. I quickly walked past the dog, but I have a small wound on the joint of my right thumb. If the dog's saliva accidentally splashed onto my wound, is there ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, rabies is primarily transmitted through wound infection. If saliva simply splashes on the skin, it will not lead to infection, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get Rabies from a Dog's Saliva? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Suspected vasculitis Hello Doctor: My mother is 73 years old and has hepatitis C, an autoimmune disease (Sjögren's syndrome), and dry eyes. She often experiences headaches and upper back pain (which she has had for many years). She has been seeing a rheumatologist and is on ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the clinical manifestations of hepatitis C or autoimmune diseases (such as Sjögren's syndrome) can include vasculitis. However, most symptoms present as petechiae, which are typically painless or slightly painful, and itching is rare, let alone severe itching. It is a...[Read More] Understanding Vasculitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Dietary Impact
Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Persistent high fever every morning accompanied by weight loss? Hello, Doctor. Thank you for taking the time to read this amidst your busy schedule. My father, who is 70 years old, has been diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. You can return for a follow-up appointment anytime you feel unwell, especially if you have a fever, without worrying about the physician's opinion. 2. If you have had a persistent fever for over a month, that is...[Read More] Daily High Fever and Weight Loss in a 70-Year-Old with Lupus
Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Kidney function tests Hello Doctor: In the past few months, I have been experiencing discomfort, including chest tightness and pain, occasional shortness of breath, and unexplained nausea, although I haven't actually vomited. My daily routine has not changed, and there has b...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
Hello, "person with questions." 1. In recent months, I have been experiencing discomfort, including chest tightness and pain, occasional shortness of breath, and unexplained nausea. 2. I have noted episodes of tachycardia and mild arrhythmia. 3. My cortisol level is...[Read More] Understanding Kidney Function Tests: Symptoms and Specialist Guidance
Understanding HIV Survival on Clothing and Safety Precautions
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Regarding your previous question, clothing can be washed in a regular washing machine, and generally, the HIV virus does not survive on fabric. If clothing has come into contact with bodily fluids and is subsequently washed in a wash...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Currently, there are no reported cases of transmission through clothing. Theoretically, the HIV virus does not survive long on clothing. Based on the situation you described, there should be no concern about HIV infectio...[Read More] Understanding HIV Survival on Clothing and Safety Precautions
Do You Need to Bandage Minor Skin Breaks to Prevent Infection?
Contact transmission If the wound on your hand is a scrape without bleeding, such as a cracked area or a mosquito bite that has been scratched open, and it feels slightly painful without bleeding, is it necessary to bandage it? Could touching it lead to an infection or virus?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: In principle, there is no risk of HIV infection through contact with a non-bleeding wound (the epidermal barrier can prevent the virus from entering the bloodstream). Therefore, there is generally no need for a bandage, but sometimes bandaging is helpful to reduce the chan...[Read More] Do You Need to Bandage Minor Skin Breaks to Prevent Infection?
Managing Skin Cuts: Risks of HIV Infection and Proper Care
Skin abrasion on the hand? Recently, I have some cuts on my hands. Should I bandage them specifically? Is there a risk of contracting HIV if I touch something with these wounds? For example, if I accidentally touch a public door handle that may have blood or bodily fluids on it, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. If there is a bleeding wound, it is recommended to cover it with a bandage. 2. Theoretically, a bleeding wound does have a potential risk of transmitting viruses, but the risk is very low. Additionally, the HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the human body...[Read More] Managing Skin Cuts: Risks of HIV Infection and Proper Care
Understanding STD Testing: Key Questions About Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV
Supplementary Consultation for Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing Hello Dr. Hong, thank you for your explanation. What you previously mentioned means: (1) Should one only visit the hospital for examination if symptoms of gonorrhea or chlamydia appear? (2) Does having a gonorrhe...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, if symptoms of gonorrhea and chlamydia appear, you should visit a hospital for testing. Infections of gonorrhea and chlamydia will not prolong the HIV window period or affect the detection of HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding STD Testing: Key Questions About Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and HIV
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks Through Skin Cuts and Contaminated Surfaces
HIV transmission through contact? Is it possible to contract HIV from a cut or small wound on my hand if I come into contact with something? Could there be a chance that HIV virus survives on the surface of an object, or on my clothing or hair, and then I touch my hair or clothes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HUV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse, and the chances of infection through the everyday contact you mentioned are very low. Therefore, there is no need to worry excessively about contracting it due to these situations. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks Through Skin Cuts and Contaminated Surfaces
Understanding Gum Bleeding: Causes and Care Tips for Oral Health
There is slight bleeding near the gums? Hello Dr. Hong: I was fine during dinner, but after eating kiwi, I felt a small area in my mouth, particularly on the inside of my gums, that seemed to be peeling. There was also slight bleeding for about 3 minutes. I'm not sure why th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Gums can easily bleed due to biting hard objects or brushing too vigorously. Some individuals may also experience bleeding due to irregular sleep patterns or insufficient vitamin intake. However, if it is just a temporary occurrence, there is no need to worry as it wi...[Read More] Understanding Gum Bleeding: Causes and Care Tips for Oral Health
Understanding Breathing Sensations and Muscle Pain After Exercise
Please ask your question? Hello doctor, today my boyfriend noticed that I haven't been exercising much besides walking, and he's worried that staying at home due to the pandemic might affect my health. He taught me how to do push-ups, and after struggling to complete ju...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some young males can indeed experience spontaneous pneumothorax, but it typically presents with significant shortness of breath and chest pain. Based on your description, it does not seem to be pneumonia or pneumothorax, but rather a muscle strain caused by sudden intense ...[Read More] Understanding Breathing Sensations and Muscle Pain After Exercise
Understanding Your Body's Response to Push-Ups: Is It Normal?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate regarding push-up-related questions? Hello, doctor. I usually don't exercise much except for walking, and my boyfriend is worried that staying indoors due to the pandemic is not good for my health, so he taught me how...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some young males can indeed experience spontaneous pneumothorax, but it typically presents with noticeable shortness of breath and chest pain. Based on your description, it does not seem to be pneumonia or pneumothorax, but rather a muscle strain caused by sudden intense e...[Read More] Understanding Your Body's Response to Push-Ups: Is It Normal?
Concerns About Accidentally Ingesting Small Insects: What You Should Know
Accidental ingestion of small insects may result in Hello doctor, I was watching a movie and got so focused that I suddenly saw what looked like a fruit fly flying towards my face. At that moment, I wasn't sure if it went into my nose or if I accidentally swallowed it, altho...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, insects typically exhibit phototropism and are unlikely to enter dark oral cavities. Additionally, even if insects are accidentally ingested, they generally do not have any significant impact on human health, do not cause diseases, and do not present symptoms, so there is ...[Read More] Concerns About Accidentally Ingesting Small Insects: What You Should Know
Concerns About Accidentally Ingesting Small Insects: What You Should Know
Accidental ingestion of small insects may Hello doctor, while I was watching a movie, I was so focused that I suddenly saw a small insect that looked like a fruit fly flying towards my face. At that moment, I wasn't sure if it went into my nose or if I accidentally swallowed...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, insects typically exhibit phototaxis and tend to avoid dark areas in the mouth. Even if other insects are accidentally ingested, they generally do not have a significant impact on human health, nor do they cause diseases or symptoms, so there is no need for concern. Thank ...[Read More] Concerns About Accidentally Ingesting Small Insects: What You Should Know
Understanding HIV and HBV Transmission Risks: A Guide for Concerned Partners
Inquiry about the transmission routes of HIV and HBV? Hello Dr. Hong, I would like to ask you a question on behalf of my girlfriend. She has a small wound on her toe due to paronychia. Last night, she called me and mentioned that while she was on her way home, a worker passed by ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the viral load of HIV in saliva is very low, so transmission does not occur through saliva contact, nor does it occur through contact with wounds. The primary mode of HIV transmission is still through sexual intercourse, so you can reassure her about this. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Understanding HIV and HBV Transmission Risks: A Guide for Concerned Partners
Understanding HIV Testing Methods: EIA, ELISA, and CMIA Explained
HIV Testing Counseling Hello Dr. Hong, thank you very much for your response. In your previous answer, you mentioned that any method using enzymes and immunology can be referred to as EIA. The testing unit A I consulted uses Anti-HIV, and the technician indicated that they use EL...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the Chemiluminescent Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay (CMIA) utilizes changes in chemiluminescence to detect enzyme immunoassays. It can be considered an advanced or modified version of the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and it can also be viewed as a broader d...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Methods: EIA, ELISA, and CMIA Explained
Swallowed Fish Bone or Just a Sensation? Understanding Your Symptoms
I'm not sure if it's a fish bone? Hello, doctor. While eating fried sweet and sour fish, I felt something stuck in my throat after swallowing, and I'm not sure if it was the hard fried skin or a fish bone. I tried to induce vomiting to see if anything would come ou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if a fishbone gets stuck, there is usually a persistent sensation of a foreign body. Based on your description, if the subsequent symptoms gradually improve, there should be less concern about the fishbone issue. However, if you still feel very uncomfortable, you can visit...[Read More] Swallowed Fish Bone or Just a Sensation? Understanding Your Symptoms