Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Regarding the test values related to hepatitis B..? Due to engaging in risky behavior and concerns about infection, I had blood tests for Hepatitis B and C. The HBsAg value was 0.11 (Negative) and the HBsAb value was 11.3 mIU/mL. I was tested approximately 5 weeks after the incid...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: According to the test results, since antibodies are already present, there is no need for vaccination. An HBsAb level of <10 IU/L is considered negative, while >=10 IU/L is considered positive. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Test Results: Window Period and Vaccination Advice
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot? Yesterday, on June 14th, I was punctured on the inner side of my foot by a rusty metal object while outside my home. At the time, it didn't penetrate completely; I felt something poke my foot and immediately moved away. There was a smal...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. According to the literature, even if the wound is clean or very minor, if you have never received a tetanus vaccine before or if it has been more than 10 years since your last vaccination, it is advisable to get vaccinated. There is no data avai...[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Muscle Tremors and Abnormal Urinalysis: When to Seek Help?
Muscle tremors and abnormal urinalysis? Hello Doctor, I had a routine check-up last week, and the protein test result was (+/-). I initially thought it wasn't a big deal, but recently I've been experiencing involuntary muscle twitching all over my body, and I even had l...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Side effects of the yellow fever vaccine may include headache, muscle pain, and mild fever, resembling cold symptoms, which typically resolve within 1 to 2 days. It is recommended to consult your primary care physician or an internal medicine clinic at the original vaccination fa...[Read More] Muscle Tremors and Abnormal Urinalysis: When to Seek Help?
Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?
Animal bite injury About a week ago, I was bitten by some kind of creature while at the beach near Kenting Street. I saw a bat at that time. The next day, I noticed two close red spots on my foot, but since there was no pain, I didn't seek medical attention. Today, I realize...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It is advised not to proceed, as it is difficult to confirm whether it is an inappropriate bite or if it was a bat bite. Currently, there have been no reported cases of rabies virus found in bats in the country. Alternatively, you can visit a healthcare facility that provides rab...[Read More] Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?
Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) Hello doctor, I have been consistently donating blood and have done so 12 times. The reports for the first 11 times were normal, but this time the blood donation report tested positive for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV). My 11th donation was i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. What is a "Human T-lymphotropic virus" (HTLV) carrier? Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV), primarily classified into HTLV-I and HTLV-II, is screened for antibodies at blood donation centers using enzyme immunoassays. Individuals who test positive for HTLV antibodies t...[Read More] Understanding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus: What Your Positive Test Means
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask: I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on March 1, 2022. I would like to know what the ou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is a certain probability of severe illness associated with COVID-19, which is related to factors such as the patient's age, pre-existing chronic conditions, and vaccination status. Your situation indicates that the likelihood of experiencing severe illness is lo...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Understanding Proteinuria: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Response: Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, Doctor. I previously asked about the issue of suspected proteinuria, and your response was that vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasion. Antibod...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Yes, wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later
Bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago? Hello, doctor. When I was about 8 years old (over 20 years ago), I was bitten by a monkey in Southeast Asia. However, since it has been such a long time, I can't remember if I received pre-exposure or post-exposure rabies vaccinations, o...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The incubation period for rabies is not that long, so there's no need to worry![Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later
Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a wound on my calf that looks like it was either bitten by a mosquito or scratched due to itching. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few days ago, my dog suddenly jumped on me and...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, unless your dog has rabies, there is a chance of transmitting rabies to you. Therefore, please regularly take your pets to the veterinarian for health check-ups and necessary vaccinations. Open wounds can allow various bacteria to enter and cause infections, so it is advis...[Read More] Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care
Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed for the second time about two weeks ago (one year after my first diagnosis). Although I tested negative by the fifth day, I noticed that I have been experiencing foamy urine since then. I found some a...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased from 108 to 112, both within the normal range, showing no signs of sudden impairment. Vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasions. Antibodies are a type of protein, and i...[Read More] Concerns About Kidney Health After Second Diagnosis: Understanding Proteinuria
Can HPV Vaccine Prevent Transmission and Progression After Infection?
HPV vaccine questions Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if someone is infected with HPV but immediately receives the HPV vaccine, although it won't cure the infection, can it prevent the progression of the disease or reduce the transmissibility? (I do not want to risk infe...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, current research shows that individuals infected with HPV can still benefit from vaccination, as it can reduce the risk of developing related diseases such as genital warts, anal cancer, and other HPV-related conditions. Therefore, vaccination is still recommended![Read More] Can HPV Vaccine Prevent Transmission and Progression After Infection?
Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need Medical Attention?
Eating undercooked pork in barbecue? When eating barbecue, I thought it was beef and consumed it medium-rare, only to later discover it was pork! Doctor, I have two questions: 1. Is it necessary to see an infectious disease specialist for this situation? 2. Is the prevalence of t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, a member of the indigenous community in Hualien County, Peng Zhao-xi, frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh. After exam...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need Medical Attention?
Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need to See an Infectious Disease Specialist?
Eating undercooked pork in barbecue? When eating barbecue, I thought it was beef and consumed it medium-rare, only to later find out it was pork! Doctor, I have two questions: 1. Is it necessary to see an infectious disease specialist for this situation? 2. Is the prevalence of t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, a member of the indigenous community in Hualien County, Peng Zhaoxi, frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh. After exami...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need to See an Infectious Disease Specialist?
Understanding HPV Recurrence: Concerns and Vaccination Benefits
Regarding the recurrence rate of HPV? Hello, Doctor. About six years ago, I had genital warts in my anal area due to my reckless youth. At that time, I underwent treatment with electrocautery and topical medications. I experienced severe itching at night, but over the years, alth...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First of all, it is not easy to completely cure genital warts; safe sexual practices and contact isolation are necessary. 2. The optimal timing for administering the HPV vaccine is before the onset of sexual activity; however, young men and women who are currently sexually act...[Read More] Understanding HPV Recurrence: Concerns and Vaccination Benefits
Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?
Bitten by my own dog? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask four questions: 1. I was bitten on my finger by my dog around midnight on April 13. The bite site is shown in the photos linked here. There was no bleeding, and I'm not sure if there are other bite marks. My dog is tw...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to go to the hospital for wound treatment and evaluation if bitten! Online consultations cannot replace in-person examinations and assessments. 1. No, if bitten by a domestic dog, rabies vaccination is not necessary. 2. Any deep wound carries a risk; i...[Read More] Dog Bite Concerns: Do You Need Rabies and Tetanus Vaccines?
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 Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Abnormal blood test results? Hello, Doctor: I received my fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on November 26, 2022, and I underwent a health check at my company on December 13, 2022. I am unsure if some abnormal values are related to the vaccination. The results are as follows: N...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your values, the main issues are low neutrophils and high lymphocytes. The most common causes are viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza. In addition to viral infections, other hematological disorders may also be a possibility. It is recommended to retest...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results After COVID-19 Vaccination
Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
Please ask your question? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a slight itch on my elbow, where I have two or three small bumps. I'm wondering if this is due to an insect bite or some unusual disease. I happened to come across information about HIV, but I have not eng...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your images, it is likely folliculitis or eczema; however, it should not be caused by HIV. A definitive diagnosis may require evaluation by a dermatologist. 2. Hello, I recommend receiving the Moderna next-generation vaccine, as there are no concerns regard...[Read More] Understanding Skin Irritations and Vaccine Mixing: Your Health Questions Answered
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
Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help
Regarding respiratory issues? Hello, doctor. I have a question. Sometimes my breathing sounds very loud (not during sleep). It's like after normal breathing, there will suddenly be a loud exhalation, and it feels like I have a tightness in my chest and can't breathe out...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Regarding respiratory sounds, being overweight can cause airway compression, which may lead to wheezing or audible breathing. If you are feeling very uncomfortable, you can visit an outpatient clinic for an X-ray to confirm that your lungs are in good condition. If it...[Read More] Understanding Loud Breathing: Causes and When to Seek Help