Understanding CD4 Counts for Dental Procedures in HIV Patients
Regarding the immune index? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the immune index CD4. If a patient has HIV, their immune system is expected to be weaker than that of a healthy person. What is the appropriate CD4 count for tooth extraction? Does the level of CD4 affect the he...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. You can refer to the article from CommonHealth magazine at http://www.commonhealth.com.tw/article/article.action?nid=65413 <Do These 5 Things to Prevent Tooth Extraction from Becoming a Disaster> 2. From the article, it is understood that as long as you coo...[Read More] Understanding CD4 Counts for Dental Procedures in HIV Patients
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Sports and Everyday Situations
Several questions regarding HIV transmission? 1. Hello, doctor. I have a few questions. First, are there any documented cases in medical history where HIV was transmitted through playing basketball? Since basketball is a contact sport, there can be minor injuries during the game,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Inquirer: 1. The HIV virus is primarily transmitted through blood or serum; however, for successful transmission to occur, the virus must be intact and present in sufficient quantities. Additionally, the infected individual's wound must come into contact with the viru...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Sports and Everyday Situations
Unexplained Redness and Swelling in the Foot: Seeking Answers
Unexplained redness and swelling of the foot? At the end of the text, there are images. Since there is a lot of text, I will summarize the key points first: From this past Monday (12/18) to yesterday (12/23), I have been taking antibiotics for five days. The wound does not feel s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the issue of "unexplained redness and swelling in the foot," here is the response: A: 1. You are a very attentive and patient person; it is rare for someone to keep such detailed records of their medical history. 2. The progression of the wound ...[Read More] Unexplained Redness and Swelling in the Foot: Seeking Answers
Can You Contract HIV from Scratches During a Fight?
Can you get HIV from being scratched? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I had a conflict with someone, and during the struggle on the ground, the other person tightly grabbed my wrists. Afterward, I noticed that my wrists have wounds and scratch marks. I'm not sure if the wounds are ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, A. First, please refer to the information on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw. There are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Scratches During a Fight?
Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
IgG: 1750 and IgG4: 208? Hello Doctor, I apologize for bothering you, but I have some questions. Recently, after several days of staying up late, I have been feeling very fatigued, experiencing dry mouth and reduced saliva. Therefore, I visited an oral surgeon, but they did not ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I will address your questions as follows: 1. You may have IgG4-related disease, which has symptoms similar to Sjögren's syndrome. It may require long-term medication, but there might be possibilities for dose reduction or discontinuation. ...[Read More] Understanding IgG and IgG4 Abnormalities: Lifelong Medication and Health Implications
Understanding Staphylococcus Blood Infections: Causes and Treatment Options
Staphylococcus aureus infection in the blood? Hello, my family member was hospitalized due to a car accident, suffering from a mild concussion and some external injuries. However, after three days in the hospital, they started experiencing persistent high fever, and tests reveale...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. Regarding <The incubation period of Staphylococcus in blood infections>: A: Staphylococcus infections often originate from wounds, and occasionally from the respiratory and urinary tracts. In short, as long as there is an entry point on the body that is ...[Read More] Understanding Staphylococcus Blood Infections: Causes and Treatment Options
Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Impact injury to the left lower back? Hello Doctor: Today while playing with friends, one of them accidentally hit my left lower back with a pillow quite hard (although the pillow is relatively soft). At that moment, there was swelling on my left lower back due to the zipper on t...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Q: 1. Given the left lower back pain due to external impact, it is indeed necessary to consider potential injuries to the kidneys, spleen, mesentery, ureters, intestines, and other related structures. 2. In your case, although there is a skin wound, the absence of hemat...[Read More] Assessing Potential Kidney or Spleen Injury After a Back Impact
Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Enterococcus arthritis neuropathy Hello Dr. Liao: I have seen many doctors without improvement in my condition, so I am here to seek your advice regarding my medical history: Last August, I was diagnosed with prostatitis and took broad-spectrum antibiotics, specifically tetracycl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Recently, there have been reports of an increase in cases of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections in hospitals in Hong Kong. Once infected, treatment can be very challenging, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. This outbreak has quickly garnered publ...[Read More] Understanding Enterococcus Infections: Arthritis, Neuropathy, and More
Identifying Cellulitis in Oral Wounds: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Bacterial issues related to oral wounds? Hello, doctor: Can we visually determine cellulitis from a painful oral wound? Is a painful oral wound with lymphadenopathy considered early-stage cellulitis? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. The constant secretion of saliva and eating in the oral cavity can cause pain at the wound site and a decrease in appetite. 2. Whether there are oral ulcers (such as those caused by enteroviruses) or cellulitis should be determined by a physician. It is recommend...[Read More] Identifying Cellulitis in Oral Wounds: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Assessing Low Risk and Medication Timing in PEP Treatment
Regarding medication administration and risks? Hello, doctor. On August 1st, around 4:30 PM, I received oral sex from a partner, and I ejaculated in their mouth. This was the only sexual activity. On August 3rd, I went to the hospital for preventive medication (PEP). The doctor a...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there are no wounds or bleeding in the affected area, the chance of infection is indeed very low. A 40-minute duration should have a minimal effect from the medication. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing Low Risk and Medication Timing in PEP Treatment
Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
Repeated bacterial infections – is it a problem with the immune system? Hello, doctor. In mid-May of this year, I had an acne wound infection that spread inflammation to half of my face within a week. After taking antibiotics for three weeks, I recovered. Shortly after, at the en...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The frequent infections during this period are indeed unusual. It is recommended to consult with an immunologist or a hematologist. The Changhua Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare has an Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Departme...[Read More] Frequent Bacterial Infections: Is It a Sign of Immune System Issues?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Restrooms
Probability of HIV/AIDS Today, I found blood on the toilet paper in the subway restroom after having a bowel movement, but I already wiped myself with it. Is there a risk of contracting HIV? I heard that it doesn't transmit in the environment, so it should be fine, right? I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV cannot be transmitted through intact skin without wounds. Therefore, if there are no wounds near the anus, transmission will not occur for this reason. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Restrooms
Understanding Anal Lumps: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
There is a lump near the anus? Doctor, I have a lump near my anus that sometimes I can squeeze and it breaks, releasing what seems to be pus, and afterwards there is sometimes blood. At times, I only get blood when I squeeze. I remember when I was younger, after using the toilet,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it seems to be a benign cyst rather than a hemorrhoid. This type of cyst typically ruptures and heals on its own. It's important to keep the wound dry and clean it with warm water after each bowel movement. However, it can easily rec...[Read More] Understanding Anal Lumps: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Sneezes, Skin, and Surfaces
HIV infection I was at the UNIQLO in the Dajia Shopping Center today and was sneezed on by a male employee. At that moment, I didn't have my mouth open, but I have acne on my face with some open wounds. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? I understand that the HIV virus dies in...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through blood or bodily fluids. It is not transmitted through droplets from sneezing, and the risk of infection through non-bloodied wounds is also very low. Therefore, transmission through casual contact is almost nonexistent. Most cases of HI...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Sneezes, Skin, and Surfaces
Understanding Rabies: Incubation Period and Testing Options Explained
I am the original asker of 125792? Hello, I am the original questioner 125792. I apologize for wanting to clarify a few questions. I have researched a lot online and also asked the CDC at 1922, which said the incubation period is 1 to 3 months. However, I saw on the Department of...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding the incubation period for rabies?> A: The incubation period is approximately 1 to 3 months, depending on factors such as the severity and location of the wound. <How long does it take for a human to progress from the incubation period to actual...[Read More] Understanding Rabies: Incubation Period and Testing Options Explained
Is It Tetanus? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Is it tetanus? Hello doctor, I injured the side of my right ankle four days ago, but I didn't notice it at the time. It wasn't until I touched a rusty chair that I felt pain, so I washed it with water. Since the day before yesterday, my calf has occasionally been painfu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, tetanus can present with some neurological symptoms that require a physician to perform a physical examination for proper assessment. Therefore, it is recommended to visit a general surgeon to evaluate the wound. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Is It Tetanus? Understanding Symptoms and When to Seek Help
Bat Encounter: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Rabies Concerns
Hit by a bat? Last month, on June 18, I was riding my scooter and got hit by a bat. When I got home, I immediately checked myself in the mirror because I remembered it hitting my face, but it seemed like there were no bites or scratches, and no wounds. However, for the past week ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of being hit by a bat while riding a motorcycle, here is the response: 1. Hendra virus infection was first identified in Hendra, Australia in 1994, and Nipah virus infection was discovered in 1999 in the village of Sungai Nipah, Malaysia. ...[Read More] Bat Encounter: Understanding Neurological Symptoms and Rabies Concerns
Differentiating Diabetic Foot from Cellulitis: Key Insights
The difference between diabetic foot and cellulitis? How can we differentiate between diabetic foot and cellulitis in the early stages? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the differentiation between diabetic foot and cellulitis, here are the responses: 1. Patient history: The former is typically seen in individuals with a history of diabetes or a family history of diabetes, while the latter is not limited to such backgro...[Read More] Differentiating Diabetic Foot from Cellulitis: Key Insights
Concerns About Using Expired Tetracycline Ointment: Kidney Risks?
Questions about medication use? Today, I accidentally used expired tetracycline eye ointment, approximately the size of a grain of rice, on a wound on my chin. I later realized that the medication expired a month ago. I rinsed it off with water five minutes after application. Wil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, topical medications usually accumulate locally and are less likely to affect systemic organs, so kidney function should not be impacted. However, it is important to monitor the local wound for any signs of redness, swelling, inflammation, or rash. If these occur, it is adv...[Read More] Concerns About Using Expired Tetracycline Ointment: Kidney Risks?
Understanding the Risk of HIV After a Syphilis Diagnosis
Fear of AIDS I would like to ask if someone has recently been confirmed to have syphilis, but they mentioned that it has been 2 months since their syphilis diagnosis. Their test results showed no HIV reaction, only syphilis. I will be getting tested after 3 months. Is it possible...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether I could have contracted HIV after three months of testing, here are the key points: A. The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV After a Syphilis Diagnosis