Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks and Vaccination Concerns
Transmission routes of rabies? Hello Doctor, on April 1st, I went to Xitou with a friend. On the way, I felt like something dripped on my hand, but I didn't think much of it at the time. After about an hour, while having a meal, I remembered that this area might be a rabies-...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, refer to the explanation from the Centers for Disease Control: Transmission methods: (1) Animals infected with rabies have the virus in their saliva, which can enter the human body through bites or scratches (occasionally through skin wounds or mucous mem...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Transmission Risks and Vaccination Concerns
Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Connections to Past Tumors and Health Issues
Tumors have been a constant concern for me? Hello, Doctor. Recently, my mother discovered she has a thyroid nodule and needs surgery. While arranging for her hospitalization after the New Year, the doctor mentioned that my neck seemed a bit abnormal and scheduled blood tests and ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, I hope this message finds you well. The correlation between tumors from 2002 and 2011 and psychiatric medications should be very low; if necessary, you may want to consult your psychiatrist. Regarding thyroid issues, further investigation is needed to determine if there is...[Read More] Understanding Thyroid Nodules: Connections to Past Tumors and Health Issues
Can HIV Enter Through a Hand Wound? Understanding Risks After Safe Sex
The possibility of HIV virus entering through a wound on the hand? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you a question. Three months ago, I engaged in activities in the red-light district in the Netherlands, and I used a condom throughout the entire encounter without any signs of ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question about whether I could be infected with the HIV virus after removing the condom myself following ejaculation, and considering my habit of biting my nails: A: 1. The common transmission routes for HIV are sharing needles and engaging in unprot...[Read More] Can HIV Enter Through a Hand Wound? Understanding Risks After Safe Sex
Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Hepatitis B carrier I am a carrier of hepatitis B. If the person I like does not have antibodies, can I transmit the virus to them? I have had tests done before, and the doctor said there were no issues.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The causes of hepatitis B infection can be divided into vertical and horizontal transmission. The former refers to infants being infected by hepatitis B carrier mothers at birth or during the perinatal period, while the latter includes sexual intercourse, blood transfusions, s...[Read More] Can Hepatitis B Carriers Transmit the Virus to Partners Without Antibodies?
Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Hepatitis B antibodies Hello, nine years ago during my high school health check-up, my hepatitis B surface antigen was negative and my hepatitis B surface antibody was positive. However, this year's health check-up report shows that my hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is ...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: A positive HBsAg indicates a possible recent infection with hepatitis B or a lifelong carrier of hepatitis B, where the antibodies may also disappear. Transmission routes include: sexual contact; sharing needles, razors, toothbrushes, or earrings; using non-sterilized need...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Antibodies: What Do Your Test Results Mean?
Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?
Viral infection A viral infection can cause neutrophil levels in the blood to rise to 80%. Is further examination needed? Recently, there has been inflammation of a wound in the genital area.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "Does a viral infection causing neutrophils to rise to 80% require further examination?" A: Generally, in viral infections such as influenza or dengue fever, the white blood cell count tends to decrease. However, if the patien...[Read More] Should You Get Further Tests for High White Blood Cell Count and Inflammation?
Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Follow-Up
Elevated blood sugar levels in health checkup? The fasting blood glucose level from the health check was measured at 107 mg/dL, and the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is normal. I recently consumed more sweets than usual over the past two weeks. Could this have an impact, or is it u...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a normal fasting plasma glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL. If it falls between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL, it can be considered as prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose. Of course, if the postprandial blood glucose is greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL, diabetes s...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Fasting Blood Sugar: Causes and Follow-Up
Understanding Complications in Patients with Past Medical History
Please help me, doctor? Hello, doctor. I am a patient with psoriasis, and recently I have noticed localized redness and swelling on my face and scalp, which is itchy and seems to be spreading. Additionally, the glans of my penis has started to develop sores. Initially, I experien...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. Regarding the statement: "I am a patient with PAS (presumably referring to a specific condition), and recently I have developed localized redness and swelling on my face and scalp, which is itchy and seems to be spreading. Additionally, the glans of my peni...[Read More] Understanding Complications in Patients with Past Medical History
Understanding the Risks of Oral Sex: HIV and Other Concerns
Hello, I would like to inquire about the risks associated with oral sex? Hello, about 5-6 weeks ago I had unprotected oral sex. I would like to know if the risk of contracting HIV is high because I have had a fever (38 degrees Celsius) for about 5-6 days. After visiting the hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear reader, 1. Regarding the incident about 5-6 weeks ago when I performed oral sex without a condom, I would like to ask if the risk of contracting HIV is high. I have been experiencing a fever (38 degrees Celsius) for about 5-6 days. After visiting the hospital and seeing an ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Oral Sex: HIV and Other Concerns
Managing Cellulitis in Diabetic Patients: Effective Strategies and Care
Cellulitis Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my boyfriend's mother, who is 59 years old and a diabetic patient. She was diagnosed with cellulitis on September 27 and has been hospitalized for two weeks. The doctors have indicated that her blood circulation has not im...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Long-term diabetes patients require a combination of diet, exercise, and medication to prevent macrovascular complications (including stroke, myocardial infarction, and peripheral artery disease) and microvascular complications (including retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropat...[Read More] Managing Cellulitis in Diabetic Patients: Effective Strategies and Care
Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Polyarthritis 1. I have an ASLO index of 247 (or 274?). Is this caused by genetics or an infection? My family has a history of almost all hereditary diseases, including lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, kidney disease, stroke,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello Ms. Yang, I hope this message finds you well. Your questions are somewhat complex, and since I haven't actually seen you, many of my thoughts are merely speculation. It is best for you to discuss these matters with a physician who has examined you in person. Here are m...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Blood sugar issues Hello, doctor. Here are my fasting, pre-meal, and post-meal blood glucose readings from my glucose meter for September 9 and 10. On September 9: - Morning blood glucose: 77 (fasting, 10:00 AM), 85 (12:00 PM) - Afternoon blood glucose: 105 (1:00 PM), 108 (3:00...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, a normal fasting blood glucose level is <100 mg/dL. 2. A fasting blood glucose level between 100 mg/dL and 126 mg/dL indicates an increased risk for diabetes. 3. A fasting blood glucose level ≥126 mg/dL suggests possible diabetes. 4. A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) l...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Test for Diabetes
Concerns About Infection Risks After Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
The phlebotomist touches the puncture site? Hello Doctor, today during the employee health check, I had a blood draw. During the process, the nurse touched the insertion site with her left index finger (while the needle was still in place), and she also used her left index finger...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Since I did not witness the actual procedure, I cannot make a definitive judgment. However, I will report your concern to the hospital so that the responsible department can investigate whether there was indeed a situation where gloves were not ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Assessing HIV Infection Risk and Symptoms After Protected Intercourse
HIV Infection Risks and Symptoms Hello Doctor: I had vaginal intercourse with a condom the entire time, but after ejaculation in the female-on-top position, my penis became flaccid while still inside the vagina. When I withdrew, the condom was caught by the muscles at the vaginal...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. What is the probability of me contracting HIV given my situation? A. If you consistently use condoms and perform post-coital cleaning, the risk is low. 2. Do my symptoms resemble those of acute HIV infection? A. Skin symptoms and fever can be concerning, but...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk and Symptoms After Protected Intercourse
Understanding the Risks of HIV and Hepatitis Transmission from Haircuts
HIV infection If the comb used during your haircut came into contact with your acne and bled, and if the previous client was infected with HIV, Hepatitis A, or Hepatitis B, the risk of transmission through that scenario is generally low. 1. **HIV**: The risk of contracting HIV ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "If the comb used for my haircut touched my acne and bled, and if the previous client was infected with HIV, Hepatitis A, or Hepatitis B, would I contract HIV, Hepatitis A, or Hepatitis B?" A: 1. Hepatitis A is transmitted through...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of HIV and Hepatitis Transmission from Haircuts
Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. My elderly relative (aged 80) has been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for 8-10 years. Recently, the frequency of pain in their buttocks has increased, and they experience significant discomfort while lying in bed. Walking, bending over, an...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. We need to investigate the cause of the elder's hip pain while lying down to check for pressure ulcers or wounds, and if necessary, a follow-up examination at the hospital is advised. Additionally, walking with a bent posture may be related...[Read More] Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis in Seniors: Activity vs. Rest and Diet Impact
Can You Get Infected from Dental Tools Used on Hepatitis B Patients?
Will it be contagious? Hello, Doctor. I am a dental assistant. I have a question: I used dental instruments on a patient with hepatitis B, and I accidentally caused a small cut that bled. Am I at risk of infection? I received the hepatitis B vaccine many years ago. Thank you, Doc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of contracting hepatitis B from exposure to the bodily fluids of a hepatitis B patient depends on the specific circumstances of that patient. If the patient is only positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), the risk of in...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Dental Tools Used on Hepatitis B Patients?
Understanding Cellulitis: Recovery Challenges and Treatment Options
Cellulitis Hello Doctor, my mother was hospitalized for cellulitis at the end of April this year. She had no visible wounds, but her foot became red, swollen, and painful for no apparent reason. Bacteria were cultured during her hospitalization, which lasted over three weeks. Dur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If bacteria are cultured from a case of cellulitis, appropriate treatment can be based on the culture report; as long as the medication is correct and administered for a sufficient duration, there should be no subsequent issues. 2. When caring for wounds, it ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Recovery Challenges and Treatment Options
Can Cupping Therapy Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Can cupping therapy transmit HIV? Hello Dr. Liao: Yesterday, during my visit to the traditional Chinese medicine clinic, the physician used a vacuum cupping device on me. However, I noticed that the cups were put away after use without any disinfection. After the cupping, I have ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding whether cupping can transmit HIV: (1) First, it is important to understand that the primary transmission routes for HIV are through sharing needles and sexual intercourse, with other routes being rare. (2) Next, observe whether the practitione...[Read More] Can Cupping Therapy Transmit HIV? Understanding the Risks
Understanding HbA1c Results: Do I Have Diabetes?
What are the issues related to diabetes? Hello, Doctor! I recently had my hemoglobin A1c tested, and the report showed 6.5% (I did not test fasting and postprandial blood glucose). I would like to ask if I have officially been diagnosed with diabetes. Previously, my hemoglobin A1...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. Generally, the onset of type 2 diabetes is gradual and is associated with factors such as genetics, weight, lack of exercise, overeating, alcohol abuse, and medication. Your weight of 113 kilograms is indeed a risk factor for developing the disease; moreover, the longer one is...[Read More] Understanding HbA1c Results: Do I Have Diabetes?