Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Questions about viral infections? If a medication or food is contaminated with syphilis-infected blood and is consumed after one month, is there a risk of infection? This concern arises mainly because the pharmacy staff may have handled medication after coming into contact with s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The transmission routes of syphilis are through blood and sexual contact, so it is not transmitted otherwise.[Read More] Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Am I infected with HIV? Hello doctor, I have a question: On October 28, 2023, I went for a massage and had unprotected sexual intercourse with the attendant, although it was only for 5 thrusts. After that, I used a condom. However, I had a fever for one day from November 26 to 27...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper blood transfusions, among others. 2. As for the symptoms of acute HIV syndrome, they can vary widely; if you have engaged in any of the aforementioned high-risk behaviors, pl...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I was at high risk and then contracted Hepatitis C but did not take any medication, and after a 3-month window period my HIV test result was negative, is this result still accurate? This is a hypothetical question, as I h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The window periods for HIV and Hepatitis C are 3-12 weeks and 4-10 weeks, respectively. 2. Regarding the frequency of HIV screening for the public, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following: Individuals who are sexually active should undergo at least one H...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Transmission routes of HIV If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, and then engages in masturbation without washing their hands, while having a small open wound on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV transmission?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, blood transfusions, and improper wound management. 2. Therefore, if you have engaged in any of these high-risk behaviors with an infected individual, you should consider self-testing or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Contact with Infected Blood During Masturbation?
Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have a syphilis infection with an initial RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectivity, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if someone h...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA indicates whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if a perso...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
The risk of HIV infection for a nurse administering an IV drip without wearing gloves? Hello, doctor. Recently at the clinic, after the nurse inserted the IV, some blood spilled out and got on the nurse's finger. The nurse was not wearing gloves, and I'm not sure if the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper handling of wounds. 2. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. After coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person (who has not rece...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections always have a high RPR? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what should ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals tend to have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, i...[Read More] Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect
Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know
The risk of infection when hair removal technicians do not wear gloves? Hello, the beautician did not wear gloves while using a disposable razor for hair removal and used their hands to remove the shaved hair from the area. I did not see any blood on my skin and did not feel any ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper wound care. 2. In addition to beauticians, barbers also face similar concerns; if there are no large wounds after hair removal, the risk of infection is generally low. Howev...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Hair Removal Without Gloves: What You Need to Know
Post-Hernia Surgery: Is Running and Weight Training Safe?
Hernia surgery and running? I would like to ask if, after hernia surgery, it is not recommended to run or do weight training, even after many years? I am concerned about the risk of re-injury.
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
After hernia surgery, it is generally recommended to avoid lifting heavy objects, forceful coughing, or bending over for 2 to 3 weeks. Strenuous activities, such as running, should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. However, recovery varies for each individual, so it is advisable to fo...[Read More] Post-Hernia Surgery: Is Running and Weight Training Safe?
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a dull sensation in my big toe, which has a history of gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the discomfort significantly decreases? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, this question has been asked before, so I will repost my response. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe it is a gout attack. Previously affected joints from arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to change...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Detection of SSA antibodies? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask about experiencing unexplained pain and swelling in 1-2 joints of my fingers and toes this year, which disappears after a few days, only to reappear in other areas with tenderness upon pressure. I visited the rheumat...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The presence of SSA antibodies is not related to the ability to conceive; however, there is still a possibility that Sjögren's syndrome may evolve into lupus erythematosus in the future, although the likelihood is unclear. Therefore, when ...[Read More] Understanding SSA Antibodies: Implications for Pregnancy and Lupus Risk
Understanding Causes of Lower Limb Edema: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
What are the possible causes of lower extremity edema? Hello Doctor: My father has been experiencing lower limb edema (with pitting), abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, subjective fatigue (increased sleep duration), along with pain in the skin of both legs and ankle joint pain...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If the albumin level in the blood is too low, it may also cause lower extremity edema. It is recommended to check the albumin level data, as low levels can lead to lower limb swelling. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Causes of Lower Limb Edema: When to Seek Further Medical Advice
Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Does chronic inflammation from ankylosing spondylitis lead to elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease? 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condit...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I am 55 years old and a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. About 4 to 5 years ago, I was effectively managing my condition with Salazopyrin and Celebrex, which normalized my pain and inflammatory markers, so I stopp...[Read More] Does Chronic Inflammation from Ankylosing Spondylitis Raise LDL and Heart Disease Risk?
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researching ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in the values of two complement components over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may report different values, but I am unsure i...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Complement inquiry? Hello Doctor, I have previously asked a question and now I would like to follow up. After being diagnosed with COVID-19 on November 11, I experienced joint swelling, stiffness, discomfort, as well as dry, red, swollen eyes, rashes, and hair loss. After researc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask if a decrease of 20 and 10 in two complement values over a two-week period is normal. The doctor mentioned that different hospitals may have varying values, but I am unsure if this drop is signifi...[Read More] Understanding Complement Levels and Autoimmune Disease Concerns Post-COVID
Understanding Allergic Vasculitis: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Allergic vasculitis Hello, Doctor. About last weekend (12/10), I started to notice a rash on my legs (with no other obvious discomfort, just slight nasal discharge like nasal allergies). After two or three days, the rash increased significantly, so I visited a dermatologist. The ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. If the rash improves, I believe there is no need to visit a large hospital for further examination. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Allergic Vasculitis: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Regarding the recent cold weather, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness in my big toe, which previously had gout, upon waking up in the morning. However, after urinating, the sensation decreases significantly? Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for bothering you, but I h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. If your uric acid levels remain consistently normal, I don't believe this is a gout attack. Joints that have previously experienced arthritis may leave some residual effects, making them more sensitive to changes in humidity and climate. Y...[Read More] Understanding Gout Symptoms: Is Morning Discomfort a Sign of Flare-Up?
Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Elevated IgG4 levels? Hello, doctor. For over a year, I have been experiencing unexplained dull pain in my back, and rehabilitation has not shown significant improvement. I have undergone X-rays and tests related to ankylosing spondylitis, all of which returned normal results. Oc...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, the IgG4-related disease can cause lymphadenopathy and pancreatitis. It is generally not possible to diagnose solely based on IgG4 levels; lymph node or organ biopsies can provide further assistance in diagnosing the disease. It is recommended to consult a rheumatologist f...[Read More] Understanding Elevated IgG4 Levels: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Urethral Bumps: Are They STD or Just Sebaceous Cysts?
Urological issues Hello doctor, I would like to ask you about a small, inconspicuous white bump near the urethral opening of the glans. It is not easily observable, does not hurt, and there are no noticeable sensations. Additionally, there seems to be an increase in the number of...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Based on your description, it seems that it is not caused by a sexually transmitted infection or masturbation. I recommend consulting a urologist for a proper diagnosis. Please avoid self-medicating. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Urethral Bumps: Are They STD or Just Sebaceous Cysts?