Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Pain in the buccal mucosa? Hello doctor, in early April, I experienced pain in the left buccal mucosa, which has persisted with some discomfort until now. Over the past two months, I have seen 7 to 8 doctors, including specialists in otolaryngology and oral surgery, but none have...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Monocytes are a type of white blood cell, and their levels can fluctuate naturally, which should not be related to your oral mucosa pain. If you have already consulted with an otolaryngologist and an oral surgeon without reaching a conclusion, ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Oral Mucosa Pain: Causes and Treatment Options
Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Effective Relief Strategies and Treatments
Ankylosing Spondylitis Hello Doctor, I have been diagnosed with spondylitis. Currently, I experience soreness and occasional sharp pain around my left and right scapula in the morning, and I also have some discomfort in my ribs. Recently, I have been undergoing acupuncture and sw...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. In the case of early-stage ankylosing spondylitis, there typically won't be any joint adhesions yet. Therefore, in addition to exercise, manual therapy should be acceptable. However, it is best to have your physician review your X-rays and...[Read More] Managing Ankylosing Spondylitis: Effective Relief Strategies and Treatments
Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
HIV can be transmitted through direct contact with the blood of an infected person, especially if there are open wounds? On June 13, I went bowling with friends, and the balls were shared. There were many people using the same lane, including strangers, and there were very few ba...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus generally dies outside the human body within ten minutes and no longer poses a risk of transmission. 2. If you have further questions, you can visit a nearby medical facility for additional consultation and testing.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shared Bowling Balls and Open Wounds?
Understanding STD Risks and Prevention After Potential Exposure
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), risks? Hello Dr. Liao, on June 11th, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker. Initially, there was unprotected manual stimulation, followed by protected intercourse (but due to insufficient rigidity, the condom slipped halfway down, expo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus is transmitted only through sexual intercourse and sharing needles. 2. You can get tested at any time, but the general result is usually negative; regular testing and safe sexual practices are the most reliable. 3. For general sexually transmitted infections,...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks and Prevention After Potential Exposure
Needle Stick Injuries and Infection Risks in Healthcare Settings
Issues related to needlestick injuries and environmental infections? Because there are HIV-positive individuals in my work environment, and I sometimes come into contact with substances that may contain their bodily fluids, I would like to know if there is a risk of infection if ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body and is not infectious. 2. The transmission routes of HIV are through unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing needles.[Read More] Needle Stick Injuries and Infection Risks in Healthcare Settings
Interactions Between Biktarvy and Depression Medications: What You Need to Know
Regarding the drug interactions between Biktarvy and antidepressants? I have recently been taking Biktarvy, which is a post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV, but I also regularly use Aripiprazole and Zoloft (Sertraline), and I take traditional Chinese medicine to adjust my health. Wi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
There should be no interactions; please refer to the Taipei Veterans General Hospital medication information (see attachment).[Read More] Interactions Between Biktarvy and Depression Medications: What You Need to Know
Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello, doctor. 1. After engaging in high-risk behavior, I went to the hospital for an HIV PCR test and a syphilis test 10 days later, and both results were negative. I only engaged in [unprotected oral sex from a male to a female]. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is recommended to monitor for at least 3 months to definitively rule out infection. Each individual's constitution varies, so there is no exact timeframe; however, in rare cases, the window period for the virus can extend up to 3 months. 2. Typically, infectiousness is...[Read More] Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Understanding Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
Inquire about hand issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently on a business trip in Indonesia. Three days ago, I suddenly noticed a rash on the palm of my right hand, but it diminished by the evening and was gone the next day. I recall that during those three days, I was frequently usi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, consider whether there have been any heavy objects or sharp items that may have left marks. 2. Additionally, assess whether the environment is clean and well-ventilated, or if it has not been cleaned for a long time, which could lead to bites from rodents or insects. 3....[Read More] Understanding Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
Can You Contract HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases Through Oral Wounds?
Medical issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the risk of contracting HIV or other bloodborne pathogens through food that may have come into contact with the bodily fluids or blood of an infected person. Specifically, if I have cuts or sores inside or outside my mouth (...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the body, so transmission is usually more likely to occur through direct oral contact with bodily fluids containing the virus during sexual activity. Currently, there have been no reported cases worldwide of contracting ...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases Through Oral Wounds?
Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Questions related to diabetes? Every year, I participate in my company's health check-up. I am 35 years old, 179 cm tall, and weigh between 55 to 56 kg. I have always been slim and unable to gain weight since childhood, and I maintain a regular exercise routine. I have mild ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
You can undergo an oral glucose tolerance test at the Metabolism Clinic. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Your Diabetes Risk: Key Health Check Insights
Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
HIV infection What are the transmission routes for HIV? If a person has an open wound on their foot and it is submerged in contaminated rainwater, can they contract HIV?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids. Wounds contaminated with dirty water do not transmit HIV.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Screening-related issues? Hello, doctor! Thank you for your patient response. I am #197315. I would like to ask about the response in this article https://adoctor.tw/article/183997. I'm not sure if it applies to me... or if it's different because I took PEP for a longer...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It is possible for the virus to be suppressed by antiviral medication. It is recommended that you focus on completing the PEP regimen, and then follow up with blood tests at the sixth week and the third month as scheduled. If you are really concerned, you can consider getting a P...[Read More] Understanding Screening Questions in Internal Medicine: Key Insights
Can Swimming Pools Spread HIV Among Individuals with Open Wounds?
HIV infection issues If an individual with HIV has an open wound and is in a swimming pool, and others also have open wounds, is there a risk of transmission of the virus through the water?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Not possible.[Read More] Can Swimming Pools Spread HIV Among Individuals with Open Wounds?
Concerns Over Raw Okinawan Sausage: Risks of Parasites and Symptoms
Accidental ingestion of "Ryukyu" raw sausage? I ate raw Okinawan sausage and fresh pork while barbecuing in the Ryukyu Islands. It was left at room temperature and labeled as raw food. After doing some research, I found out that Okinawan sausage does not use nitrates fo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The chance of contracting pork tapeworm from a single consumption of raw pork is very low. The pork tapeworm does not reproduce in the human body, so unless there is repeated exposure, the likelihood of experiencing symptoms due to the parasite is relatively low. In fact, there a...[Read More] Concerns Over Raw Okinawan Sausage: Risks of Parasites and Symptoms
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. (B) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
HIV testing issues? Hello doctor, if the blood test is negative three months after the window period, and remains negative after a year, is there still a possibility of a latent period?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, referring to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the window period is the time after infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during which the virus's antigens or antibodies are not yet detectable in the blood or bodily fluids. ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Please ask your question? Hello, Doctor. I am currently studying high school abroad and would like to ask you a question. After eating today, I lay on my bed and suddenly felt a sharp pain on the right side of my abdomen near the navel. I don't feel it anymore, but I recentl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. What is appendicitis? Appendicitis, medically referred to as acute appendicitis, is an inflammation of the appendix, located in the lower right abdomen. When appendicitis occurs, patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite. Common caus...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Is It Appendicitis or Just Muscle Strain?
Understanding Food and Supplement Interactions While on PEP Treatment
Concerns Regarding Food and Supplement Intake During and After a 30-Day Course of PEP? Hello, Doctor. I am taking Biktarvy and would like to ask: 1. I have a habit of drinking 400cc of milk daily while on this medication. Will this affect the efficacy of the drug? I just realized...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. BIKTARVY should not be taken concurrently with polyvalent cation medications (such as magnesium, aluminum, or calcium). If necessary, these should be taken two hours before or after BIKTARVY. However, the calcium content in milk is not high enough to cause any significant inte...[Read More] Understanding Food and Supplement Interactions While on PEP Treatment
Understanding PEP: Testing Accuracy and HIV Exposure Concerns
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Screening Hello, doctor. I have been worried for a long time, and there are various opinions on the internet. I would like to ask you: I had a sexual encounter previously and am concerned whether the condom broke. Within 24 hours, the doctor pr...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. There is a "window period" for HIV infection testing, which is the time after infection when the virus is present but cannot be detected by tests. This window period is approximately 3 to 12 weeks after HIV infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is generally reco...[Read More] Understanding PEP: Testing Accuracy and HIV Exposure Concerns
Morning Pain in the Liver and Rib Area: When to Seek Medical Advice?
Medical consultation (upon waking up in the morning) Hello Doctor, I am Xiao Wu. My height is 179 cm and my weight is 93 kg. On the morning of June 7th, I woke up at 6 AM and began to feel pain in the liver area (mild pain with breathing and more intense pain when pressed). Howev...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It is recommended to visit the hospital for an X-ray or abdominal ultrasound examination. Thank you for your message![Read More] Morning Pain in the Liver and Rib Area: When to Seek Medical Advice?