Understanding HIV Testing and Risks: Key Insights for Safe Practices
HIV screening 1. Hello Doctor: If I had vaginal intercourse (with a condom) on March 15 and unprotected oral sex on April 29, and I tested negative for the virus using NAT after 45 days, and then tested negative again with the Department of Health's self-test for HIV on May ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The window period for HIV is approximately 3 to 6 months, so it is best to get tested again at that time. 2. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a relatively higher probability of transmission for the recipient, similar to HIV.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Risks: Key Insights for Safe Practices
Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?
Can antibody rapid tests completely avoid infections? In June of last year, I had a risky sexual encounter, and more than a month later, I took a blood rapid test (Kenvair) which was negative. Then in December of last year, due to my concerns, I took the OraQuick HIV Self-Test, a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If the window period has exceeded 3 to 6 months, you can be reassured. 2. If there are still other concerns, you may consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
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?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Questions related to HIV transmission? Hello Doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a woman on May 18. Subsequently, on the evening of May 26, I experienced symptoms of fever, nausea, and vomiting. By May 27, only the fever remained, and after taking antipyretics, I no longer ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV primarily affects immune function after infection, currently, issues related to HIV, including diagnosis, treatment, and risk, are managed by infectious disease specialists. Therefore, I recommend that you consult an infectious dise...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Is there a risk of HIV infection? Hello doctor, I previously went to a gay nightclub where a partner possibly ejaculated on my calf. There is a small area on my calf that seems to have a minor wound that is about to scab over. Is this a concern? Additionally, I licked the partner...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is generally little risk associated with saliva coming into contact with the skin, but if semen comes into contact with an open wound, there is theoretically a slight risk of transmission (though it is low). I can only tell you that contact with bodily fluids carries...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Blood infection During a prenatal check-up, blood was drawn, and immediately after the previous pregnant woman had her blood drawn, I was called to sit down. As I sat down, I noticed an alcohol swab on the table that was contaminated with blood from the previous patient. The nurs...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes after leaving the human body, and its survival rate is even lower in the presence of alcohol-based disinfectants. 2. The primary viruses that can be transmitted through needles are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV; however, transmission...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Echocardiogram Report Doctor: I apologize, as I have recently been experiencing frequent weakness in my heart. The results of the echocardiogram report are as follows: Doppler LV IVRT(H)(91.2 msec) (70-90) M-Mode RVDd () (5-21) RWT (0.51 mm) MV E-F slope(L)(61.1 mm/s) (80-150) A ...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
The report indicates that the size of the cardiac chambers is normal, the overall systolic function of the left ventricle is normal, and the diastolic function of the left ventricle is normal, with mild tricuspid regurgitation. It is recommended to continue monitoring for changes...[Read More] Understanding Your Echocardiogram Report: Key Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Your Exercise ECG Report: Key Insights for Patients
Please have the physician assist in reviewing the exercise electrocardiogram report? Please assist in reviewing whether the exercise electrocardiogram report is normal. Thank you very much! Order Date: June 1, 2024 Examination Date: June 7, 2024 Conclusions: 1) Target he...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
The exercise electrocardiogram report indicates that cardiac function is good under high-intensity exercise, with no significant signs of ischemic heart disease. However, non-specific ST-T changes and premature atrial contractions (PACs) were noted during the exercise, and furthe...[Read More] Understanding Your Exercise ECG Report: Key Insights for Patients
Does Methisoprinol Affect the Accuracy of HIV PCR Testing?
Does Methisoprinol affect HIV PCR testing? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse last April. I underwent an HIV antibody rapid test in April, another one in May, and a third one in November after being diagnosed with HPV, all of which were negative. These tests were ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
METHISOPRINOL acts as an immunomodulator and may affect antiviral medications containing zidovudine; however, it is not expected to impact the accuracy of HIV testing.[Read More] Does Methisoprinol Affect the Accuracy of HIV PCR Testing?
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Urinary tract infection (UTI) issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I recently visited the obstetrics and gynecology department, and due to urgency, I went to the restroom first. After urinating, I accidentally dripped some urine on the toilet and the fl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The likelihood of transmission through general contact is low because the environmental differences between a toilet and the human body are significant. In terms of bacteria or viruses, the time required for adaptation greatly reduces their survival rate. 2. However, wounds ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Oral ulcer Hello, I have a few questions for the doctor. 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. I have undergone blood tests at a major hospital, and everything came back normal. I have been taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, which has improved my ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. I have been experiencing recurrent oral ulcers for 2 to 3 years. Blood tests at a major hospital showed no issues. Taking colchicine, 2 tablets a day, has improved my symptoms, but they recur after reducing the dosage...[Read More] Understanding Oral Ulcers: Causes, Treatment, and Risks of Transmission
Sudden Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep: Causes and When to Seek Help
Waking up in the middle of the night with a sudden rapid heartbeat? Recently, I have been experiencing episodes during sleep where I feel my heart racing, and I am unable to wake up, accompanied by a sensation of being pressed down by a ghost. Each time, I have to take deep breat...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
Hello: This situation may be related to excessive cardiac excitability at night, such as nighttime arrhythmias, anxiety, or panic attacks. It is recommended to try relaxation techniques to reduce nighttime anxiety and stress. Additionally, avoid consuming caffeinated beverages or...[Read More] Sudden Rapid Heartbeat During Sleep: Causes and When to Seek Help
Does Drinking Sugary Beverages All Day Cause Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance Hello, Doctor: If I drink a cup of sugary bubble tea throughout the day (taking a few sips intermittently), will this cause my blood sugar levels to fluctuate continuously and potentially lead to insulin resistance?
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Consuming a large amount of sugary beverages at once or intermittently can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which may result in insulin resistance. To maintain health, it is recommended to reduce the intake of sugary drinks.[Read More] Does Drinking Sugary Beverages All Day Cause Insulin Resistance?
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Results Explained
HIV testing issues? If a person has not engaged in any high-risk behaviors for a month, consistently used condoms, and the sexual partner is a girlfriend, and the Multiplex NAT test results from blood donation are negative, can it be confirmed that there is no HIV infection? Addi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is important to determine whether you are an HIV-positive individual. If so, are you adhering to your medication regimen and keeping your viral load at an undetectable level? 2. Next, if you are not infected but have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STI...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Results Explained
Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis? Hello Doctor: My son is 14 years old (in the second year of junior high school). Three months ago, he experienced unexplained swelling in the second joint of his toe, with no other discomfort. At that time, the doctor ordered blood tes...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my thoughts: 1. We will not retest for HLA-B27. 2. If the inflammatory markers are normal (such as CRP and ESR), and there is only swelling in the toes without other symptoms, we might consider using anti-inflammatory pain relief medic...[Read More] Understanding Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding the Connection Between Folic Acid and Joint Pain Relief
Right lower arm joint pain? Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing pain in my right lower arm and joint pain. I recently discovered that consuming foods high in folate, such as fortified cereals, lotus root tea, and white fungus, has significantly improved my joint condition. I b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. As far as I recall, folate deficiency should not cause joint symptoms; therefore, the improvement of joint symptoms after folate supplementation is likely unrelated to foods high in folate. There are many confounding factors in the correlation ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Folic Acid and Joint Pain Relief
Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Parasitic questions? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to inquire about a situation where my family and I consumed pig liver soup tonight, and we ate undercooked pig liver that was even oozing blood. Each person had about six pieces of pig liver. I would like to ask the following quest...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is not much risk; parasites will die if they are slightly heated, and tapeworms are not typically found in pig liver. 2. The same applies here. The main risk comes from consuming raw pork; even if parasites are frozen, they will die, so it is not that easy to get infec...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection from Undercooked Pork Liver
Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks from Blood Draw Practices
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello Dr. Lin, this week when I went to a small clinic for the adult health check organized by the National Health Administration, the nurse used a brand new, unopened needle for the blood draw, but it seemed that the syringe was not brand new and un...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, what you are seeing is likely not a syringe, but rather the casing used for a fixed needle. During blood draw, the blood is directly drawn into a vacuum blood collection tube, so a syringe is not needed. Additionally, the casing for the fixed needle does not come into cont...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis Risks from Blood Draw Practices
Can Palatal Expanders Alleviate Nasal and Eye Allergy Symptoms?
Can the installation of a maxillary expander improve symptoms of nasal and ocular allergies? Hello, Doctor Zeng. I am currently 21 years old and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis at the age of 17. Additionally, I have experienced allergic rhinitis with symptoms such as a ...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
There is no evidence to suggest that the use of a maxillary expander can improve symptoms of nasal and ocular allergies. It is recommended to consult with a dentist or an otolaryngologist for further advice. I apologize for any shortcomings in my knowledge. Thank you for your que...[Read More] Can Palatal Expanders Alleviate Nasal and Eye Allergy Symptoms?