Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
The issue of experiencing anxiety and discomfort for an entire year? Hello, doctor. After many years of using Google for medical inquiries, this is my first time asking a question on this platform. I am HIV positive and have been on medication for five years, with my viral load c...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. If your HIV is well-controlled with medication (which should be the case, as your viral load remains undetectable), having a CD4 count of 500-700 means your immune system is not significantly worse than that of the general population. It is reasonable to seek medical ...[Read More] Managing Anxiety and Health Concerns for HIV Positive Patients
Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea in Seniors
Abdominal pain and diarrhea of unknown origin? Hello Doctor: My mother is 72 years old and recently experienced two episodes of severe abdominal pain of unknown origin, accompanied by "profuse" diarrhea. We were not present at the time, but according to her description,...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It may be necessary to know the interval between the two occurrences, the characteristics of the diarrhea, whether there is a fever, and any other chronic conditions in order to make a further assessment. Generally, if abdominal pain is accompanied by significant diarrhea,...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea in Seniors
Understanding Digestive Speed: How Fast Does Your Stomach Empty?
Digestive issues I would like to ask the doctor if foods like toast, which are quickly digested, can be emptied from the stomach within about an hour. Additionally, I would like to know if the rate at which the stomach empties food into the small intestine is approximately the sa...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The gastric emptying rate varies depending on the type of food, ranging from approximately one hour to nearly six hours. Soft foods and starchy foods tend to empty more quickly. However, the rate of gastric emptying is also influenced by factors such as the presence of oth...[Read More] Understanding Digestive Speed: How Fast Does Your Stomach Empty?
Understanding Latent Syphilis: Can RPR Tests Detect Asymptomatic Infection?
Syphilis Issues Hello Doctor, I accidentally discovered that there is a so-called fourth stage of syphilis (latent syphilis: referring to the period when syphilis enters a stage with no clinical symptoms). I would like to ask, even in the absence of symptoms, can the RPR test sti...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Yes, even in asymptomatic syphilis, the RPR test can usually still detect it. However, there is also a so-called window period for syphilis (the stage where one is infected but the RPR test is still negative). Therefore, it is generally recommended to follow up 3-6 months ...[Read More] Understanding Latent Syphilis: Can RPR Tests Detect Asymptomatic Infection?
Understanding Syphilis: Testing, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Syphilis Issues Continued Hello Doctor, regarding the syphilis issue 164200, I have a follow-up question. 1. As you mentioned, I have tested negative for RPR more than a year after the incident, and there have been no unsafe behaviors in between. Can I rule out the risk of infect...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Indeed! 2. The window period for syphilis is generally less than one month, but there are many exceptions in medicine. A small number of individuals may experience a delayed conversion to a positive RPR due to factors such as the amount of bacteria they were infected with, the...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Testing, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Oral sex with mouth sores? On November 1, I had oral sex without any other sexual activity, but I developed a sore in the middle of my tongue, which did not bleed. On November 3, I experienced tonsillitis and saw a doctor. By November 5, I had recovered. On November 9, I had lary...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The risk of contracting HIV from a single oral sex encounter is approximately 1 in 10,000, which is generally a very low probability, but of course, it cannot be guaranteed that it is zero. The symptoms you mentioned can indeed be indicative of acute HIV infection, but sim...[Read More] Understanding Oral Sex Risks: Symptoms and Concerns About HIV
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling After Insect Bite: What to Do?
Lymphadenopathy in the groin region has migrated to the axilla? Hello doctor, my father is 83 years old. In the middle of last month, while he was tending to his dragon fruit garden, he was stung by a bee. He mentioned it was only one sting and did not seek medical attention for ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It may be necessary for your father to come to the clinic for further evaluation and examination to determine what is happening. Swollen lymph nodes in different areas can be due to infections or allergic reactions. In older individuals, it is also important to be cautious...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling After Insect Bite: What to Do?
Understanding Occasional Back Pain When Sleeping on Your Side
Sometimes, sleeping on your side can cause back pain? Sometimes when I sleep on my side, I experience back pain, although it doesn't happen very often. What could this condition be?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: We may need more detailed information to assist in making a preliminary assessment, such as whether there are any obvious tender points, if there have been any recent injuries, which specific part of the back is in pain, and whether it is related to muscle exertion, etc. T...[Read More] Understanding Occasional Back Pain When Sleeping on Your Side
Concerns About STIs: Risks of HIV and Syphilis After Sauna Encounter
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and syphilis? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you some questions. Yesterday, I went to a sauna (a regular sauna), and after taking a shower, I lay down in the resting area to sleep. After a while, I heard some strange noise...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The situation you described generally poses a very low risk of transmission, unless there is a "bleeding" wound on the sole of the foot, which could increase the chance of disease transmission through that wound. The skin on the soles of the feet is quite thick, ...[Read More] Concerns About STIs: Risks of HIV and Syphilis After Sauna Encounter
Medication Guidance for Dental Surgery in IgA Nephropathy Patients
Should I consult about stopping medication before a dental clinic minor surgery? Hello Doctor, I have IgA nephropathy, with an eGFR of approximately 90 and a UPCR of about 0.3. Recently, I have a cyst on my gums, and I need to undergo an apicoectomy (local anesthesia, approximate...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: It is actually recommended to consult the dentist who will be handling your case! In theory, the medications that need to be stopped before surgery are anticoagulants. Fish oil may have some mild anticoagulant effects, but they are not strong. If you are really concerned, ...[Read More] Medication Guidance for Dental Surgery in IgA Nephropathy Patients
Concerns About Undercooked Meat: Should You See a Doctor?
Ingestion issues? Hello, doctor. I ate a meatball two weeks ago and later learned that it might not have been fully cooked, but I haven't had any diarrhea since then. However, today I ate five dumplings and just realized that the pork inside was undercooked. I'm worried...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: I apologize for the late response. The pork tapeworm can die when exposed to freezing temperatures, so the risk of infection is generally higher from consuming raw pork. Eating undercooked frozen foods actually poses a very low risk. If there are no symptoms, there is no n...[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Meat: Should You See a Doctor?
Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Intermittent unexplained fever Hello doctor, my daughter has been experiencing a fever since the end of March, and it continues to this day. Her recorded temperatures have ranged from a low of 36.5°C to a high of 40.3°C, fluctuating back and forth, with an average temperature abo...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: I'm not sure how old your daughter is, but I assume she is likely a child. In cases of unexplained fever, about 20% may persist without a known cause, and sometimes it can take one to two years for the actual diagnosis to emerge. Therefore, if she can maintain her nor...[Read More] Unexplained Fever: A 4-Month Journey of Diagnosis and Frustration
Do You Need to Bandage Minor Skin Breaks to Prevent Infection?
Contact transmission If the wound on your hand is a scrape without bleeding, such as a cracked area or a mosquito bite that has been scratched open, and it feels slightly painful without bleeding, is it necessary to bandage it? Could touching it lead to an infection or virus?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In principle, there is no risk of HIV infection through contact with a non-bleeding wound (the epidermal barrier can prevent the virus from entering the bloodstream). Therefore, there is generally no need for a bandage, but sometimes bandaging is helpful to reduce the chan...[Read More] Do You Need to Bandage Minor Skin Breaks to Prevent Infection?
Managing Skin Cuts: Risks of HIV Infection and Proper Care
Skin abrasion on the hand? Recently, I have some cuts on my hands. Should I bandage them specifically? Is there a risk of contracting HIV if I touch something with these wounds? For example, if I accidentally touch a public door handle that may have blood or bodily fluids on it, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. If there is a bleeding wound, it is recommended to cover it with a bandage. 2. Theoretically, a bleeding wound does have a potential risk of transmitting viruses, but the risk is very low. Additionally, the HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the human body...[Read More] Managing Skin Cuts: Risks of HIV Infection and Proper Care
Understanding HIV Viral Load Testing: PCR, NAT, and Safety Concerns
I'm sorry, but I cannot provide a translation for Is the HIV viral load test the same as PCR and nucleic acid testing (NAT)? If the window period is over 33 days, can I feel reassured? I have heard that so-called elite controllers may have undetectable viral loads on PCR tes...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. PCR can be considered a type of NAT (Nucleic Acid Test). 2. If both antigen and antibody tests are negative after 33 days, it should be conclusive. 3. It is possible. 4. Currently, hospitals specializing in HIV care should provide viral load testing. 5. Safety needles ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Viral Load Testing: PCR, NAT, and Safety Concerns
Understanding HIV Testing Windows: How Long Should You Wait for Accurate Results?
HIV testing issues? The general window period for HIV antibody testing is about three months, which is typically considered sufficient to rule out infection. However, some guidelines suggest that testing at six months or even a year may provide additional reassurance, especially ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
General recommendations for HIV screening (testing for antibodies or antigen plus antibodies) suggest that a negative result should be confirmed after six months to completely rule out infection. The most accurate test is measuring the viral load, but this test is expensive and a...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Windows: How Long Should You Wait for Accurate Results?
Understanding Needle Stick Risks and HIV Infection: Key Insights
Suspected infection The risk of needlestick injury occurs when a used needle is immediately inserted into another person. If a person is accidentally pricked with a used needle and it causes bleeding, does the risk decrease if it is not immediate? Can viruses survive on the needl...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! The primary concern regarding needle stick injuries is the potential survival of viruses on the needle, which could infect the person being punctured. The duration that a virus can survive outside the human body depends on the surrounding environment, but there is definite...[Read More] Understanding Needle Stick Risks and HIV Infection: Key Insights
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Dog Interaction: What to Do?
Concerned about parasitic infections? Hello Doctor, I have been interacting with a three-month-old puppy recently. I heard that the puppy was given deworming medication about a month ago. Today, I took her for a walk and training session. She is very active and tends to lick peop...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! 1. Most parasites are very small, and if the parasite can be clearly seen with the naked eye, it is likely an external environmental insect rather than an internal parasite. 2. The vast majority of human parasites do not reproduce within the body, so as long as the source ...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Dog Interaction: What to Do?
Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing an unexplained fever for three consecutive days, with my temperature ranging between 37.5°C and 38°C. On the third day, I also developed a headache in the forehead area, but I have had no cough, sneezing, or ru...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
I apologize for the late response. There are many causes of fever, and if it is simply a fever without any respiratory symptoms, the likelihood of it being related to COVID-19 is actually quite low. However, a fever lasting more than three days definitely indicates an underlying ...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Attention
Unexplained Fever, Nausea, and Loss of Appetite: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Fever of unknown origin, nausea, and loss of appetite? Hello Doctor, I have been measuring my ear temperature between 37.3 and 37.6 degrees Celsius for the past few months, and I feel a heavy sensation in my head similar to having a fever. I often feel nauseous in the morning and...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is recommended to visit a family medicine clinic for an examination and to perform a urinalysis to confirm whether there is a urinary tract infection. Bloating itself can cause a feeling of nausea, which may not necessarily be related to a urinary tract infection or fev...[Read More] Unexplained Fever, Nausea, and Loss of Appetite: When to Seek Further Medical Help