Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy with Concurrent Hepatitis C Infection
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, if a person is co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C, and has not taken any treatment for Hepatitis C or antiretroviral therapy, is the HIV test still accurate after a 3-month window period? I have come across information online suggesting that Hep...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Previous literature suggested that infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) might prolong the window period for HIV, hence it was recommended to monitor for up to one year. However, if you have recently tested negative for HCV, then there is no concern for HCV, and the window perio...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy with Concurrent Hepatitis C Infection
Understanding HIV and Hepatitis C Testing: Key Questions Answered
HIV-related issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I used the Abbott fourth-generation HIV rapid test on days 99 and 117 after potential exposure, and both results were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors within the 117 days. Can I...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. According to the current follow-up recommendations, it is advisable to monitor for 2. The window period for Hepatitis C can last up to 6 months, so it is generally recommended to follow up for a duration of six months.[Read More] Understanding HIV and Hepatitis C Testing: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Post-Hospitalization Redness After Cellulitis Treatment
Cellulitis Hello, my dad is about 56 years old and was hospitalized for a week due to cellulitis in his lower leg, which caused a fever. He has been discharged for two days now, and while his leg no longer hurts, it is still red. What could be the reason for this?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the most common reason is swelling after an infection, which usually subsides gradually when lying down with the affected area elevated. However, if you stand or walk for a long time, the redness and swelling may return. This is related to poor blood circulation following ...[Read More] Understanding Post-Hospitalization Redness After Cellulitis Treatment
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? 1. I used the Abbott HIV fourth-generation rapid test on day 90 and day 99 after a high-risk exposure, and both tests were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors during these 99 days. Can I be certain that I have ruled out the risk of infection? 2. A...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, 1. Currently, if using a fourth-generation rapid test, a negative result at four months can essentially rule out HIV infection. Therefore, a negative result at 99 days may still carry a very low probability of encountering an extended window period (though this is also e...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding Hello Doctor: I was shocked to find blood in my stool tonight. There was about 2cc of blood mixed with the stool in the water. At first, I thought it might be my menstrual period or that I had eaten dragon fruit, but then I realized my period just ended yesterday ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If there is blood covering normal stool, and the bleeding is mostly near the anal opening, the most common cause is a rupture of internal hemorrhoids (which are usually painless), possibly due to a harder stool during a bowel movement. It is advisable to observe if it happ...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions
Perineal tightness Sometimes I experience discomfort in my lower abdomen (during non-menstrual periods), accompanied by frequent urination, but only a small amount each time. It feels particularly uncomfortable and tense when I urinate. This morning, I had the same situation, but...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with the obstetrics and gynecology department for diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms sound very much like a urinary tract infection, but during menstruation, it is common to experience discomfort similar to that of a urinary ...[Read More] Understanding Discomfort and Urgency in the Genital Area: Causes and Solutions
Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
The likelihood of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from oral sex? Hello, doctor. Recently, I engaged in oral sex (I was the recipient). My partner has no sores or ulcers in their mouth, and there are no wounds on their genitals, so is there no risk of any infection? Additio...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the oral epithelium is considered a mucous membrane and does not have the same level of resistance as regular skin. If it comes into contact with pathogens or viruses associated with sexually transmitted infections, there is a risk of disease transmission. The likelihood o...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of STIs from Oral Sex: Key Insights
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Concerns about the risk of cryptococcal infection? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about the risk of cryptococcal infection: There is a floor-to-ceiling window next to my bedroom that opens to a balcony. I have found 5 or 6 clumps of bird droppings on the balcony railing and f...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Cryptococcus is actually a type of fungus found in the environment, and it is present in the air, so we encounter it in our daily lives. Generally, individuals with normal immune systems are unlikely to develop diseases caused by Cryptococcus. However, the concentration of...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Modes of Transmission of HIV/AIDS I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person with HIV on a recently scabbed area (about five days post-injury) and then touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Theoretically, if there is no contact with blood or bodily fluids, there should be no issue of exposure to the virus! (The skin does not contain the virus.)[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection Hello Dr. Lin, today while traveling by air, I accidentally pricked myself with a plastic fork when I opened it. Although there was no bleeding, it looks a little white, and I'm not sure if the skin is broken. Even though the fork appears to be dispo...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Unless there is reasonable suspicion that the fork has come into contact with another person's blood or bodily fluids, there is minimal risk of infectious disease. It is advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Transmission routes of HIV In addition to 1. high-risk sexual behavior, 2. sharing needles, and 3. vertical transmission from mother to child, are there any other routes or factors that can lead to HIV infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Other bodily fluids theoretically also carry risks (such as from needle sticks), but the risk of transmission from a single occurrence is very low. Therefore, the primary modes of transmission are indeed the three mentioned above.[Read More] Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker on October 16th, and I had already been experiencing cold symptoms, including a runny nose, since October 15th. Today, October 19th, my cold has progressed from just a runny nose to coughing and a scratchy throat...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the incubation period for HIV is at least one week, so if symptoms appear within two to three days, they are likely unrelated. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, it is still advisable to get tested.[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Inquire about the authenticity of this medical news article? Dear Dr. Lin, A family friend recently passed away. The elder had diabetes and felt symptoms of a urinary tract infection, so they took over-the-counter medication. That night, they developed a fever, which subsided af...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, mice and mouse droppings naturally carry many pathogens, and contact with them can indeed lead to severe bacterial infections. However, the progression of the condition you mentioned is not uncommon in diabetic patients and may not necessarily be related to mice. It is imp...[Read More] Can Mouse Droppings Cause Severe Infections and Sepsis?
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask: I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on March 1, 2022. I would like to know what the ou...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, there is a certain probability of severe illness associated with COVID-19, which is related to factors such as the patient's age, pre-existing chronic conditions, and vaccination status. Your situation indicates that the likelihood of experiencing severe illness is lo...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Can Eye Drops Contaminated with HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Transmission routes of HIV If eye drops are contaminated with red blood, and if that blood is HIV-positive, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission if the contaminated eye drops are applied to the eyes. However, the risk of transmission through this route is considered to b...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The conjunctiva of the eye is a mucous membrane, and contact with bodily fluids containing the HIV virus poses a risk of transmission.[Read More] Can Eye Drops Contaminated with HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About 100 mg/dL?
Blood sugar issues? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask about my recent concerns regarding my blood sugar levels. The last time I measured my blood sugar was about three to four hours after a meal (the dinner consisted of two packs of Korean instant noodles...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, a postprandial blood sugar level of 100 mg/dL is quite standard! If you're concerned, you can have your hemoglobin A1c tested, which reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past three months and can provide a more accurate assessment of whether you have pre...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Should You Worry About 100 mg/dL?
Does PrEP Affect HIV Testing Results? Understanding Your Risks and Concerns
Does PrEP affect HIV testing? On September 27, I took 2 PrEP pills 2 hours late, and 1.5 hours later, I engaged in unprotected oral sex as a receptive partner with deep kissing, but there was no anal intercourse. From September 28 to October 1, I took 1 pill each day. Afterward, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The report is accurate, but HIV infection has a window period. A negative PCR test on day 13 does not completely rule out the possibility of HIV infection. Currently, there are no studies indicating how long after exposure a PCR test can definitively exclude HIV infection. Genera...[Read More] Does PrEP Affect HIV Testing Results? Understanding Your Risks and Concerns
Understanding Recurrent Abscesses: Causes, Treatment, and Management
Recurrent abscess formation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I visited the infectious disease department on October 2nd due to an abscess and was prescribed antibiotics. Since then, the abscess has ruptured twice, but the area surrounding the abscess remai...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. It is likely pus that has not yet drained. 2. We need to assess the symptoms and the medication you are using to determine the next steps; I recommend coming in for an outpatient visit. 3. We need to see if the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic or if surgical draina...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Abscesses: Causes, Treatment, and Management
Concerns About Superbug Infections in Home Environments
Concerns about superbug infections? Hello Dr. Lin, In my household, the elderly family members are accustomed to wearing outdoor shoes inside the house, except in the bedroom. Recently, an elderly family member returned home from the hospital and, unbeknownst to the family, wal...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The term "superbugs" does not refer to bacteria that are particularly virulent, but rather to those that have multiple drug resistances. Therefore, if they cause a more severe infection, it can be difficult to treat in the absence of effective antibiotics, posing a sign...[Read More] Concerns About Superbug Infections in Home Environments
Can You Get HIV from a Cut by an Infected Sharp Object?
HIV transmission routes (through cuts) If you are cut by a sharp object contaminated with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the actual risk depends on several factors, including the amount of blood present, the depth of the cut, and the o...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
There is a possibility (the information provided is too limited to make an assessment, so I can only say that there are risks involved).[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Cut by an Infected Sharp Object?