Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Contact with Eyes: What You Need to Know
Wound contact with the eyes? Hello doctor, today when I was checking out at a convenience store, I noticed that the cashier had a noticeable bleeding wound on his hand. After he handed me the change, I came into contact with his bleeding wound, and then my eyes started to itch, s...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. Even if you accidentally touch a visibly bleeding wound of another person and then rub your eyes, the amount of blood that could be on your hands is extremely minimal (if there is any at all). The live virus present in suc...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Contact with Eyes: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Transmission: Why Not Everyone Gets Infected
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: I am the questioner from 199068. There is one point I don't quite understand and would like to ask the doctor again: If one partner has HIV, why might the other partner not necessarily contract it during sexual activity? Additionally, I apologize...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive individual who is not on treatment and still has viral load can result in a transmission risk of approximately 0.1% to 0.1%. Therefore, even if a partner is HIV-positive, the other partner may not necessarily ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Why Not Everyone Gets Infected
Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Further inquiries regarding antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the human body (continuation of question number 199206)? Thank you for your previous response, Doctor. I have some additional questions I would like to understand: 1. If the test results continue to be positive accordin...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Yes. The human body naturally hosts many bacteria that coexist with it; antibiotic-resistant bacteria are simply more resistant to antibiotics, but otherwise, they are not significantly different from regular bacteria. 2. It may be worth considering the use of probiotics to se...[Read More] Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Key Questions and Concerns
Can You Get HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases from Oral Wounds?
Please provide the content you would like me to translate into English? Hello, doctor. Previously, I asked you the following question: "If there are sores or wounds inside or outside the mouth (such as on the lips), and if I consume food that has come into contact with the b...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. There is a risk of transmission, but the risk is low; the likelihood of becoming infected from a single exposure is at most one percent. 2. The transmission efficiency and risk associated with each pathogen vary, and they cannot be discussed collectively. In principle, there i...[Read More] Can You Get HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases from Oral Wounds?
Can Using a Blood Glucose Meter Without Washing Hands Lead to Infection?
Eating without washing hands after using a blood glucose meter in the clinic? Hello, I would like to ask about a recent visit to the clinic where I used a glucometer to check my blood sugar. I only applied slight pressure with an alcohol swab to stop the bleeding after pricking m...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
It won't happen because at most, it would only involve contact with one's own blood; if it doesn't come from someone else's blood, there is no risk of transmitting diseases.[Read More] Can Using a Blood Glucose Meter Without Washing Hands Lead to Infection?
How Long Do Bacteria and Viruses Survive on Surfaces?
Bacteria and viruses can survive for varying lengths of time depending on the environment. Bacteria can live for hours to days on surfaces, while some can form spores that allow them to survive for years. Viruses I would like to ask the doctor, I found online that viruses and bac...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The amount of bacteria or viruses is related to their survival; a single bacterium or virus will die upon contact with soap or alcohol, but if there is a large quantity, it will take time for all the bacteria or viruses to come into contact with the soap or alcohol.[Read More] How Long Do Bacteria and Viruses Survive on Surfaces?
Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
After a critical stage of pulmonary tuberculosis, treatment directions and recommendations include the following: 1. **Continuation of Antitubercular Therapy**: Ensure adherence to a full course of antitubercular medications, typically including isoniazid, rifamp Hello Doctor, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, the considerations for the above issues will vary based on the individual patient's condition. It is recommended to have a detailed discussion with your mother's current attending physician, as this type of online consultation cannot address such individual and c...[Read More] Managing Severe Tuberculosis: Treatment Strategies and Patient Care
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injury: What You Need to Know
HIV infection risk issues I apologize, but I would like to ask about a needle that appears to have a small amount of dried blood on it (not a syringe needle, but a regular needle). I accidentally pricked myself with the needle and bled. Is there a possibility of contracting HIV i...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
If the blood is from another person and it penetrates your skin causing bleeding, there is theoretically a risk of transmission. However, since the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for a maximum of a few minutes, dried blood is generally very unlikely to transmit...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injury: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
Unprotected sex among same-sex partners? Hello, I would like to ask, I am a gay male who is a receptive partner (bottom) and have a steady partner. Both of us are free of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Sometimes we have unprotected anal intercourse. I woul...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
If both parties are free of sexually transmitted infections, HIV will not be transmitted through intimate contact, provided that neither party has other intimate partners. Even if one partner is HIV positive, the other may not necessarily contract the virus (or may not do so in t...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
Understanding Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Risks and Treatment Options
Please inquire about the issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the human body? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask the following questions, and I appreciate your time in responding: My father underwent surgery for cancer in December last year and experienced a bowel obstructio...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are gradually replaced by regular bacteria once they return to the community, so the most effective treatment is to avoid prolonged stays in healthcare facilities or nursing homes. 2. The body naturally harbors bacteria, including antibiotic-res...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: Risks and Treatment Options
Risks of Using IV Bags for Enemas: Health Concerns Explained
Using an IV bag to infuse water into the rectum for bowel evacuation? Hello doctor, I am asking on behalf of my mother. Everyone in the family has talked to her about this, but she won't listen. She is almost 60 years old, and recently she learned a strange way of using the ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Basically, if the water is contaminated, there is a risk of causing inflammation in the intestines if it is administered too deeply. However, if the water is clean, it is equivalent to an enema, and there are generally no significant side effects.[Read More] Risks of Using IV Bags for Enemas: Health Concerns Explained
Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists
Injury from an ampoule breakage? I am a pharmacist responsible for collecting used controlled substance vials from the wards. Today, I noticed that the bag used for collection was damaged, and an ampoule broke, causing a cut on my finger. I immediately squeezed the wound to expel...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
If the medication bottle has not come into contact with anyone else's blood or bodily fluids, theoretically, it should not transmit any infectious diseases (since there is no source of infection). However, bacteria can still be present on the bottle, so caution is still need...[Read More] Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists
Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns
Vomiting with brown, stringy material? Hello Doctor: Since last night, I have been experiencing abdominal bloating and nausea, but I only vomited this morning. After vomiting, I noticed that the yellow vomit contained brown, thread-like substances, and I am concerned it might be ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, it is difficult to confirm whether there is mild bleeding. In fact, during vomiting, the esophagus can sometimes stretch forcefully, which may lead to tearing and result in mild bleeding. If there is gastric bleeding, the vomit is typically tarry in appearance. It is advis...[Read More] Understanding Brown Stringy Vomit: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Infection Issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions: About six months ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on both sides of my groin. Almost every node in that area has enlarged, with a few becoming elongated, measuring approximately 1 to 2...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, multiple enlarged lymph nodes usually indicate that there is some condition in the body, ranging from systemic infections, rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases, to hematologic malignancies. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic as soon as poss...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Infection and Parasites from Snail Contact
Infection and parasitic issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I accidentally kicked a snail while wearing flip-flops (and I'm not sure if my foot made direct contact with the snail), and afterwards I wiped my foot with a wet wipe, is there a concern about parasitic infection? 2. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. As long as there are no obvious wounds on the foot, it will not occur. 2. Yes, it can occur. Dupuytren's contracture is caused by repetitive irritation leading to chronic inflammation. Reducing the irritation is an important part of treatment, and you can consult a derm...[Read More] Concerns About Infection and Parasites from Snail Contact
Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites
Hello, I am the questioner 198067. I apologize for having some additional questions to ask you? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. My understanding is that after being bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago, even though the initial treatment was incomplete (for example, I only ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Correct. 2. I haven't heard of it so far![Read More] Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Cryptococcal infection issues Hello doctor, two days ago while riding my motorcycle, I suddenly felt something drop onto my lower lip. I immediately wiped it off with my finger and discovered it was a yellow substance. My belongings were also contaminated with a small drop of yel...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, Cryptococcus is not only found in pigeon droppings; it can also be present on many plants in the environment. In most cases, inhaling Cryptococcus does not lead to infection. The likelihood of contracting a Cryptococcus infection is higher when one's immune system is ...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Please inquire about bacterial resistance to antibiotics? Hello Dr. Lin, I am part of the group with a high BMI. Between 2015 and 2019, I experienced multiple bacterial infections of the left parotid gland, and the clinic doctors treated me with CURAM. However, the infection at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Different infections can be caused by different bacteria, so the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in previous infections does not necessarily mean that future infections will also involve bacteria resistant to the same antibiotic. If bacterial cultures can be perf...[Read More] Understanding Antibiotic Resistance: A Patient's Concerns on CURAM
Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?
Hello, I am the questioner 198067? Hello, doctor. I apologize for asking again. Do you mean that if it has been over 20 years without any rabies symptoms, this indicates that the rabies virus did not enter my body at the time of the initial bite? Or is it possible that a trace am...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
According to the existing literature, it appears that the rabies virus does not coexist peacefully with the human body in the long term. The incubation period generally does not exceed one year, so if there are no related neurological symptoms after one year, it can be considered...[Read More] Understanding Rabies: Can It Remain Dormant for Over 20 Years?
Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later
Bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago? Hello, doctor. When I was about 8 years old (over 20 years ago), I was bitten by a monkey in Southeast Asia. However, since it has been such a long time, I can't remember if I received pre-exposure or post-exposure rabies vaccinations, o...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The incubation period for rabies is not that long, so there's no need to worry![Read More] Concerns About Rabies After Monkey Bite: 20 Years Later