Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Hello, I would like to inquire about the rapid test results? Last Tuesday, I went to the hospital for anonymous HIV testing. My situation is that it has been one month since the high-risk behaviors (unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse). Although the result at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. It is possible, so it is generally recommended to follow up 3-4 months after engaging in risky behavior, and only if the test remains negative can one be completely assured that there is no issue. 2. Similarly, it is advised to retest for antibodies 3-4 months after engaging...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Please provide the content you would like me to translate? Hello, doctor. I am the person asking the following question: "I have a wound on my calf that looks like it was scratched from itching or possibly a mosquito bite. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few d...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
You're welcome![Read More] Understanding Dog Bites: Rabies Risks and Wound Care Essentials
Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next
Eating undercooked pork chops? Hello Dr. Lin, on the evening of June 28, I ate a pork chop (rib) that my family cooked. I only realized that the meat near the bone was undercooked and still red when I bit into it. I wasn't paying attention while using my phone, so I'm n...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Parasites are killed by freezing! Therefore, meat that has been frozen is less likely to carry the risk of transmitting parasites. Undercooked meat usually has a higher bacterial load, but if you don't experience diarrhea within a day or two, there is typically no significan...[Read More] Eating Undercooked Pork Chops: Risks and What to Do Next
Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Questions about blood collection assistive devices? Hello, doctor! Today I took my wife for a prenatal check-up and noticed that the staff used a blood draw assist device. Upon inquiry, I learned that the device is reusable. Although the needle and the tubing are new, I am concer...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, assistive devices should not come into contact with the needle and should not have any blood residue on them. Therefore, the infection risk they pose should be similar to that of the rubber band tied above the injection site. If there is noticeable blood contamination, the...[Read More] Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks
Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care
I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a wound on my calf that looks like it was either bitten by a mosquito or scratched due to itching. I didn't examine the wound closely, but a few days ago, my dog suddenly jumped on me and...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, unless your dog has rabies, there is a chance of transmitting rabies to you. Therefore, please regularly take your pets to the veterinarian for health check-ups and necessary vaccinations. Open wounds can allow various bacteria to enter and cause infections, so it is advis...[Read More] Concerns About Dog Scratches on an Existing Wound: Risks and Care
Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact in the Restroom?
Indirect contact with HIV in restrooms? If a person's hand has come into contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual and they did not wash their hands before touching their own male genitalia while urinating, is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Theoretically, there is a risk, but the chance of contracting the disease from a single exposure is low. It is still advisable to avoid unnecessary contact with others involving blood or bodily fluids.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Indirect Contact in the Restroom?
Why Is My Blood Draw Site Itchy? Understanding Possible Causes
Itching at the site of a blood draw? Hello, doctor. I had blood drawn at the hospital yesterday, and since last night, the site of the blood draw has been very itchy. I noticed that before my blood draw, the nurse directly touched the urine collection containers of other patients...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
No, it shouldn't be! It is likely due to the healing of the blood draw site causing itching, or it could be an allergic reaction to the cotton or adhesive tape used.[Read More] Why Is My Blood Draw Site Itchy? Understanding Possible Causes
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 Internal Medicine
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
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 Internal Medicine
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 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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 Internal Medicine
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 HIV Testing: Key Questions and Concerns Addressed
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I am #197271. Thank you for your response! I am really anxious and have a few more questions! The two tests conducted on May 29 were both negative (RT-PCR + combo test). 1. Can I generally conclude that I was not infected on May 8? 2. Are the re...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
HIV has a window period that can last 3 to 4 months, so a current negative test result only indicates that there is no detectable HIV virus in the body at this moment. To confirm that one is truly uninfected, follow-up testing is necessary around the 4-month mark. In the case of ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Concerns Addressed
Understanding Parasite Risks and Health Concerns in Contaminated Water
Regarding parasitic issues? Hello Doctor, my name is Yang, and I am a female. I would like to ask about a parasitic issue. Around 2014, about eight years ago, I operated a clothing store in a wet market, which had a rather dirty environment. I used water that was offered to the E...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
It has been too long since 2014, and even if there was a single exposure to bacteria or parasites at that time, it cannot explain the subsequent symptoms you mentioned. I recommend seeing a nephrologist to investigate the cause of the proteinuria. If you are experiencing recurren...[Read More] Understanding Parasite Risks and Health Concerns in Contaminated Water
Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Medical issues Hello Doctor: I am a male and I would like to ask a question. Some time ago (I can't remember exactly when), I went to a barbershop that specializes in men's haircuts. This barbershop supports diverse sexual orientations, as evidenced by the rainbow flag ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
The HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the body, so unless the clipper has just come into contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person and is immediately used on you, causing a wound or bleeding, there is theoretically a minimal risk of transmission. However, in...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Understanding Parasite and Infection Risks from Snail Contact
Parasitic and Infectious Issues Hello Doctor, I am the questioner from <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/197160">#197160</a>. I tend to feel anxious and nervous, so I would like to confirm the following questions with you: 1. If I handle a snail while we...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. The risk is very low. 2. The risk of transmission from a single contact is actually very minimal; it is advised that if you feel fine, there is no need for special concern. 3. The risk from occasional touching is also low, but it is still recommended to wash your hands aft...[Read More] Understanding Parasite and Infection Risks from Snail Contact
Understanding STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission issues? Hello, Doctor: 1. I would like to ask if it is possible to transmit a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to my child if I accidentally become infected but have to take care of them at home. 2. For example, if I am in...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are typically transmitted through sexual contact, and the risk of transmission through general contact is low (though it depends on the specific STI in question). 2. No, unless the lesions of the STI come into direct contact with the ch...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Understanding HIV Testing Reliability After PEP Treatment
HIV testing issues? Hello Doctor: My situation is as follows: I had sexual intercourse with a person from A on May 8 and with a person from B on May 22 (both protected vaginal intercourse and unprotected oral sex). I became very anxious and sought PEP treatment at a clinic on May...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Yes, taking PEP may help suppress the virus, so generally, after a potential exposure, in addition to getting an HIV test as soon as possible, it is recommended to test again at six weeks and three months afterward. By that time, PEP will no longer be in use, making the results m...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Reliability After PEP Treatment
Understanding Symptoms: Sweating and Chest Pain After Diagnosis
Medical consultation Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am currently on the fourth day of my diagnosis, and I have been sweating continuously while lying in bed. I also have chest pain and cannot sleep well; when I do manage to fall asleep, it’s only for about two ho...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
It still sounds like symptoms related to COVID-19. It is recommended to follow up with an infectious disease specialist or a pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Sweating and Chest Pain After Diagnosis