Can Syphilis Be Transmitted Through Saliva? What You Need to Know
Can syphilis be transmitted through saliva? Hello doctor, my job is to care for patients, and I am currently taking care of an elderly man who has syphilis. Today, while feeding him, he accidentally choked and sprayed food, which ended up in my eyes. I would like to know if I cou...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: First, let's confirm whether your grandfather's syphilis has been treated. Generally, once it is known that someone has syphilis, treatment is usually initiated immediately. If he has already been treated, he is effectively cured and cannot transmit the infection...[Read More] Can Syphilis Be Transmitted Through Saliva? What You Need to Know
Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Infection issues I would like to ask the doctor, if I accidentally shared a razor with my dad who does not have hepatitis C or any other known infections, is there a risk of infection? Or is it possible to contract other viruses?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The bloodborne infectious diseases that we typically test for include HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Other viruses or bacteria can also be transmitted through blood, but the likelihood or severity of those infections is generally considered negligible. The ri...[Read More] Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Post-Vaccine Medication Guidelines: Can You Use Steroids and Alcohol?
Medication issues after vaccination? Hello, doctor. I just received the BNT vaccine. Can I apply eczema steroids (Betamethasone) and mouth ulcer medication (Mondesil) that contains alcohol after getting the BNT vaccine? Thank you. Also, if I experience severe mouth ulcers after t...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Generally, topical medications are not significantly absorbed by the body, so their effect on the vaccine's efficacy is minimal (however, oral steroids may weaken the vaccine's effectiveness). Many people experience various side effects after vaccination, and mou...[Read More] Post-Vaccine Medication Guidelines: Can You Use Steroids and Alcohol?
Understanding Your Health Check: Normal White Blood Cell Counts Explained
Inquiry about health check-up report? My white blood cell count is 4.68; is that normal? The lymphocyte percentage is 36.41, and the monocyte percentage is 5.11. Is this indicative of inflammation?
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: These numbers are all within the normal range![Read More] Understanding Your Health Check: Normal White Blood Cell Counts Explained
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Barbershops: Key Questions Answered
Inquiry about routes of HIV transmission? Hello, Director. I apologize for asking a few questions. 1) A few days ago, while getting a haircut, I was accidentally scraped on my cheek and neck with a folding razor. The razor had been used by the previous customer about 2 minutes ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Razors can cause small cuts and bleeding, which means there is a risk of transmitting HIV or other bloodborne diseases through sharing razors. It is recommended to avoid sharing razors with others. 2. This cannot be statistically quantified, as individuals infected with...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Barbershops: Key Questions Answered
Concerns About Infection Risks During Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
I am concerned about the risk of infection since the blood collection tube fell on the table? Hello Doctor, I went to the lab today for a blood draw. They said my veins are too small, so they used a thin long needle (like a long thin tube). As the blood was slowly flowing out, th...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: No, that's not the case! There is pressure within the blood vessels, so blood does not flow backward. The speed at which bacteria move is not fast enough to enter the body during the blood draw, so the scenario you mentioned poses minimal risk.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks During Blood Draw: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? Thank you for the doctor's initial response. I encountered an unknown yellow-brown residue (possibly povidone-iodine or another substance) at a local hospital in Vietnam. I would like to confirm with the doctor whether "l...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Yes, you should also be cautious that the unknown substance may be corrosive and could harm your skin. Generally, after an exposure incident involving blood or bodily fluids, it is recommended to test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In your case, it technically d...[Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Is abdominal pain a sign of a sexually transmitted infection? I had an encounter with a female online friend in March of this year. We did not have sexual intercourse; I engaged in digital penetration for about 30 seconds, touched my own genitals, and she performed oral sex on me...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Indeed, some infectious diseases can be transmitted through sexual contact or oral contact (mainly the ones you mentioned), but they would not typically present with abdominal pain lasting six months. Abdominal pain has many differential diagnoses and is likely unrelated t...[Read More] Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure After Vaccination in Vietnam
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? During my visit to a local hospital in Vietnam for the COVID-19 vaccination, the vaccination process took about 3 hours. After returning home, I noticed an unknown yellow-brown residue on my palms, which resembles either iodine sol...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Basically, if there are no wounds on the palm, there is no chance of contracting bloodborne diseases through contact! Of course, it's a good idea to check if there are any effects on the local skin; if there are none, there's no need to worry![Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure After Vaccination in Vietnam
Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
The probability of contracting syphilis? Hello doctor, I had direct contact with the blood of a person infected with syphilis. At the time, my hand had no open wounds, and I washed my hands a few minutes later. That person's blood test for TPPA was 1:640, and they have alrea...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. The patient has completed syphilis treatment and is essentially non-infectious. 2. If your hands do not have any open wounds, you will not be infected even if you come into contact with blood containing syphilis bacteria![Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Levels: Causes and Solutions
High morning blood sugar? My usual morning blood sugar levels are between 82-90 (I measure it regularly), but last night I went to bed late. This morning, my first reading was 91, and after taking a shower, my second reading was 106, which surprised me! After half an hour, my thi...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Blood sugar levels naturally fluctuate. A fasting blood sugar level below 126 mg/dL and a postprandial level below 200 mg/dL do not meet the criteria for diabetes. If you are concerned, you can check your HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), which estimates the average blood sugar...[Read More] Understanding Morning Blood Sugar Levels: Causes and Solutions
Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Does dried blood on cotton cause infection? Dear Doctor: If a cotton ball with dried blood (that has been stored for a long time) accidentally gets washed with clothes in the washing machine, could it cause an infection? I am concerned about the possibility of infection on my chi...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, in principle, pathogens transmitted through blood typically die within a few hours outside the human body. Therefore, it is generally not possible for them to contaminate others' clothing through a washing machine and cause transmission.[Read More] Can Washing Blood-Stained Cotton Cause Infection in Children?
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Am I Diabetic After One High Reading?
Diabetes issues In the past three weeks, my average blood glucose levels have been 80-90 in the morning, 80-90 before meals, 110-120 after meals, and over 90 before bed. However, one day I had dinner at 9 PM, and when I checked my blood sugar at 11 PM, it suddenly spiked to 148. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, we define the standards for diabetes as a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or a random blood glucose level exceeding 200 mg/dL. Therefore, a postprandial level of 148 mg/dL does not reach the threshold for diabetes, but it does indicate that you may be in the predi...[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Am I Diabetic After One High Reading?
Understanding Lymph Node Swelling and Elevated LDH Levels: What to Know
Lymphadenopathy / Elevated LDH levels Hello Doctor, my friend recently developed a sudden swelling in the neck, approximately 1.5 cm in size. Initially, it was painful when pressed, and they immediately went to an ENT specialist who recommended transferring to a larger hospital. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! The enlargement of cervical lymph nodes combined with elevated LDH levels does warrant caution regarding the possibility of hematological disorders or malignancies. However, the most accurate method of diagnosis is through biopsy followed by pathological examination. Typic...[Read More] Understanding Lymph Node Swelling and Elevated LDH Levels: What to Know
Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Regarding saliva rapid test kits? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse in early 2017. In mid-2020, I used an HIV saliva test kit and received a negative result (one line). Do I need to get tested again? I noticed that the CDC has been promoting blood testing kits re...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: The window period for HIV typically does not exceed six months. Therefore, if unsafe sexual activity occurred three years ago and the current test result is negative, it should rule out infection. However, saliva testing involves issues related to its sensitivity, and a ne...[Read More] Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Antibiotic Use and Fungal Infections: Responsibilities and Concerns
Medication Use / Fungal Infection Thank you, Dr. Lin, for your previous answers regarding my mother's medical care. I have two more questions: 1. If antibiotics can lead to the development of these bacteria, do doctors have a responsibility to limit the use of antibiotics to...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
1. Antibiotics should only be used when necessary, and physicians must evaluate their necessity and potential side effects before administration. For the reasons behind the medical team's decision to use antibiotics, please discuss with the attending physician. 2. In some ...[Read More] Antibiotic Use and Fungal Infections: Responsibilities and Concerns
Which Specialist Should I See for Oral and Vaginal Symptoms?
Please specify the department? Hello Doctor, I have been feeling some discomfort in the left side of my mouth since last night, and it has become more painful this morning. I initially thought it was due to my wisdom tooth irritating the tissue (I have experienced this a few time...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: Issues in different areas typically require consultation with different specialties! It is recommended to first see a dentist for dental concerns. If the dentist assesses that there is a concurrent facial cellulitis, then a referral to an infectious disease specialist may ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Oral and Vaginal Symptoms?
Understanding Albumin Use and Fungal Infections in Elderly Patients
Medication Use / Fungal Infection 1. Human albumin should be administered in situations such as significant hypoalbuminemia, severe burns, liver cirrhosis with ascites, or conditions requiring volume expansion in critically ill patients. 2. It is not typical for a patient to ha...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: 1. Common indications include limb edema or pulmonary edema caused by low albumin, or the use of albumin may also be considered in cases of hypotension. 2. It is quite common to culture many bacteria and fungi from urine and sputum after a patient has been hospitalized for...[Read More] Understanding Albumin Use and Fungal Infections in Elderly Patients
Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Does it matter if the test results are obtained more than 24 hours after the needle puncture? During surgery, I was accidentally punctured by a brand new needle, which immediately drew blood. However, my gloves had already come into contact with the patient's blood. Blood wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: There is no immunoglobulin available to prevent HIV, but there are oral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications. It is recommended to first inquire verbally or check cloud-based records to see if the patient has any bloodborne infectious diseases. If it is confirmed or...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. I work in the field of microblading, and one day I was accidentally pricked by a microblading needle. I forgot whether there was any bleeding at the time, and later I found out that the client is an AIDS patient, not j...
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello: If the client is an HIV-positive patient and the needle used for the tattooing (which is similar to microblading) accidentally pricks them, there is a certain risk of transmission (approximately 1%). However, if the client is adhering to their medication regimen, the risk ...[Read More] Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered