Can Scratched Groin Skin Lead to HIV Infection After Safe Sex?
Is there a risk of HIV infection from a scratched area in the groin? Recently, I had sexual relations with a sex worker. About 1-2 months later, I noticed that my groin area had been scratched and was red, with some broken skin, but there was no significant bleeding. I used a con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk o...[Read More] Can Scratched Groin Skin Lead to HIV Infection After Safe Sex?
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Recently, during my internship at the hospital, someone left an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, so I'm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Can You Get HIV from Food or Water Contaminated with Infected Blood?
HIV Transmission Routes (Food) If you have an oral wound and consume water or food that contains HIV-infected bodily fluids, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the likelihood of transmission through oral exposure is considered to be very low. HIV is primarily...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in sexual activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected ind...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Food or Water Contaminated with Infected Blood?
Can You Get HIV from Walking Barefoot on Sharp Objects?
Transmission routes of HIV (foot) Walking barefoot and getting pierced by a sharp object that is contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids poses a risk for HIV transmission, but the likelihood is very low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct contact with certain bodily...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any other exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of inf...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Walking Barefoot on Sharp Objects?
Can You Get HIV from Eating or Drinking Contaminated Food or Water?
HIV Transmission Routes (Food) If you have an open wound in your mouth and you consume food or water that contains HIV-infected bodily fluids, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is generally considered to be low. HIV is primarily transmitted through ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of i...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Eating or Drinking Contaminated Food or Water?
Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a medical facility's health check center for a physical examination. During the blood draw, the nurse used an alcohol swab for disinfection and then placed the swab on the table. After completing the blood draw, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
HIV Transmission Routes (Allergy) I have an allergic constitution, so my eyes, nose, and ears are easily itchy. To relieve the itching, I often use my hands to touch the mucous membranes of my eyes, ears, and nose. If my hands have HIV-infected bodily fluids and I continuously to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk o...[Read More] Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
The likelihood of anxiety-induced rheumatoid arthritis? Hello Doctor, I previously asked you questions related to rheumatoid issues. I have health anxiety and had blood tests for rheumatoid-related checks last November. At that time, the doctor said the results were normal and ad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. First of all, I'm not sure where you saw that "people who are under long-term stress have a 176 times higher chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to normal individuals." In my knowledge and the relevant literature, ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk
Understanding Prediabetes: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Hello doctor, I would like to ask some questions about diabetes? I had a health check-up two weeks ago. My fasting blood sugar was 116 mg/dL and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.7%. Does this mean I am in the prediabetic stage or have I already developed diabetes? In the morning, my fasti...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Mr. Kuo: Your fasting blood glucose is 116, and your hemoglobin A1c is 5.7, which indicates impaired fasting glucose, but it is not diabetes yet. Your blood glucose before lunch is also abnormal, ranging from 117 to 12X. It is recommended that you consult a metabolic specia...[Read More] Understanding Prediabetes: Key Questions and Concerns Explained
Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Both creatinine and triglycerides are elevated? Question: I visited my family medicine doctor on Sunday because I previously had high cholesterol issues (last year it was 236). The doctor asked if I could have blood drawn to track my levels today. I replied that I had just gone h...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello, Xiaohua: To measure triglycerides, you should fast for 8-10 hours. The values can be affected by diet, so it is recommended to fast for 8-10 hours and avoid vigorous exercise before the test.[Read More] Understanding Elevated Creatinine and Triglycerides: Key Insights for Patients
Do You Need Medication for Fatty Liver and High Cholesterol? What Specialist to See?
Mild to moderate fatty liver, elevated cholesterol levels, and low thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may require medical evaluation and treatment. It is advisable to consult a physician, specifically an endocrinologist for thyroid issues and a hepatologist or a gastroenter...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello Edward: It is recommended to see a metabolic specialist. If necessary, the physician will prescribe medication for treatment.[Read More] Do You Need Medication for Fatty Liver and High Cholesterol? What Specialist to See?
Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Four months ago, the patient developed a rash on the skin and underwent numerous immunological tests. The results showed C1q 24.2, C1c 24.2, C3 73, PL-12 (++), WBC 3600, platelet count 129,000, and urine tests were negative. ANA, dsDNA, pANCA, a...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The examination data you provided is insufficient, so I cannot offer any recommendations based on these results. However, I believe that a negative ANA (antinuclear antibody) test reduces the likelihood of systemic lupus erythematosus and increa...[Read More] Exploring Alternative Diagnoses Beyond SLE: A Patient's Journey
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Blood sugar issues? Hello doctor, I recently had a health check-up, and the report indicated "generally normal, regular check-ups recommended." However, I noticed that my blood sugar levels are nearing the normal range limit; my fasting blood glucose (AC) is 95 mg/dL. I...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there is a family history of diabetes or issues with being overweight, you can also go to a major hospital for further examinations, such as checking your hemoglobin A1c. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: When to Seek Further Testing
Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) blood test results? Hello Doctor: My ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result is 1:40, but the report notes that there are speckles in the blood. Does this indicate that I have a rheumatic-related disease? I have been having sleep issues for over three mo...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. An ANA antibody result below 1:80 is generally considered normal. However, during the interpretation of the test, abnormalities can be observed at a dilution of 1:40, which is why some laboratories may report 1:40 as abnormal. We typically cons...[Read More] Understanding Your ANA Test Results: What Does a 1:40 Titer Mean?
Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next
Needle stick injury and infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Today, I went to buy a sewing needle for leather shoes (it's a bit thicker than a regular needle, and the tip is sharpened into a triangular shape). The male shop owner, who l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, needle stick injuries typically occur shortly after blood is drawn, as the needle may still harbor viable viruses that pose a potential risk of transmission. If the injury occurs two hours later, the likelihood of viable viruses remaining is quite low, and the risk of tran...[Read More] Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next
Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: Symptoms and Risks of Sjögren's Syndrome
Abnormalities in the immune system? In the past three years, I have experienced intermittent urticaria on my face. After consulting with a rheumatologist, it was determined that it was caused by an allergy, and I have also been experiencing joint pain (without swelling), low-grad...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I believe the likelihood of Sjögren's syndrome is high. Although the tear secretion is not at the standard level, it is close to the abnormal threshold. Additionally, with a positive SSA, elevated IgG levels, and joint symptoms, if the sali...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Abnormalities: Symptoms and Risks of Sjögren's Syndrome
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Eye Exposure
Possibility of infection Hello Doctor, I work in the service industry and today while I was working, something splashed into my eye. A customer was concerned about the possibility of being splashed with someone else's blood and getting infected with HIV. However, I looked ar...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Just like healthcare workers who are pricked by needles, the chance of infection is very low, but there is a psychological barrier that makes them consider taking preventive medication. 2. If you are concerned about infection, it might be a good idea to wear goggles while wo...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Eye Exposure
Can You Get HIV from Touching Your Nose or Ears After Contact?
HIV transmission routes (nose, ears) If the hand unknowingly came into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then accidentally touched the inside of the nose or the inside of the ear, is there a risk of HIV infection in this situation?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within 10 minutes after leaving the human body. 2. Of course, it is more important to avoid handling items that contain bodily fluids or blood without gloves and to maintain good hand hygiene.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching Your Nose or Ears After Contact?
Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission in Eye Care Settings
Possibility of HIV Infection When I visited the ophthalmologist, the patient before me seemed to have a pus-filled lesion on their eye, which the doctor removed, and it appeared to be bleeding. When it was my turn, only about 10 minutes had passed. I had a blister and an eyelash ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Currently, the number of people living with HIV in Taiwan is approximately 1 to 2 per 1,000 individuals. 2. Medical facilities should ensure that treatment equipment is regularly cleaned and replaced; if necessary, patients can request this from their physician. 3. The HIV...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission in Eye Care Settings
Understanding HIV Transmission Through Mucous Membranes: Eyes, Ears, and Nose
HIV transmission routes (eyes, ears, nose) The eyes, ears, and nose are mucosal areas. For HIV to be transmitted through these mucosal surfaces, specific conditions must be met, such as exposure to infected bodily fluids (like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk) in a ma...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: There is a risk of infection when engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-in...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Through Mucous Membranes: Eyes, Ears, and Nose