Can You Get HIV from Needle Sticks? Understanding the Risks
Regarding acupuncture? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the news regarding the incident on the Taiwan Railways where someone was pricked by a syringe. Is there a risk of HIV infection from being punctured by a syringe like that? Our general understanding of transmission r...
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 You Get HIV from Needle Sticks? Understanding the Risks
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 direct exposure to infected bodily fluids (like blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk) ...
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
Can You Get HIV from Touching a Door Handle with Blood?
HIV transmission (doorknob) If an HIV-positive individual opened a door and there was HIV-contaminated blood on the doorknob, and then I subsequently touched the doorknob with my hand that has an open wound, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk of tran...
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 other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of infect...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching a Door Handle with Blood?
Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Finger puncture? Hello, doctor. 1. When donating blood, they first test hemoglobin, which involves a finger prick. Is there a risk of HIV infection if the puncture wound comes into contact with blood? 2. If I shake hands with someone who is also donating blood and both of us h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: There is a risk of infection when engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other excha...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks from Finger Pricks During Blood Donation
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Infection issues Hello, doctor. I am currently interning, and someone placed 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, and I'm not sure if ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body, so the risk of indirect contact (where the virus transfers from blood to an alcohol swab and then enters your wound) is quite low. Furthermore, alcohol has a strong virucidal effect, so in the case of a single incident, I believe...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings
Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Ankylosing spondylitis 1. The patient recently underwent an X-ray examination due to lower back pain, which revealed structural damage to the sacroiliac joint. The doctor suspects ankylosing spondylitis, but blood tests returned negative for the associated gene, with inflammatory...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
1. Issues with the sacroiliac joint are not solely caused by autoimmune diseases; differential diagnosis is necessary. 2. Generally, back pain associated with ankylosing spondylitis responds well to treatment; if the response is poor, other causes of back pain should be consider...[Read More] Understanding Sacroiliac Joint Issues: Is It Always an Autoimmune Disease?
Understanding Fasting vs. Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Concern
Is it considered preprandial blood glucose or postprandial blood glucose? I have a history of hypertension and take my medication every morning before meals. My blood pressure is currently well-controlled. I am 158 cm tall, weigh 55 kg, and am 44 years old. On the evening of Augu...
Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: I had milk tea around 3-4 PM. I tested my blood sugar at 6 PM, which is considered postprandial blood sugar (2 hours after eating), not fasting blood sugar.[Read More] Understanding Fasting vs. Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels: A Patient's Concern
Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation? 1. I understand that the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. However, as a cashier, if I touched a customer's wound and then rubbed my eyes, would there still be a risk of HIV infection d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk can only be described as negligible; if I say it's less than one in ten thousand, you might think that's quite high. 2. Blood on the surface is indeed considered external; the virus dies quickly. 3. There is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases whe...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed
Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
Blood splattered into the eyes? Hello doctor, my colleague has a tattoo on his hand, and after getting it done, the tattooed area has been bleeding. Today, while I was crouching to pick something up, my colleague was standing in front of me and something splashed into my eye. If ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
I can't say there are no risks, but the overall risk should be lower than being struck by lightning while walking on the street (probably less than one in ten thousand). It can only be said that professional assessments do not consider such a negligible risk worth the expens...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Blood Splashing in the Eye: What You Need to Know
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:
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 Carotid Ultrasound Reports: Insights on Stroke Risk and Atherosclerosis
Carotid Ultrasound Report Hello Doctor, I have high cholesterol (not on medication, 280), and there is a history of stroke in my family (grandfather and father). Recently, I often feel dizzy several times a day, each episode lasting several seconds. This is the report from my tra...
Dr. Yu Liying Reply:
Hello Ms. Chen, the causes of dizziness are diverse and may indeed be related to cerebral blood circulation. It is advisable for you to visit a neurologist in person. The doctor will conduct a thorough history taking, along with physical and neurological examinations, to provide ...[Read More] Understanding Carotid Ultrasound Reports: Insights on Stroke Risk and Atherosclerosis
Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Abnormal abdominal pain Hello, doctor. I am 29 years old and I have ankylosing spondylitis and chronic anemia (with an average hemoglobin level of about 20). I'm not sure if this is related to the events I've experienced. The first incident occurred when I was around 20...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Hello, thank you for your detailed description. First, regarding your mention that "the average hemoglobin does not exceed 20," this value is within the normal range; the normal hemoglobin level for women is 12–16 g/dL, so your current hemoglobin level may not be abnorm...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Eye Care Equipment?
HIV infection If I go to an ophthalmologist and the previous patient had a wound with bleeding that contaminated the instruments, but the instruments have been wiped and show no blood traces, and the doctor does not disinfect them before helping me remove a blister from my eye, i...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, questions regarding HIV/AIDS will be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please direct your questions to an infectious disease physician. Thank you! Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Department of Allergy, ...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Eye Care Equipment?
Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
HIV/AIDS Hello, I would like to ask a question. I am a gay male who is a receptive partner (bottom) and have a steady partner. Neither of us has any sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and we sometimes engage in unprotected anal intercourse. I would like to know if there is a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Although one partner may be monogamous, the other may not be, so both parties should be able to get tested. 2. Regarding one partner testing positive, it does not necessarily mean the other will also test positive; consultation and testing at a medical facility are recommend...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
Can You Get HIV from a Cut Exposed to Infected Blood?
Injury caused by HIV exposure? If your hand, which has been cut and is bleeding, comes into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk of infection through a cut or open wound is generally considered to be lo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is essential to confirm whether the individual is an infected person. 2. Infected individuals are often on medication, so it is important to inquire about their adherence to the treatment regimen. 3. For those on medication, check if their viral load has been reduc...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Cut Exposed to Infected Blood?
Can You Get HIV from Wiping a Wound with Contaminated Wipes?
HIV wet wipes Using a wet tissue or towel that has come into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids to wipe a wound on your neck could potentially pose a risk of HIV transmission. However, the likelihood of transmission in this manner is considered to be very low. HIV i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Unless it is an emergency situation or in the case of first aid, people generally do not use someone else's blood-stained tissues or towels to clean their own wounds, so the likelihood is low. 2. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Wiping a Wound with Contaminated Wipes?
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:
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 Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
Can elevated liver enzymes affect sexual function? A few days ago, I visited a urologist due to issues related to sexual function and had blood tests done. Upon returning for a follow-up, the test results showed that all values were within normal ranges except for GOT and GPT, wh...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Generally, mild liver function abnormalities do not cause sexual dysfunction. It is recommended to consult a urologist to determine the cause. Thank you for your message![Read More] Can Elevated Liver Enzymes Affect Sexual Function?
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:
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?
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:
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