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?
Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
The tests for lupus erythematosus are normal, but there are erythematous lesions around the face and eyes. Is this also an early stage of the disease? I have been tested at two hospitals, and the results were normal. However, I have red spots on my face and around my eyes, which ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. I recommend that you consult a rheumatologist at a large hospital. The presence of erythema around the eyes, along with sensitivity to sunlight and difficulty opening bottle caps, may suggest dermatomyositis. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumat...[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of Lupus: Normal Tests but Facial Rash?
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?
Can Sex Toys Transmit STDs? Understanding Safety and Hygiene Concerns
Can sex toys potentially lead to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Hello, I recently purchased a sexual wellness product online. The outer packaging appeared intact, but I later discovered that the inner packaging was damaged. I immediately washed the item and my hands with...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus is difficult to survive outside the human body, and the risk of infection is very low. It is recommended to wash and then disinfect with alcohol before use, and to pay attention to any damage to the skin or mucous membranes to reduce the risk of infection fro...[Read More] Can Sex Toys Transmit STDs? Understanding Safety and Hygiene Concerns
Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression
Antibody Issues in Dermatomyositis I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis on November 20, 2023, with a positive result for PL-7 (++) and negative results for all others. At that time, I only experienced muscle weakness, mechanic's hands, and joint rashes, with no other symptom...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The blood test results you received are qualitative tests, which do not provide actual numerical values, so they are not very precise and do not necessarily indicate changes in disease status or worsening of your condition. I suggest not to worr...[Read More] Understanding Antibody Results in Dermatomyositis: Implications for Disease Progression
Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50
How to distinguish between immune issues and menopausal symptoms? Hello, Doctor. I am 50 years and 6 months old. My menstrual cycle was regular until December of last year when it suddenly stopped. Before March of this year, I experienced insomnia, excessive sweating, frequent co...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: (1) What tests should be done to confirm if there is inflammation or adhesion in the spine? --> X-rays and blood tests are sufficient. If necessary, an MRI may also be arranged. Your physician may have started treatm...[Read More] Distinguishing Between Immune Issues and Menopause Symptoms at 50
Can Male Masturbation Devices Transmit Viruses? Expert Insights
Can male masturbation devices transmit viruses? Hello, doctor. Some time ago, I purchased a masturbation device online. Although the outer packaging was intact, I found that the inner packaging was damaged upon opening. I washed the entire device with soapy water two or three tim...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases; please consult an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can Male Masturbation Devices Transmit Viruses? Expert Insights
Can You Get HIV by Touching Your Eyes After Contact with Infected Blood?
Mucous membrane (eye) If your hand unknowingly came into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then you rubbed your eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You are at risk of infection only if you work in a hospital with HIV patients or if your partner is HIV-positive. 2. In contrast, other infectious diseases can be transmitted through hand contact, so avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.[Read More] Can You Get HIV by Touching Your Eyes After Contact with Infected Blood?
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
HIV infection I went to the local health bureau for an HIV test on July 17th. Before the blood draw, I had a brief conversation with the doctor. The method used was a fingerstick rapid test (a purple square device was used to prick my fingertip). Since I was washing my hands at t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Since there have been clusters of hepatitis C cases in some medical institutions, there have been instances of needle reuse. If a needle is used for the first time but is old, there may be issues with infection. Safety needles, as the name implies, are designed for single use; on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
Understanding Tetanus Concerns After Minor Injuries: What You Need to Know
Concern about tetanus? I'm sorry, but I cannot provide medical advice. However, I can help translate your questions into English. 1. About three days ago, I fed my dog and didn't notice that there were feces on my hand. I accidentally popped a pimple, which bled a litt...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist regarding this issue. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Tetanus Concerns After Minor Injuries: What You Need to Know
Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
Dry mouth and tongue pain for many years without a definitive diagnosis? Hello Doctor, my mother has been experiencing symptoms of reduced saliva for about 30 years. She has seen dentists, rheumatologists, and family medicine doctors, and underwent a sublingual gauze test which c...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My suggestions are as follows: 1. You may consider returning to a rheumatology clinic for evaluation. If necessary, a salivary gland biopsy may indeed be required, as sometimes the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome necessitates this examina...[Read More] Chronic Dry Mouth and Tongue Pain: Unraveling the Mystery of Symptoms
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:
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
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:
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 Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Autoimmune diseases Hello, doctor. Recently, blood tests revealed cold agglutinin IgM (1+) and another positive result for cold fibrinogen. I do not have hepatitis B or C, and my ALT and AST levels are normal. An abdominal MRI last June was normal, and an abdominal ultrasound in ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Nasal mucosal bleeding is likely unrelated to cryoglobulinemia, so there is no need to worry. I still recommend regular follow-ups with a gastroenterologist, including monitoring for fatty liver and viral hepatitis. The Allergy, Immunology, and ...[Read More] Understanding Positive Cold Agglutinins and Fibrinogen in Immune Disorders
Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
Blood test shows suspicion of hepatitis B and C, and HIV? I would like to ask the doctor about a situation during my blood draw. There was blood from a previous patient on the blood draw table. After I reminded the nurse about the blood on the table, she wiped it with an alcohol ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hepatitis B and HIV are primarily transmitted through blood. The risk of transmission is higher if you have an open wound on your hand that comes into contact with infected blood. However, once the virus leaves the human body, it does not survive for long. If there is no direct c...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
Can Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?
Exposure to HIV-infected bodily fluids? If the hand has come into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then touches the nose or ears, is there a risk of HIV infection in this scenario?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to 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 the risk of infection....[Read More] Can Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?
Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Rheumatoid arthritis factor Hello, doctor. I am a patient with ulcerative colitis, and my intestinal mucosa has recovered. Recently, after being diagnosed with COVID-19, I developed skin vasculitis on my calves. I went to the hospital for examination and blood tests, and the vasc...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although the RF-IgM value is somewhat elevated, it is not significantly high. We generally consider values exceeding four times the upper limit of normal to be more meaningful. Therefore, if you only have the symptoms mentioned in your text, I r...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Factor: Implications for Your Health
Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Will it affect the test results? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if the presence of other viruses in the body, such as COVID-19, monkeypox, dengue fever, and other diseases, can affect the results of RT-PCR or other rapid tests for HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If you receive a positive result for HIV, don't panic! Let's discuss the concept of "false positives" in statistics. Imagine a scenario where you are not part of a high-risk group for HIV and have no specific sexual orientation, but you accidentally get expose...[Read More] Do Other Viruses Affect HIV Test Results? Insights on RT-PCR and Rapid Tests
Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Scleroderma and Urinary Microalbumin Hello, in April of this year, I went to the rheumatology and immunology department due to hand pain and found the following abnormalities: ANA 1:160 (AC-10) Nucleolar punctate, Anti-Scl-70 16 (-) reference value (120 au/ml), Anti-Sm 9 (-), Ant...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The results from your rheumatology examination are mostly negative, with some results falling into a gray area, making it indeed difficult to draw conclusions based on the current test results. The diagnosis of scleroderma can sometimes be confi...[Read More] Scleroderma and Microalbuminuria: Understanding the Connection and Next Steps
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. At the beginning of this year, I started experiencing pain in my knee joint and consulted a rheumatologist who performed a physical examination and said everything was fine. La...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I believe that after the onset of joint symptoms followed by neurological symptoms, it is advisable to: 1. Return to the rheumatology department for a reevaluation by the physician. Rheumatic diseases can present with both joint and neurologica...[Read More] Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: A Patient's Journey