Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Will I contract any diseases? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: Over three years ago, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker and kissed a girl. Because I was inexperienced, my teeth accidentally poked her mouth (I am not sure if it was her lips or the insid...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is always a certain risk of disease transmission with exposure to blood and bodily fluids. However, unless there is significant bleeding, the risk of transmission for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis is quite low. On the other hand, viruses such as cytomeg...[Read More] Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Food Contamination Risks: Understanding Infection from Blood on Toast
Foodborne infection issues Hello, doctor! One day while I was having breakfast, I noticed some blood spots on my toast, approximately 0.3 centimeters in size, around two or three spots. I discovered the blood after I had already eaten part of the toast, and I'm uncertain whe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If you are a healthy individual, there is certainly no issue; however, if you share the same piece of bread with someone else, you need to inquire about their health status. 2. The situation is as described in point 1.[Read More] Food Contamination Risks: Understanding Infection from Blood on Toast
Risk of Infection from Using a Potentially Used Hair Removal Razor
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Today I used a newly purchased hair removal razor to remove hair from my intimate area, but I found that the blade was already dull after use. I suspect it might be a returned item, as the packaging was just a simple adhesive type that does not con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in sexual activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Using a Potentially Used Hair Removal Razor
How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time (continued inquiry) Hello, Doctor: This is my original question for you: "Could you please tell me how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, warts, herpes, human papillomavirus, and Chlamydia can surviv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the bacteria or viruses you mentioned can survive for varying lengths of time depending on different environments, including the quantity present in bodily fluids, which can range from a few minutes to several weeks. It is difficult to generalize, and most do not have defi...[Read More] How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time Hello, doctor: I would like to ask how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can survive in the general environment outside the human body. Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these pathogens die quickly after leaving a living host, so they are not transmitted through contact but rather through sexual activity and blood transmission. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Infection concerns? Hello, I recently participated in a beach cleanup event, and after it ended, I noticed a red spot on the top of my foot. The spot is not bleeding, and I'm unsure if it was caused by a needle on the beach or an insect bite. I would like to know if, in this...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, unless it is confirmed that you have been punctured, based on your description, it is unlikely that you will be infected with any specific pathogens. You should monitor your body for any fever or discomfort, as well as observe the condition of any red spots. If you experie...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Beach Cleanup: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Symptoms of elevated rheumatoid factor? Hello, doctor. Recently, I had a blood test that showed my rheumatoid factor was elevated by more than ten times. I later visited a doctor for further blood tests, and aside from a slightly elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicating...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. My recommendations are as follows: 1. You should have regular follow-ups, such as every three months. If you experience any changes in symptoms before the scheduled follow-up, including joint pain, skin rashes, fever, etc., you can return for an...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Symptoms and Concerns
Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
The wound came into contact with the water from my own toilet? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I was shopping and accidentally scratched my hand on a sharp object (a store decoration). At that moment, I only felt a sting and there was no bleeding. I sprayed a lot of alcohol on it an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your main concern is the risk of infection from the wound. However, the pathogens found in toilet environments are primarily gastrointestinal bacteria, not bloodborne pathogens, so the risk of sexually transmitted infections or bloodborne disease...[Read More] Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Abnormal RF and ESR? Hello Doctor, I had a CRP test on April 21st which was 0.1 (normal range 0-1 mg/dL), and on July 19th, my comprehensive health check showed an abnormal RF of 242 (<15 IU/mL). On August 7th, I visited the immunology department, and during a brief consultati...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A high RF (Rheumatoid Factor) may be associated with other conditions, including viral hepatitis, particularly hepatitis C, Sjögren's syndrome, and other rheumatic diseases. It is advisable to consult your physician for more detailed examin...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal RF and ESR Results: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
In the areas where hands that have previously touched syringes and needles come into contact, a needle is used to draw blood? Hello Doctor, two days ago I had a health check-up that required a blood draw. The phlebotomist first cleaned my skin with alcohol, then took the syringe ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, although the phlebotomist touched other areas before returning to palpate the vein, the residual alcohol applied earlier still has antimicrobial effects. Therefore, it should still provide some level of disinfection, and it is unlikely to cause a...[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Safety: Risks of Infection from Needle Use
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B/C Infection Hello Doctor, a few nights ago I stepped on something sharp at the beach. If it was a needle, is there a risk of HIV or hepatitis B/C infection? Do I need to get any tests done? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have been pricked by a needle, it is indeed necessary to get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. If you are unsure about the source of the needle but suspect it might be contaminated, it is also advisable to test for the aforementioned four disea...[Read More] Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Severe dry mouth in xerostomia? Hello Doctor: My mother is 76 years old and has been suffering from Sjögren's syndrome for over 20 years. She also has hepatitis C, which has recently been successfully treated, and she is now virus-free. My mother has severe dry eye syndrome,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, there are effective medications available to alleviate the symptoms of xerostomia, particularly dry mouth, which you can discuss with your primary care physician. Additionally, there are some over-the-counter mouth rinses that can hel...[Read More] Managing Severe Dry Mouth in Patients with Sjögren's Syndrome
Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
I have a question? Hello, doctor. I previously interned at a hospital and accidentally cut my finger while puncturing a rubber cap with scissors used for medical waste (like IV bottles). Although I squeezed out some blood at the time, I am still worried about the possibility of c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if this occurs in a hospital, it should theoretically be reported as a sharp object injury, and the injury protocol should be followed. During this process, tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and HIV will be conducted for both you and the patient, and follow-up ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
Injection issues? Hello, I have a follow-up question for the doctor. Previously, I mentioned that I was unsure whether the injection equipment was new, as I am not getting vaccinated in Taiwan. The injection equipment should be reusable. If the injection is administered subcutane...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, in most advanced countries, needles are typically disposable, so such situations are rare. In the unfortunate event of being pricked by a contaminated needle, if there is no protection, previous large-scale studies indicate that the risk of Hepatitis B is approximately 3-5...[Read More] Understanding Injection Risks: HIV and Hepatitis Concerns Explained
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:
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?
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:
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:
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