Understanding PEP: Reducing HIV Infection Risk After Exposure
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) I would like to inquire about having unprotected intercourse with an unfamiliar male on April 11th at midnight and at 9:10 AM, with the male not knowing his HIV status. I went to the infectious disease department on the same day at 18:30 to receive...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, your issue is more related to infectious diseases, so we recommend consulting an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding PEP: Reducing HIV Infection Risk After Exposure
Sudden High Fever: Understanding Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Unexplained sudden high fever? Two nights ago, I suddenly experienced full-body shaking and a headache. The next day, I woke up feeling weak all over and had a severe headache. Later in the afternoon, my temperature rose to 39.3°C, so I went to a clinic for evaluation. I had no s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. In cases of more severe bacterial infections, it is usually sufficient to take just one course of antibiotics to control the infection. Based on your description, it seems more likely to be a viral infection or a mild bacterial infection, which should be monitored fur...[Read More] Sudden High Fever: Understanding Causes and Concerns in Internal Medicine
Assessing HIV Risk After High-Risk Behavior: Symptoms and Concerns
After engaging in high-risk behaviors I'm not a doctor, but I can provide some general information. Engaging in high-risk behaviors, such as oral sex with an infected partner, can potentially expose you to HIV. The symptoms you describe, such as gastrointestinal issues and s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding post-risk behavior, here are the responses: 1. When did the risky behavior (unprotected sex) occur? According to the CDC, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other ex...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After High-Risk Behavior: Symptoms and Concerns
Concerns About Blood Donation and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective
Concerns about blood donation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if after donating blood and having my hemoglobin tested, the nurse used a cotton swab to stop the bleeding, but the cotton swab, which was contaminated with my blood, fell onto the table and was then picked up aga...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and bodily fluids. According to your description, it would not lead to HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Donation and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective
Can You Get HIV from a Cut in the Hospital? Understanding the Risks
Are there any cases of HIV infection from a cut on the hand in a hospital setting? Hello Dr. Lin: During an X-ray at a large hospital, I accidentally cut my finger on the equipment, resulting in slight bleeding. I am concerned about the risk of contracting HIV and other infectiou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, A-Jie! HIV transmission requires contact with "blood" or "body fluids." Although your wound did bleed, which does pose a risk, if this device does not come into contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected individual, there is actually no chance...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Cut in the Hospital? Understanding the Risks
Could Recent Diarrhea Be a Sign of HIV After Risky Behavior?
Could this type of diarrhea be a symptom of HIV? About a month after engaging in high-risk behavior, I have recently been experiencing frequent loose stools and even diarrhea, although it's not occurring every time. Previously, I would have a bowel movement about once a day,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, diarrhea is not a common early symptom of HIV infection; it usually occurs later in the infection when specific intestinal pathogens may be involved. Based on your description, it seems to be related to food. Additionally, exercise can increase intestinal motility, which i...[Read More] Could Recent Diarrhea Be a Sign of HIV After Risky Behavior?
Understanding Dry Mouth and White Coating: Is It a Sign of HIV?
Dry mouth and tongue coating? Symptoms of HIV can vary, but common early signs include flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. The symptoms you describe, such as dry mouth, white patches on the tongue, and skin rashes that come and go, could be indicative of various ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if proper safety precautions are taken, the chance of contracting HIV is very low. The symptoms you described, such as the tongue and rash, do not resemble typical manifestations of HIV. An increase in white blood cells is also not a typical presentation. It is recommended...[Read More] Understanding Dry Mouth and White Coating: Is It a Sign of HIV?
Risk of HIV Infection from Condom Slippage During Intercourse
If a condom slips off during intercourse and remains inside, and the penis comes into contact with vaginal secretions, is there a risk of HIV infection? Hello doctor, I just had a sexual encounter where there was no oral sex, and I used a condom for vaginal intercourse. However, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is a certain risk of infection with any contact, so it is recommended to continue regular blood tests for monitoring. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Condom Slippage During Intercourse
Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
HIV Risk Hello doctor, I am a gay man. In early February, I had unprotected intercourse with someone, and I immediately withdrew after ejaculation. Does this reduce the risk of HIV infection, or is it still the same? I've been feeling a bit unwell these past few days; my gum...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, any unsafe sexual behavior carries a risk of HIV infection, and testing is necessary to confirm whether an infection has occurred. The symptoms you described are common manifestations of various infections, making it difficult to determine if HIV is present based solely on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
Does Syphilis Affect HIV Testing Window Period?
Factors Affecting the Detection Window Period Hello, if someone is infected with syphilis, will it affect the window period for HIV testing? Can a negative result from an HIV combo blood test at 84 days rule out HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, being infected with syphilis does not significantly affect the window period for HIV testing. As for the HIV combo blood test at 84 days, the chance of being infected with HIV is relatively very low, but it cannot completely rule out the possibility of HIV infection. Thank...[Read More] Does Syphilis Affect HIV Testing Window Period?
Understanding HIV Risks After Safe Sex Practices: Your Questions Answered
Regarding HIV infection issues? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I have engaged in sexual activity with men, and I made sure to inquire about their status beforehand. They have all been tested and found to be negative, and their sexual partners have also been screene...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Should I still question whether they are carriers?> A: You can refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov.tw I. There are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engag...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks After Safe Sex Practices: Your Questions Answered
Can I Trust My Test Results? Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Diagnosis
Can it be confirmed or not? Doctor, I am from Tainan. On October 7th, I was at high risk. On October 14th, I experienced abdominal pain and diarrhea. On October 18th, I went to a testing facility for an RTPCR test (negative), and the P24 test was also (negative). On November 2nd,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. A-Kai: 1. HIV RT-PCR is primarily used in the early stages of HIV infection, approximately around 7 days post-exposure. If infection has occurred, the viral load is very low, so PCR is utilized in the laboratory to amplify the viral quantity, allowing for the detection ...[Read More] Can I Trust My Test Results? Understanding Persistent Symptoms and Diagnosis
Does Daily Use of Medication Affect HIV Testing Results?
Will this affect the HIV testing? Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask a couple of questions. 1. I have a daily habit of taking "New Bifidobacterium" (or "New Bifidobacteria"). Will this affect HIV screening? 2. Regarding the HIV window period, should it be cons...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, I. Regarding <Borborygmi>, the response is as follows: A: Refer to the Lourdes Association website http://www.lourdes.org.tw/list_1.asp?id=2483&menu1=7&menu2=1301. Diarrhea is defined as a more frequent bowel movement than usual, with stools that may...[Read More] Does Daily Use of Medication Affect HIV Testing Results?
Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Please inquire about the HIV window period issue? Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. In the context of having hepatitis C, if I have been exposed to a potential risk of HIV infection due to three factors: needlestick injury, skin break with blee...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether there is a premise of hepatitis C, the response is as follows: I. Referencing the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/info.aspx? (1) Hepatitis C occurs globally. In th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Window Period in the Context of Hepatitis C Exposure
Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Acute HIV infection phase? Hello Doctor, I started feeling unwell around August 29, experiencing fever and fatigue. On August 30, I had blood tests showing a CRP of 7.490 (all other biochemical parameters were normal), WBC of 12,870, Neutrophils 70.8%, Lymphocytes 19.9%, and Mono...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw), 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 ...[Read More] Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure
About HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I had sexual intercourse with a mature sex worker on August 22. Initially, she gave me a full-body massage with lotion, and later we engaged in protected sex. However, about 20 minutes after I got home, I started feeling itchy all over, and a red spo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question about the causes of HIV/AIDS, the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.tw. (I) There are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodefici...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure
Risk of HIV Infection from Non-Disposable Anoscopy: What You Need to Know
Questions about the probability of HIV infection? I would like to ask the doctor if there have been any cases of infection from using a non-disposable anoscope for examination of an anal fissure at a teaching hospital. Am I just overthinking this?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the endoscopes used in the hospital undergo cleaning and disinfection according to standard operating procedures, so there is no concern about infections, and no one has become ill as a result. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Non-Disposable Anoscopy: What You Need to Know
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Is this an HIV infection? On the third day of my period, I had intercourse with my boyfriend (who frequents nightclubs) without using a condom, and there was no ejaculation inside. That night and the next day, my knees were a bit sore, but then it went away. The following day, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms and incubation period do not strongly resemble HIV. However, it is advisable to consider a urinary tract infection. I recommend increasing your water intake and urinating frequently to alleviate the symptoms. If you continue to feel ...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Assessing HIV Infection Risk After PEP: Testing Recommendations Explained
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV should be followed by an RT-PCR test. The date for the COMBO test should be scheduled accordingly? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a previous high-risk exposure (due to a condom break). I urgently started post-exposure prophylaxis (...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if both the COMBO and RT-PCR tests are negative and you have already taken preventive medication, the risk of HIV infection is indeed very low. If you still have concerns, it is advisable to undergo a retest in 4-6 weeks. Thank you for your inqui...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk After PEP: Testing Recommendations Explained
Concerns About Early HIV Infection Symptoms: What to Do Next
Concerned about the possibility of early HIV infection? Hello Doctor: After having sexual relations with a sex worker on June 12 (with a condom throughout), I developed a fever (low-grade fever that has persisted until now), dizziness, and muscle aches (first in my shoulders, the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. You can consult and undergo related examinations at nearby medical facilities that offer anonymous screening. 2. The anonymous screening list is attached.[Read More] Concerns About Early HIV Infection Symptoms: What to Do Next