Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
HIV-related anxiety Recently, during a visit to the clinic for an injection, the nurse removed the needle cap and, while preparing to administer the injection, placed the exposed needle on a metal tray to attend to another matter (which seems to be non-standard procedure). Afterw...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus will die within ten minutes of being exposed to the environment outside the human body, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection.[Read More] Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello doctor, earlier at school when I went to the restroom, I saw that the toilet had someone else's stool that seemed to be unflushed and had some blood in it. I thought they might have just finished using the toilet and left, so I didn't...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus can survive outside the human body for more than ten minutes, so there is no need to worry about that; instead, attention should be paid to fecal-oral transmission, such as certain intestinal bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly b...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Am I infected with HIV? Hello doctor, I have a question: On October 28, 2023, I went for a massage and had unprotected sexual intercourse with the attendant, although it was only for 5 thrusts. After that, I used a condom. However, I had a fever for one day from November 26 to 27...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper blood transfusions, among others. 2. As for the symptoms of acute HIV syndrome, they can vary widely; if you have engaged in any of the aforementioned high-risk behaviors, pl...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
The risk of HIV infection for a nurse administering an IV drip without wearing gloves? Hello, doctor. Recently at the clinic, after the nurse inserted the IV, some blood spilled out and got on the nurse's finger. The nurse was not wearing gloves, and I'm not sure if the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper handling of wounds. 2. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. After coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person (who has not rece...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? 1. I used the Abbott HIV fourth-generation rapid test on day 90 and day 99 after a high-risk exposure, and both tests were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors during these 99 days. Can I be certain that I have ruled out the risk of infection? 2. A...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, if using a fourth-generation rapid test, a negative result at four months can essentially rule out HIV infection. Therefore, a negative result at 99 days may still carry a very low probability of encountering an extended window period (though this is also e...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
HIV transmission routes (abrasions) 1. If you accidentally cut the skin around your eyebrows while using an eyebrow razor that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is considered to be very low, as HIV does...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it is a personal item, there is a potential risk of HIV infection. 2. If it is a shared item, there is still a possibility of contracting HIV, so it is recommended to consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: If there is a scratch on my leg (suspected to be bleeding) that comes into contact with a blood stain on a bedsheet (approximately within a small square area of 1cm x 1cm) and the affected area (the scratched area) is in contact with the blood stain w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, 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. 2. Blood t...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Transmission routes of HIV In addition to 1. high-risk sexual behavior, 2. sharing needles, and 3. vertical transmission from mother to child, are there any other routes or factors that can lead to HIV infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Other bodily fluids theoretically also carry risks (such as from needle sticks), but the risk of transmission from a single occurrence is very low. Therefore, the primary modes of transmission are indeed the three mentioned above.[Read More] Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Does PrEP Affect HIV Testing Results? Understanding Your Risks and Concerns
Does PrEP affect HIV testing? On September 27, I took 2 PrEP pills 2 hours late, and 1.5 hours later, I engaged in unprotected oral sex as a receptive partner with deep kissing, but there was no anal intercourse. From September 28 to October 1, I took 1 pill each day. Afterward, ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The report is accurate, but HIV infection has a window period. A negative PCR test on day 13 does not completely rule out the possibility of HIV infection. Currently, there are no studies indicating how long after exposure a PCR test can definitively exclude HIV infection. Genera...[Read More] Does PrEP Affect HIV Testing Results? Understanding Your Risks and Concerns
Could It Be HIV? Understanding Symptoms After Unprotected Sex
Could it be HIV? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a woman yesterday. I have had a cold for three days, and the day after the unprotected intercourse, I noticed that I have swollen lymph nodes. Could this be HIV? I have never had unprotected sex before.
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 any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries the risk of...[Read More] Could It Be HIV? Understanding Symptoms After Unprotected Sex
Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Eye Exposure to Infected Fluids?
Transmission routes of HIV (ocular) Is it possible to get HIV infection if HIV-infected bodily fluids come into contact with the eyes?
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): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-...[Read More] Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Eye Exposure to Infected Fluids?
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection After Sexual Encounter
What is the likelihood of contracting the HIV virus? Hello Doctor: - I had contact with a sex worker on August 16: unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. - About 3 to 4 days after the incident, I felt a slight tingling sensation on the glans and noticed white or...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-in...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection After Sexual Encounter
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Unknown Blood Exposure
Risk of HIV Infection Hello Dr. Lin, today after washing my clothes, I noticed a few small dried blood stains on them while hanging them out to dry. I absentmindedly picked at them, but I couldn't confirm if the blood was mine, as I hadn't noticed it before. Later, I we...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body and are unlikely to remain on dried blood stains. It is even more difficult for them to be transmitted by touching your hands, then touching a tissue, and subsequently coming into contact with the urethra. There is no need to worr...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Unknown Blood Exposure
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?
Concerns About HIV Symptoms After Protected Sex: What to Do?
Inquiry about HIV symptoms? Last week, I had sexual intercourse with a condom, but I have a solid herpes sore on my vulva that is not bleeding. If my partner has HIV, am I at risk of contracting the virus? This week, I've been feeling the urge to use the restroom after eatin...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are two definitions regarding the latency period after HIV infection: A. It refers to the primary infection symptoms resembling flu that appear approximately 2-6 weeks after infection. B. It refers to the per...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Symptoms After Protected Sex: What to Do?
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 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 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
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