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 Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Saliva rapid test positive? Hello, I previously engaged in high-risk behavior, but in mid-July, I suddenly experienced redness, swelling, and peeling under my left armpit, which resolved in about three to four days. Later, I developed a lot of acne on my chin, and I also had some...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The presence of acne does not necessarily indicate an HIV infection. 2. Rapid HIV tests have certain sensitivity but lack specificity; if the result is positive, it is essential to consult a healthcare facility for confirmation and further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Positive Saliva HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Can Standard HIV Tests Detect Undetectable Viral Loads?
HIV testing questions If I currently have HIV and my viral load is undetectable, can a standard HIV test still detect it?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can detect antibody concentrations, so even if the viral load is undetectable, a positive antibody response can still be measured.[Read More] Can Standard HIV Tests Detect Undetectable Viral Loads?
Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
Unprotected sex among same-sex partners? Hello, I would like to ask, I am a gay male who is a receptive partner (bottom) and have a steady partner. Both of us are free of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Sometimes we have unprotected anal intercourse. I woul...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If both parties are free of sexually transmitted infections, HIV will not be transmitted through intimate contact, provided that neither party has other intimate partners. Even if one partner is HIV positive, the other may not necessarily contract the virus (or may not do so in t...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks in Monogamous Same-Sex Relationships
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
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
Can You Get HIV from Drinking Water Touched by an Infected Person?
Drinking water that has been contaminated with HIV? Drinking water or beverages that have been touched by an HIV-infected person does not pose a risk of HIV transmission. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: A. There are three main transmission routes for HIV: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercour...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Drinking Water Touched by an Infected Person?
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Hello, I would like to inquire about the rapid test results? Last Tuesday, I went to the hospital for anonymous HIV testing. My situation is that it has been one month since the high-risk behaviors (unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse). Although the result at t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is possible, so it is generally recommended to follow up 3-4 months after engaging in risky behavior, and only if the test remains negative can one be completely assured that there is no issue. 2. Similarly, it is advised to retest for antibodies 3-4 months after engaging...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Oral symptoms raising suspicion for HIV? Hello Doctor: Nine weeks ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a sex worker (two minutes of unprotected vaginal intercourse and three minutes of oral sex performed on her). About three weeks later, I experienced unexplained nasal ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. (B) Bl...[Read More] Understanding Oral Symptoms and HIV Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
HIV testing issues? Hello doctor, if the blood test is negative three months after the window period, and remains negative after a year, is there still a possibility of a latent period?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, referring to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the window period is the time after infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during which the virus's antigens or antibodies are not yet detectable in the blood or bodily fluids. ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is There Still a Risk After a Year?
Understanding PEP: Testing Accuracy and HIV Exposure Concerns
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and Screening Hello, doctor. I have been worried for a long time, and there are various opinions on the internet. I would like to ask you: I had a sexual encounter previously and am concerned whether the condom broke. Within 24 hours, the doctor pr...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. There is a "window period" for HIV infection testing, which is the time after infection when the virus is present but cannot be detected by tests. This window period is approximately 3 to 12 weeks after HIV infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is generally reco...[Read More] Understanding PEP: Testing Accuracy and HIV Exposure Concerns
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
HIV testing issues? On June 5th, I had blood tests done at the provincial hospital, and the health record showed the following urine general examination and syphilis test items: - Treponema pallidum antibody test - Bacterial culture identification test (including general bacteri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For HIV-related inquiries, please contact the Infectious Diseases Department. If this is regarding health check-up items, please call the Health Management Center or the Laboratory Department.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Concerns Addressed
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I am #197271. Thank you for your response! I am really anxious and have a few more questions! The two tests conducted on May 29 were both negative (RT-PCR + combo test). 1. Can I generally conclude that I was not infected on May 8? 2. Are the re...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
HIV has a window period that can last 3 to 4 months, so a current negative test result only indicates that there is no detectable HIV virus in the body at this moment. To confirm that one is truly uninfected, follow-up testing is necessary around the 4-month mark. In the case of ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Concerns Addressed
Understanding HIV Testing Reliability After PEP Treatment
HIV testing issues? Hello Doctor: My situation is as follows: I had sexual intercourse with a person from A on May 8 and with a person from B on May 22 (both protected vaginal intercourse and unprotected oral sex). I became very anxious and sought PEP treatment at a clinic on May...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, taking PEP may help suppress the virus, so generally, after a potential exposure, in addition to getting an HIV test as soon as possible, it is recommended to test again at six weeks and three months afterward. By that time, PEP will no longer be in use, making the results m...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Reliability After PEP Treatment
Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor: Recently, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker, where we bathed and had intimate contact. We both shaved beforehand, but I am unsure if there were any cuts. During the encounter, the following occurred:...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Disease/Index), there are three main transmission routes for HIV: A. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with a...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
HIV transmission issues Dear Dr. Liao, I do not engage in any high-risk behaviors, but I have psoriasis that causes redness and peeling of the skin on my limbs (sometimes I scratch until I break the skin or cause cracks due to itching). Does this condition increase my risk of in...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluid...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Skin Care for Psoriasis
Understanding HIV Testing Timelines After Potential Exposure
HIV Testing Timeline Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse in March of this year. In mid-April, I experienced a hoarse throat and a slight fever (37 degrees Celsius), but no other symptoms. At that time, I didn't think much of it due to work stress. Then in May,...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Great, regular follow-up has been established. The next follow-up will be from late June to early July. If the results are negative, you can feel reassured. Please continue to practice safe behaviors and avoid drug use.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Timelines After Potential Exposure
Understanding HIV Test Results: What Do Changes in Numbers Mean?
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: In May 2022, I had high-risk sexual behavior, but I did not engage in any sexual activity for the following seven months. In December 2022, feeling anxious, I went for an HIV blood test, and the result was 0.19. I had sexual activity again in Janu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. A general positive result is greater than 1, so values less than 1 do not need to be overly concerned. 2. If six months have passed, there is no need for further follow-up; however, if there are still risky behaviors, recalculation is necessary.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Do Changes in Numbers Mean?
Understanding HIV Infection Risks and Testing: Your Questions Answered
Risk of HIV Infection Hello Doctor, I apologize for having two questions to ask you: 1. I once shared a bowl of ice with a friend of a friend (someone I don't know at all). If both parties had open sores in their mouths, is there a risk of HIV infection? Is there a need for ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described does not pose a risk for HIV infection, so there is no need for HIV testing. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks and Testing: Your Questions Answered
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening
HIV testing issues? Hello, Doctor. I went to a military hospital for a physical examination because I wanted to apply to a military academy, and I tested positive for HIV. Two days later, I returned for a retest, which also showed a positive result. However, I purchased a SURE CH...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, anonymous rapid testing at large hospitals is more accurate. Additionally, if you have no sexual experience, you are unlikely to be infected with HIV. However, this does need to be confirmed with a Western blot test. If the Western blot test result is also p...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Do After a Positive Screening