HIV, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know

Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...

[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know


Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks

Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...

[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks


Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know

Blood infection Hello, doctor. Today, when I went to the clinic for a blood draw, I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new needle for the procedure. I would like to ask, if the needle was not changed and the person before me was an HIV positive patient, would I...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the three main transmission routes of the HIV virus according to the Centers for Disease Control: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids pos...

[Read More] Risk of Infection from Blood Draw: What You Need to Know


Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood

HIV infection Hello doctor, I had safe sexual intercourse with a sex worker, but she happened to be menstruating and there was a small amount of blood on the condom. I also had a slight abrasion on my genital area. When I removed the condom, some of the blood got onto my genital ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w. There are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Safe Practices After Contact with Blood


Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage

HIV infection I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: - Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fl...

[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage


Can You Get HIV from Sharing Nasal Devices and Blood Contact?

Can this lead to an HIV infection? I would like to inquire whether sharing a water pipe for nasal inhalation and using a mouthpiece for smoking between my ex-girlfriend and her sister could transmit HIV. Additionally, since her sister is unaware that she is infected with HIV, and...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Does my girlfriend's sister really have HIV? 2. HIV is transmitted through blood and sexual contact, as the virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. 3. Therefore, there is no need to worry about contracting HIV. 4. If you still have questions, you can consult...

[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Sharing Nasal Devices and Blood Contact?


Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?

HIV infection I have a cold and a sore throat. I came into contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person. Since I have a sore throat with wounds, is there a risk of transmission?


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV infection leads to immune dysfunction, the related symptoms are primarily various infections. Therefore, the issue of HIV should be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please consult with an infectious disease physician. ...

[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?


Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hello doctor, today I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital for PEP treatment, and the doctor prescribed me BikTarVy (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide). Can I drink alcohol while taking this medication? If so, how long should I wait after...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, regarding the precautions for using Loxone (Tadalafil): When using Loxone film-coated tablets, please adhere to the following precautions and medication recommendations: - Follow the physician's prescription: Before using Loxone film-coated tablets, obtain an ...

[Read More] Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking BikTarVy for PEP Treatment?


Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure

HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions regarding my last unsafe sexual encounter in February of this year. I was concerned about potential infections, so I went for a blood test on June 27, and the result was negative! I have heard that the HIV window period doe...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis related to HIV are managed by infectious disease specialists. Although the issues caused by HIV are related to immune function, we kindly ask that you direct any questions regarding HIV to an i...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure


Understanding Post-Massage Discomfort and Skin Concerns: A Doctor's Insight

May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I am currently abroad and yesterday I went for a shoulder and foot massage with my university classmates. I would like to ask why my shoulders, which were tight before, feel sore after the massage. This is my first time getting a massage. Addit...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. People who are not accustomed to massages may feel uncomfortable during their first experience and may even resist the massage therapist, resulting in soreness afterward. Therefore, it's important to relax and enjoy the massage process during your next visit. 2. As for ...

[Read More] Understanding Post-Massage Discomfort and Skin Concerns: A Doctor's Insight


Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed

HIV Antibody Testing Issues Hello Doctor, I apologize if I am repeating a question as I forgot whether I successfully asked it last time! I had unprotected sexual intercourse in June of last year, and a month later I took a rapid blood test which was negative. In January of this ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it has been more than six months, the possibility of HIV can be ruled out. 2. If you are still concerned, you can visit a nearby medical facility for further consultation and testing.

[Read More] Understanding HIV Antibody Testing: Your Concerns Addressed


Understanding HIV Testing: Can I Trust My Negative Results?

HIV testing issues Hello Doctor: I engaged in high-risk behavior on October 16. On April 1 of the following year, I used the Orasure saliva rapid test, which was negative. Then, on April 25, I conducted the Bayer blood rapid test, which was also negative. During this period, I di...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, generally speaking, a period of six months has surpassed the window period for HIV, so if one is infected, it is usually detectable. However, all tests carry the possibility of false negatives, especially rapid tests, which have a slightly higher chance of false negatives ...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can I Trust My Negative Results?


Understanding HIV Testing Concerns: Results and Vaccine Impact

HIV testing issues? Hello, I had my last sexual intercourse on January 1st and have not had any since. On May 31st, I tested negative for HIV Ag/Ab combo after five months. However, I received the HPV vaccine on March 6th and May 6th. Will this affect the test results? Can I feel...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Administering the HPV vaccine will not interfere with HIV testing. 2. As long as the value is below 0.9, it is considered normal, and there is no need to be concerned about fluctuations in the numbers.

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Concerns: Results and Vaccine Impact


Does HPV Vaccine Affect HIV Test Results? Key Insights for Patients

HPV Vaccine and HIV Test Results Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask if I have had no sexual intercourse from January 1 to May 31 for a total of 5 months, and my HIV test result is negative. However, I received the HPV vaccine on March 6 and May 6. Will this affect the HIV test r...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Receiving the HPV vaccine will not interfere with HIV testing. 2. The window period for HIV is 3 to 6 months, so it is best to get tested again after 6 months.

[Read More] Does HPV Vaccine Affect HIV Test Results? Key Insights for Patients


Does HPV Vaccine Affect HIV Test Results? Key Insights for Patients

HPV Vaccine and HIV Test Results Hello Dr. Liao, I would like to ask if having no sexual intercourse from January 1 to May 31 for five months and testing negative for HIV would be affected by receiving the HPV vaccine on March 6 and May 6. Additionally, since I have been infected...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
This issue is a duplicate of <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/209131">#209131</a>.

[Read More] Does HPV Vaccine Affect HIV Test Results? Key Insights for Patients


Understanding HIV Testing and Risks: Key Insights for Safe Practices

HIV screening 1. Hello Doctor: If I had vaginal intercourse (with a condom) on March 15 and unprotected oral sex on April 29, and I tested negative for the virus using NAT after 45 days, and then tested negative again with the Department of Health's self-test for HIV on May ...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The window period for HIV is approximately 3 to 6 months, so it is best to get tested again at that time. 2. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have a relatively higher probability of transmission for the recipient, similar to HIV.

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing and Risks: Key Insights for Safe Practices


Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?

Can antibody rapid tests completely avoid infections? In June of last year, I had a risky sexual encounter, and more than a month later, I took a blood rapid test (Kenvair) which was negative. Then in December of last year, due to my concerns, I took the OraQuick HIV Self-Test, a...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If the window period has exceeded 3 to 6 months, you can be reassured. 2. If there are still other concerns, you may consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.

[Read More] Can Antibody Rapid Tests Completely Rule Out HIV Infection?


Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...

[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns


Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms

Questions related to HIV transmission? Hello Doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a woman on May 18. Subsequently, on the evening of May 26, I experienced symptoms of fever, nausea, and vomiting. By May 27, only the fever remained, and after taking antipyretics, I no longer ha...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV primarily affects immune function after infection, currently, issues related to HIV, including diagnosis, treatment, and risk, are managed by infectious disease specialists. Therefore, I recommend that you consult an infectious dise...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms


Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained

Is there a risk of HIV infection? Hello doctor, I previously went to a gay nightclub where a partner possibly ejaculated on my calf. There is a small area on my calf that seems to have a minor wound that is about to scab over. Is this a concern? Additionally, I licked the partner...


Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is generally little risk associated with saliva coming into contact with the skin, but if semen comes into contact with an open wound, there is theoretically a slight risk of transmission (though it is low). I can only tell you that contact with bodily fluids carries...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained


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