Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello, doctor. 1. After engaging in high-risk behavior, I went to the hospital for an HIV PCR test and a syphilis test 10 days later, and both results were negative. I only engaged in [unprotected oral sex from a male to a female]. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is recommended to monitor for at least 3 months to definitively rule out infection. Each individual's constitution varies, so there is no exact timeframe; however, in rare cases, the window period for the virus can extend up to 3 months. 2. Typically, infectiousness is...[Read More] Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Understanding Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
Inquire about hand issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently on a business trip in Indonesia. Three days ago, I suddenly noticed a rash on the palm of my right hand, but it diminished by the evening and was gone the next day. I recall that during those three days, I was frequently usi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, consider whether there have been any heavy objects or sharp items that may have left marks. 2. Additionally, assess whether the environment is clean and well-ventilated, or if it has not been cleaned for a long time, which could lead to bites from rodents or insects. 3....[Read More] Understanding Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
Can You Contract HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases Through Oral Wounds?
Medical issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the risk of contracting HIV or other bloodborne pathogens through food that may have come into contact with the bodily fluids or blood of an infected person. Specifically, if I have cuts or sores inside or outside my mouth (...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the body, so transmission is usually more likely to occur through direct oral contact with bodily fluids containing the virus during sexual activity. Currently, there have been no reported cases worldwide of contracting ...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV or Other Bloodborne Diseases Through Oral Wounds?
Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
HIV infection What are the transmission routes for HIV? If a person has an open wound on their foot and it is submerged in contaminated rainwater, can they contract HIV?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse or exposure to infected blood and bodily fluids. Wounds contaminated with dirty water do not transmit HIV.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission: Can Dirty Water Infect Through Open Wounds?
Can Swimming Pools Spread HIV Among Individuals with Open Wounds?
HIV infection issues If an individual with HIV has an open wound and is in a swimming pool, and others also have open wounds, is there a risk of transmission of the virus through the water?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Not possible.[Read More] Can Swimming Pools Spread HIV Among Individuals with Open Wounds?
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
Can Needle Sticks at the Beach Lead to HIV Infection?
Needle puncture issues Doctor, I would like to inquire about something. With summer approaching, we sometimes see syringes and needles at the beach or shore. If I accidentally get pricked or step on one, could this lead to HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus is difficult to survive in general environments, but it is still necessary to seek medical attention for blood tests to check for diseases transmitted through blood and bodily fluids.[Read More] Can Needle Sticks at the Beach Lead to HIV Infection?
Understanding HIV: Symptoms, Treatment Duration, and Male Health Concerns
I would like to inquire about HIV/AIDS? What changes can occur in the genital organs of men with HIV? How long does HIV treatment typically take?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If there are no signs of cancer or sexually transmitted infections, the appearance is similar to that of the general population. 2. Current medical advancements allow for coexistence with the HIV virus, but lifelong medication is required, and one cannot stop taking the medica...[Read More] Understanding HIV: Symptoms, Treatment Duration, and Male Health Concerns
Can You Get HIV from Soaking Wounds in Contaminated Rainwater?
HIV infection issues If a wound on the foot is submerged in dirty water accumulated from rain, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
No, the HIV virus only survives within the human body and does not exist in nature; however, there are still other bacteria and viruses present in the environment, so it is important to take good care of wounds.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Soaking Wounds in Contaminated Rainwater?
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
Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
Medical issues Hello Doctor: I am a male and I would like to ask a question. Some time ago (I can't remember exactly when), I went to a barbershop that specializes in men's haircuts. This barbershop supports diverse sexual orientations, as evidenced by the rainbow flag ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
The HIV virus has a very short survival time outside the body, so unless the clipper has just come into contact with the blood of an HIV-infected person and is immediately used on you, causing a wound or bleeding, there is theoretically a minimal risk of transmission. However, in...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Haircuts? Understanding Risks and Concerns
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 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
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
Timing for STD Testing: Understanding Risks and When to Get Checked
Timing for STI Screening Hello, Doctor: 1. I had sexual intercourse with an online acquaintance on May 27. The partner has multiple sexual partners. During our encounter, we took a bath together, and during oral sex, the male performed oral sex on the female without a condom, w...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, 1. Individual intimate contacts have been studied regarding their transmission risks, but it is quite difficult to assess the overall risk of sexual intercourse. Essentially, HIV transmission requires contact between mucous membranes or broken skin and infected bodily fl...[Read More] Timing for STD Testing: Understanding Risks and When to Get Checked
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 Chills and Shaking: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chills and shivering? Recently, I suddenly felt chills and shivering, which lasted for about an hour, followed by mild nausea and a small amount of vomiting. After that, I suddenly felt fine. Since this has never happened to me before, I would like to ask what the possible diagno...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Feeling cold and shivering can sometimes be a precursor to a fever, but there are other potential causes as well. If a fever is present, you may want to consult an infectious disease specialist for differential diagnosis. If there is no fever, it would be advisable to see a famil...[Read More] Understanding Chills and Shaking: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help