Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments
Risk of HIV Infection Hello, doctor: I have a concern that I would like to ask you about. During my middle school years, the tutoring center environment was quite poor; there were very few restrooms, and the design might have been problematic, as there was often a puddle of urine...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is basically no risk! HIV is primarily transmitted through contact with blood, bodily fluids, and mucous membranes, mainly through sexual intercourse. The viral load in urine is very low, and splashes that come into contact with the skin typically do not pose a trans...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection in Unsanitary Environments
Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
Do allergens need to be tested repeatedly? Hello, Doctor Gao: I am 21 years old this year and have had an allergic constitution since childhood. When I was 16, I underwent allergen testing (M25-130-Z MAST ALLERGY) at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, which tested 36 allergens, all of...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1) I still have some allergic symptoms, but I'm not sure what the allergens are. Is it necessary for me to undergo the 36-item allergen test again? Generally speaking, is there a high probability that something tha...[Read More] Do You Need to Repeat Allergy Testing After Five Years?
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
Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Contact with a Sex Worker
Concerned about the risk of HIV infection? On April 29, I had contact with a sex worker, and there was no unsafe sexual behavior throughout the encounter. 1. The other party performed manual stimulation on me (using lubricant), and after ejaculation, they wiped with tissue. Is th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. It is not considered a high-risk behavior; simply consult and follow up with a nearby medical facility. 2. If you still have concerns, please adhere to safe sexual practices and avoid sharing drugs.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Contact with a Sex Worker
Food Contamination Risks: Understanding Infection from Blood on Toast
Foodborne infection issues Hello, doctor! One day while I was having breakfast, I noticed some blood spots on my toast, approximately 0.3 centimeters in size, around two or three spots. I discovered the blood after I had already eaten part of the toast, and I'm uncertain whe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If you are a healthy individual, there is certainly no issue; however, if you share the same piece of bread with someone else, you need to inquire about their health status. 2. The situation is as described in point 1.[Read More] Food Contamination Risks: Understanding Infection from Blood on Toast
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 Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Urticaria and Thyroid Testing After catching a cold at the end of February (with symptoms of sore throat and general weakness), I began to develop hives all over my body, particularly around my eyes and neck. I visited a clinic where I was prescribed steroids and received an inje...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is there a connection between urticaria and slightly elevated TSH levels? Do I need to see a rheumatologist for an examination? --> In cases of long-term urticaria, we sometimes check thyroid function. Your TSH is ...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Test Results: Key Insights
Can You Get Infected from a Used Needle During Blood Draw?
Is there an infection? Hello doctor, the other day at the hospital, after a person had their blood drawn and left, I sat down next. I noticed that the needle cap used by the nurse was already opened and exposed to the air before she drew my blood. I suspect that the nurse did not...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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 of infectio...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from a Used Needle During Blood Draw?
Risk of Infection from Using a Potentially Used Hair Removal Razor
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Today I used a newly purchased hair removal razor to remove hair from my intimate area, but I found that the blade was already dull after use. I suspect it might be a returned item, as the packaging was just a simple adhesive type that does not con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in sexual activities such as oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids ...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Using a Potentially Used Hair Removal Razor
Can Wearing a Used Bracelet Increase HIV Infection Risk?
Concerns about the risk of HIV infection? Hello, doctor! A few years ago, I purchased a clasp-style bracelet from a small online seller (which seems to have gone out of business since). After I put it on, I accidentally pinched the skin on my arm, which was very painful and cause...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned is unlikely to indicate an HIV infection. However, if you are feeling very uncomfortable, you may consider getting tested for HIV. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Wearing a Used Bracelet Increase HIV Infection Risk?
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Shared Soap in Hotels
Risk of HIV Infection Hello Doctor: I would like to ask you about an anxiety issue I have. Many years ago, while traveling with classmates and staying at a hotel, I forgot to bring my bathing supplies. I mistakenly thought there was soap on the soap dish, so I applied it to my bo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Shared Soap in Hotels
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 Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Elbow issues? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a condition I've been experiencing. I previously visited a dermatologist and an internist because occasionally I have sudden itching on my elbow. I'm not sure if I've scratched the skin, but it appears to ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it does appear to be chronic eczema, which is often caused by frequent rubbing or scratching. The darkening is due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As long as you avoid continuous rubbing or scratching, the color will gradually return to normal. Regarding the rash a...[Read More] Understanding Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Can You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?
About infections? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if food contains HIV, hepatitis B, C, or syphilis viruses, and I have a cut in my mouth that comes into contact with these viruses, will I contract these diseases? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of infection for these diseases. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry about HIV issues? Hello, Dr. Hong. My friend is a male HIV patient, but I am very close to him and do not mind his condition. However, just yesterday, he masturbated at my house and ejaculated onto a tissue, which he then threw into the bathroom trash can. After he left, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does indeed carry a certain risk of infection. It is recommended that you visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic for screening and consultation regarding whether any further treatment is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Can You Contract HIV from Contact with Semen During Masturbation?
HIV/AIDS is very frightening? Doctor, may I ask you something? If I come into contact with my own wound while masturbating and it touches semen, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, refer to the information from the Centers for Disease Control website: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w Second, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, an...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contact with Semen During Masturbation?
How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time (continued inquiry) Hello, Doctor: This is my original question for you: "Could you please tell me how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, warts, herpes, human papillomavirus, and Chlamydia can surviv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the bacteria or viruses you mentioned can survive for varying lengths of time depending on different environments, including the quantity present in bodily fluids, which can range from a few minutes to several weeks. It is difficult to generalize, and most do not have defi...[Read More] How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time Hello, doctor: I would like to ask how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can survive in the general environment outside the human body. Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these pathogens die quickly after leaving a living host, so they are not transmitted through contact but rather through sexual activity and blood transmission. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
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
Understanding the HIV Testing Window Period: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I had sexual contact with a sex worker on March 8th. I used a condom throughout the encounter (no condom for oral sex and condom for vaginal intercourse), and there were no signs of breakage. I would like to know how long I should wait for an anon...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there has been no unsafe sexual behavior for more than three months and all tests are negative, the likelihood of infection is very low. Currently, it is recommended to undergo a Combo test. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the HIV Testing Window Period: What You Need to Know