Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Syphilis/HIV Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. What is the typical diameter of syphilis rashes? Are they round or irregularly shaped? Are they independent lesions or do they form a confluent area? Do they appear flat or raised? Are the colors light red or dark red? 2. If one...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Syphilis rashes are usually not itchy or painful, initially appearing as light red spots that can progress to red or dark red, and are typically round in shape. 2. When there are only one or two spots, it can be difficult to distinguish whether they are caused by syp...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks
Questions related to the possibility of syphilis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If there was a small amount of contaminated blood in the bucket and after about an hour, you filled it with water without rinsing it out, then spilled it on your foot where you later disco...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a syringe for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the syringe at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minute...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used, so it is crucial never to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash typically occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis, which happens approximately six weeks to six m...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Therefore, it is crucial not to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash is associated with secondary syphilis, which typically occurs approximately six weeks to six mont...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Sharing needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I’ve seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes to s...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Sharing needles Hello Doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used; even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns
Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea shaves in the bathroom and there is a trace of blood contamination on the showerhead, can another person become infected if they use ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described, where a small amount of blood sprays outside, is unlikely to pose an infection risk after a short period of time. It should not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you mentioned. As for the showerhead, it is advisabl...[Read More] Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips
Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?
HIV rapid test I would like to ask the doctor, today I purchased the HIV rapid test from Chembio and the result was positive. Could it be that I previously had syphilis, which might cause a cross-reactivity and result in a false positive for "similar HIV antibodies"?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, having had syphilis will not cause an HIV rapid test to turn positive. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?
Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Infection concerns Following up on the previous question about the HIV rapid test, I would like to ask if a positive result with the Western blot test is essentially also considered positive? If it is confirmed positive, what steps should I take next? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, a high Western blot result is likely to be positive. After that, you should visit an infectious disease clinic to test for viral load and CD4 T cell count. We will determine whether to initiate antiviral treatment based on your symptoms and CD4 T cell count. Thank ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Test Results: Next Steps After a Positive Reading
Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Today, when I met with an international client, I shook hands with him and later noticed that he had black lines on his fingernails. I looked it up online, and it mentioned something about HIV. I would like to ask you, I had a small cut on...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of black lines on the nails cannot be used to diagnose or confirm an HIV infection. Additionally, HIV is not transmitted through handshakes. Therefore, based on the situation you described, there should be no risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Fresh Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection from wet blood? Today I went to pick up goods at the store and found blood stains on the counter that were still wet! The clerk helped me place the items on the table, and I didn't have time to react (I touched the surface of the table and the goods, which both...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, there should be no risk of infection. 2. Since it has dried, the virus is unlikely to remain. 3. This does not constitute a route of infection. 4. The chance of infection through such contact is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Fresh Blood: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about the risk of infection if a patient with HIV accidentally splashes sputum into my eyes while assisting with sputum suction. I usually wear prescription glasses, and today while helping the patient, I felt that some sputum m...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding HIV transmission routes: 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 infe...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Sputum Splash in Eyewear: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
HIV testing issues I previously underwent a military physical examination, and the HIV test was conducted using the EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay) method, with a result of 370.40, which indicates a reactive result. Does this mean it is positive? If it is positive, should I get tested a...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The general testing for HIV is divided into two categories: the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the Western Blot test. The former is considered a screening method with a threshold of 1, which can result in a small number of false positives; typically, a result greater than 20 is ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What Does a Reactive EIA Mean?
Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello Doctor, the day before yesterday while I was performing suctioning on a patient, it seems that the patient's sputum splashed into my eyes. However, since I was wearing large-frame prescription glasses and the sensation was not very noticeable, I am not su...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, I apologize for the late response. For transmission to occur through this route, the patient must be an HIV-positive individual who is not on antiretroviral therapy, resulting in a high viral load. Theoretically, the risk of transmission from respiratory secretions splashi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Patient's Sputum Exposure: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Issues Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask you about the transmission of Hepatitis B and C viruses through contact with infected blood. If a family member gets injured and bleeds on indoor shoes, and I have a cut on the sole of my foot, could I get infe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, the hepatitis B vaccine should have been administered during childhood; however, over time, antibody levels may decline, leading to decreased protection. It is advisable to check with a nearby healthcare facility to see if protection is still present. 2. As for the hepa...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Hepatitis B and C Transmission at Home
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Transmission of HIV/AIDS Hello doctor, at the end of July this year, I used a public restroom and found that the toilet paper was wet when I wiped my intimate area. I'm not sure what liquid the toilet paper was contaminated with, but at the end of August, I experienced a fev...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, urine does not transmit HIV, but semen can indeed transmit HIV, although the risk of infection is very low. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks from Contaminated Toilet Paper
Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Cauliflower/HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I am a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Eight years ago, I had genital warts, which were treated over six months, and I received three doses of the nine-valent HPV vaccine. It has been eight years without a recurrence. I would like to know what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. 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 infec...[Read More] Understanding HPV, HIV Risks, and Vaccination for Gay Men
Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...
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 a risk of infection. 2. Blood tra...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room
Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?
Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident
Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident