Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
HIV issues I would like to ask the doctor, when I went to the restroom in the dormitory at night to change my sanitary pad, I found blood on the floor afterward. I'm not sure if it was mine. Then I used a piece of toilet paper from the trash can to wipe it up, but I forgot i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 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-infecte...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Is there a risk of HIV infection? I know I might be overly anxious, but I still want to consult a doctor. Getting an answer from a medical professional might help ease my mind. Two days ago, an older woman asked me how to rent a Ubike, and during that time, I took her phone to as...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/lehLY2EFku4q7Gqv4bql2w), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk: A Concern After Brief Contact
Does Drinking Unsweetened Tea Affect the Efficacy of PEP Medication?
PEP guitar therapy administration Hello doctor, I am currently taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) medication. However, I usually mix it with unsweetened beverages like green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. Will this affect the effectiveness of the medication? Thank you.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Please refer to the Chimei Medical Center's health education information regarding Biktarvy (https://www.chimei.org.tw/main/cmh_department/59012/info/5500/A5500547.html). <Precautions> A. If you have liver dysfunction, chronic kidney disease, hepatitis B, or other r...[Read More] Does Drinking Unsweetened Tea Affect the Efficacy of PEP Medication?
Assessing the Risk of HIV and Syphilis After Recent Grooming and Sexual Activity
Risk assessment If I am a male and have just shaved my pubic hair, and there may be some wounds in the shaved area, is there a risk of contracting HIV or syphilis if I perform oral sex (without a condom) and vaginal intercourse (with a condom) with a sex worker 12 hours later?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as there is unprotected sex, there will be risks. Of course, oral sex carries relatively lower risks. As for whether to shave pubic hair, it has a relatively minor impact. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing the Risk of HIV and Syphilis After Recent Grooming and Sexual Activity
Can You Get HIV from Scratches in Public Places?
Infection concerns? If I get scratched by a plastic board displaying prices in a store, and someone before me has also been scratched, am I at risk of contracting HIV? The wound situation is that there is a slight bleeding from a horizontal scratch, while other abrasions are not ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Scratches in Public Places?
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Post-exposure prophylaxis symptom inquiry Hello Doctor, I engaged in high-risk sexual behavior with a sex worker on August 31st at noon. That evening at 7 PM, I immediately registered at the infectious disease department, and at 8 PM, I started taking PEP (post-exposure prophylax...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Your symptoms are more indicative of an allergic reaction or eczema, and it may not necessarily be a treatment failure. Whether you are HIV positive can only be determined through testing. 2. The incidence of HIV infection after prophylactic treatment failure is very...[Read More] Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Symptoms and Concerns After Risky Encounter
Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?
HIV Viral Load has a numerical value? Hello Dr. Hong, I am an HIV-positive patient. I have been adhering to my medication regimen daily to control the virus. However, after my routine blood test this month, I saw in the National Health Insurance Quick Translation system that my H...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, your viral load does appear to have increased. However, whether a change in medication is necessary or if we should just monitor the situation requires evaluation by your attending physician. Therefore, I recommend that you schedule an appointment with your doctor for conf...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Viral Load: What to Do Next?
Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in an Elevator
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor Hong. Yesterday, while I was in the elevator, I noticed a large pool of red liquid flowing from the buttons to the floor. I later heard that someone had vomited blood inside the elevator (I did not see it happen). I was told that the floor was co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, you are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV from contact with blood in the elevator. However, since you did not have mucous membrane exposure or direct contact with fresh blood through an obvious wound, it appears that there is...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in an Elevator
Concerns About Eye Exposure to Water in Public Transport: Should I Worry?
Please ask your question? Hello Doctor, today when I was on my way home after class, I took the MRT and suddenly water started dripping from the ceiling. I suspect it might have come from some pipes, and some of it got into my eyes. Although I rinsed my eyes at a nearby departmen...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, are not transmitted through eye contact as you mentioned. The only concern would be the possibility of a bacterial infection causing conjunctivitis; however, since you have rinsed your eyes, the risk is lower. Unless you...[Read More] Concerns About Eye Exposure to Water in Public Transport: Should I Worry?
Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Syphilis skin contact infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred during my internship at the hospital. While removing an IV from a patient, my fingertip accidentally came into contact with the blood of a patient diagnosed with syphilis. At that m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no puncture wound, simple intact skin contact with blood does not lead to syphilis infection unless there is a needle stick injury. In the case of a needle stick injury, it is necessary to follow the needle stick protocol, which includes testing for syphilis an...[Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Infection Inquiry Hello, Doctor Hong. Yesterday, while I was in the elevator, I noticed a large pool of red liquid flowing from the buttons to the floor. I later heard that someone had vomited blood inside the elevator (I did not see it happen). I was told that the floor was cove...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, you are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV from contact with blood in the elevator. However, since you did not have mucous membrane exposure or any obvious open wounds that came into direct contact with fresh blood, it current...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Risk of HIV Infection from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Stepped on something prickly on the beach? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. Previously, I stepped on something sharp at the beach and didn't pay attention to what it was. If I stepped on a needle or sharp object, is there a risk of HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you really stepped on a needle and it pierced your skin, you would likely experience noticeable pain and bleeding. Based on your description, it shouldn't be a case of stepping on a needle. As for the risk of contracting HIV from stepping on other debris, the chanc...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor Hong. Yesterday, while I was in the elevator, I noticed a large pool of red liquid flowing from the buttons to the floor. I later heard that someone had vomited blood inside the elevator (I did not see it happen). I was told that the floor was co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, you are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV from contact with blood in an elevator. However, since you did not have mucous membrane exposure or direct contact with fresh blood through an open wound, it currently appears that th...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Concerns About Infection Risks from Vaccination: What Parents Should Know
Infection issues? Yesterday, I took my baby to get the Moderna vaccine. The situation was quite chaotic at the time, and I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new syringe for the injection. If the nurse forgot to change the syringe, is there a chance that my bab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently, vaccinations are administered using disposable needles. According to the standard operating procedures (SOP), once the vaccination is completed, the needle must be discarded, and the next individual will receive a brand new needle. Therefore, there should be no ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Vaccination: What Parents Should Know
Assessing Infection Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex: Key Considerations
Is there a risk of infection? Hello doctor, today I had unprotected oral sex with an online acquaintance. I know that the risk of transmitting HIV through unprotected oral sex is very low, but today the situation was a bit special. 1. The other person ejaculated on my face, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two scenarios you mentioned do not pose a risk of HIV infection on the face or hands. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex: Key Considerations
Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Having sexual relations with someone who is on PrEP? Hello, doctor. I had close contact with someone who may be an HIV patient. On that day, I had a deep kiss with him (he has bleeding symptoms when brushing his gums or sucking hard, and I also experience bleeding when I brush my...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: First, it is important to clarify that PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is used to prevent HIV transmission after potential exposure. Therefore, if your partner is currently taking PEP, the likelihood of them having HIV at that moment is very low. Assuming they are indeed a...[Read More] Understanding HIV Exposure Risks After Intimate Contact with PEP Users
Do I Need to Keep Testing for HIV After a Gonorrhea Diagnosis?
HIV testing issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, I had gonorrhea last October. Since then, I have been very worried about whether I have contracted HIV, so I have been testing every month. I tested until around the end of April. However, every time I see something related t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, I would like to know if you have engaged in any unsafe sexual activities, such as unprotected intercourse, since April. If you have, it is recommended to get tested. If not, there is likely no need for concern, and ongoing testing is not necessary. Thank you for your inqui...[Read More] Do I Need to Keep Testing for HIV After a Gonorrhea Diagnosis?
Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Issues Related to PEP Administration Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I have been taking PEP medication for about a week now, within 48 hours of potential exposure. During this period, I have experienced symptoms similar to acute HIV infection, such as swolle...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Symptoms can be difficult to determine. It is recommended to get an HIV test if there are any concerns. 2. To confirm a diagnosis, it is advisable to undergo testing. 3. It is recommended to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If you really want to drink, wait 2-3 da...[Read More] Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Immune system issues Hello doctor, I started experiencing chills and fever on the night of August 4, 2022. The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with a common cold. I took medication for three days, and while I felt somewhat better, the fever returned. After ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In your test results, the presence of IgM antibodies indicates an acute infection, so it is important to consider Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma, whil...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights