Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, 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 fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for asking about the following situation regarding the risk of HIV infection. Last Friday, while waiting for the bus, I noticed that the person next to me had what appeared to be two or three bloodstains, about the size of a ten-d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently there are no reported cases of HIV infection due to coins or masks. It is advised not to worry, and there is no need for prophylactic medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
The wound came into contact with the water from my own toilet? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I was shopping and accidentally scratched my hand on a sharp object (a store decoration). At that moment, I only felt a sting and there was no bleeding. I sprayed a lot of alcohol on it an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your main concern is the risk of infection from the wound. However, the pathogens found in toilet environments are primarily gastrointestinal bacteria, not bloodborne pathogens, so the risk of sexually transmitted infections or bloodborne disease...[Read More] Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Is there a possibility of contracting HIV after a proctoscopy? Hello doctor, on August 25th, I underwent an anoscopy at the hospital due to hemorrhoid issues. The nurse asked me to lie down without checking if the doctor used properly sterilized instruments beforehand. I would li...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is essential to follow the regulations for instrument disinfection when performing a sigmoidoscopy in the hospital. Therefore, in recent years, there have been no case reports in Taiwan related to sigmoidoscopy, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the risk of infection during male-to-male sexual activity involving mutual masturbation. During the process, I experienced minor fresh cuts due to dry foreskin. A small amount of my partner's semen dr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is no clear definition of what constitutes a large area wound. Based on your description, the situation is indeed very complex. It is advisable to first confirm with the individual if there are any recent test results. If there are results and they are negative, ther...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
HIV testing issues? I have undergone an RT-PCR test, and the result was negative. It has been 32 days since I was exposed on the day of the blood draw. Can I feel reassured now?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your current condition and test results, the chance of HIV infection is very low. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative RT PCR Result Reliable?
Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Viral infection Hello doctor, on the night of August 4th, I experienced fever and chills. The next day, I had a loss of appetite and nausea. After visiting an ENT specialist and taking medication, I felt somewhat better, but the fever returned quickly. Eventually, on August 18th,...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, most of these results are "reactive," meaning they show a response but may not have significant implications. 1. TOXO, or Toxoplasma gondii, antibody reactions are for reference and must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms to make a diagnosis. ...[Read More] Understanding Viral Infections: Insights from Recent Blood Test Results
Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Immune system Hello, doctor. I am the patient who asked questions today regarding the many positive results. Thank you for your answers. What I fear the most is the HIV test, but fortunately, it came back negative. However, I am still very worried about the numerous abnormal resu...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, indeed, aside from HIV, other positive results do not necessarily indicate an acute infection. Wishing you all the best and good health.[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Stress on Immune System Health
Assessing HIV Infection Risk After Eye Exposure to Unknown Liquid
Infection risk Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for the interruption. I would like to ask you a question. Last night while dining out, an unknown liquid splashed near my eyes, very close to the eye area (I am not sure if it got into the mucous membranes of my eyes). I am concerned t...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of contracting HIV in the situation you mentioned is very low, and there have been no reported cases of HIV infection as a result. It is recommended to monitor the situation, and there is no need for medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk After Eye Exposure to Unknown Liquid
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment I am gay and I was first diagnosed with syphilis two years ago (I was also diagnosed with HIV at the same time). I have received treatment (three injections for syphilis) and I was cured. Last year, I contracted syphilis again, but I was afraid to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, because the health insurance card will be annotated. For example, HIV and syphilis are both legally mandated reportable infectious diseases. If a clinic or physician diagnoses a legally reportable infectious disease but fails to report it within the specified time frame, ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Regarding screening needles? I previously went for an HIV test, and the person said they used safe needles for blood collection, similar to those at the Red House testing station. However, I have a concern: is it possible that I accidentally received a needle that was used by som...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the so-called safety needles refer to those that retract the needle back into the syringe after a single use, making them completely unusable afterward. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the issue of reuse. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Safe Needle Use in HIV Screening: Your Concerns Addressed
Understanding HIV Testing: Interpreting ELISA Results and Detection Capabilities
HIV screening Hello Dr. Hong, I have undergone the fourth-generation ELISA HIV Ag/Ab combo test twice within a week. The first result was 0.09 and the second was 0.12. I would like to ask if this increase in values is normal, or if values below 1 are considered acceptable. Additi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Yes, anything less than 1 is considered normal. 2. Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 can be detected. 3. Yes, these subtypes can be detected as well. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Interpreting ELISA Results and Detection Capabilities
Can You Get HIV from a Beach Injury? Understanding Infection Risks
Infection issues Hello doctor, today I went to the beach at Bali Left Bank. I was wearing flip-flops and later I felt a sharp pain, but there was no bleeding. I want to ask if there are any cases of people getting infected with HIV from being punctured on the beach... I didn'...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there are currently no reported cases of HIV infection from being injured by needles or other objects on the beach, so it is recommended to continue monitoring the situation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Beach Injury? Understanding Infection Risks
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Insights on PCR and ELISA Results
HIV testing issues? Hello Dr. Hong, I engaged in high-risk behavior on June 14. After 50 days, I underwent an RT-PCR test, and after 56 days, I had an ELISA 4th generation combo test. I have read that the viral load of HIV begins to rise after entering the body and then gradually...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Due to the body's immune response, it is indeed possible for the viral load to decrease over a period of 50 days without treatment. 2. A negative PCR test at 50 days and a negative fourth-generation ELISA combo test at 56 days indicate a very low probability of inf...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Insights on PCR and ELISA Results
Understanding HIV Testing: Can Viral Load Become Undetectable?
HIV screening issues Hello Dr. Hong, I am the one who mentioned having a positive PCR test at 50 days and a positive fourth-generation ELISA test at 56 days. You mentioned that the viral load could indeed decrease because the body has immune responses. I have another question: if...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, ELISA primarily detects antibodies, so there is no issue of decreased levels. Although the viral load may decrease in the PCR part, it can still be detected. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can Viral Load Become Undetectable?
Understanding HIV Rapid Testing: Clarifying Window Period and Results
HIV rapid test Hello Dr. Hong, I asked you about the HIV rapid test yesterday, but later I realized that the test I took was not the 4th generation ELISA but rather the Abbott rapid test for HIV Ag/Ab p24 Ag (Combo) during the window period of 4 to 5 weeks. Therefore, I am asking...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the Combo test will not affect the results, so you only need to confirm if there was an infection during the 10-day period. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Rapid Testing: Clarifying Window Period and Results
Understanding HIV Testing: Can Multiple Infections Affect Results?
HIV screening issues Hello Dr. Hong: I have a question to ask. I recently took the Abbott fourth-generation rapid test, and the window period was one month. I would like to know if multiple reinfections during or before the window period could lead to inaccurate test results, pot...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, repeated infections do not affect test results. Even with multiple reinfections, a positive result can still be detected. Therefore, theoretically, if a test is conducted one month after the last unsafe sexual encounter and the result is negative, the chance of infection i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can Multiple Infections Affect Results?
Understanding HIV Testing: Concerns About Window Period and Re-infection
HIV testing issues Hello Dr. Hong: I previously asked you about the Abbott fourth-generation screening, but I still have some concerns. You mentioned that reinfection outside the window period can still yield a positive result. What if I was already infected during the window per...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as there is an infection, even if subsequent tests for reinfection are conducted, the results will still be positive and will not be affected. Therefore, the repeated infections you mentioned will still yield positive results. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Concerns About Window Period and Re-infection
Understanding HIV Reinfection: Antibody Levels and Testing Insights
HIV rapid test Hello Dr. Hong, I am the one who just inquired about the Abbott rapid test. I would like to ask you a question: If I am already infected with HIV and then get reinfected, will the antibodies in my body increase or decrease? If they increase, I can understand that r...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the number of antibodies would increase with repeated infections, so it should not be undetectable. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Reinfection: Antibody Levels and Testing Insights