Understanding Normal Variations in Genital Appearance: A Medical Perspective
What are the issues related to the reproductive organs? Hello doctor, I visited a urologist at the end of 2019 because I noticed a yellowish-white spot on the surface of my glans. Sometimes, when I shower, it appears less noticeable, and I feel like it varies between being obviou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it appears to be some glands on the glans rather than an infectious disease. If there have been no significant changes over the past two years, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation unless there are any notable changes that would require a fol...[Read More] Understanding Normal Variations in Genital Appearance: A Medical Perspective
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Hair Salons: Key Questions Answered
Infection risk consultation? Hello, doctor. I have a question that I would like to ask, and I really appreciate your time in answering it. Today, I went for a haircut, and before finishing, the barber used a folding razor to shave the fine hairs on my face and the back of my neck...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. This cannot be generalized; it can only be said that under normal circumstances, it will lose its activity within a few hours. 2. The chances are very low. 3. Typically, a large volume of blood transfusion is required for a higher risk. 4. Based on your description, the...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Hair Salons: Key Questions Answered
Concerns About Blood Draw Infection Risks: What You Need to Know
Blood infection Hello doctor, today I went for a blood draw. The person who drew my blood removed the needle cover after disinfecting but later had trouble locating my vein. Without replacing the cover, the needle was placed into the plastic tray that holds the alcohol swabs and ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described would not allow any virus to enter the syringe, let alone cause an infection. Please do not worry. Thank you, Director.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infection Risks: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? Thank you for the doctor's initial response. I encountered an unknown yellow-brown residue (possibly povidone-iodine or another substance) at a local hospital in Vietnam. I would like to confirm with the doctor whether "l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, you should also be cautious that the unknown substance may be corrosive and could harm your skin. Generally, after an exposure incident involving blood or bodily fluids, it is recommended to test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In your case, it technically d...[Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Suspected food allergy? Hello Dr. Hong, over the past two nights, I have suddenly developed what appears to be hives, primarily on my right hand. My mother and sister are allergic to shrimp and crab, and on the night of September 22, I ate scallops and started experiencing some i...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Based on your description, it does seem like an allergic reaction. Since each individual's constitution is different, the symptoms may resolve quickly or persist for several days. 2. Even with the same food, such as shrimp or crab, the allergens can vary due to ...[Read More] Understanding Sudden Food Allergies and Hives: Key Insights
Concerns About Biktarvy Interactions with Other Medications
Questions regarding Biktarvy interactions? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I had a potential exposure to risky behavior, and the next day I immediately consulted an infectious disease specialist and received HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with the medication Biktarvy. The inf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, theoretically, a one-hour interval should minimize any significant drug interactions and should not adversely affect the efficacy of the medication. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Biktarvy Interactions with Other Medications
Can Taking Fever Reducers Affect Vaccine Efficacy? A Patient's Concern
Took antipyretics? Hello doctor, last night I received the AZ vaccine and took a Tylenol beforehand. After taking a shower and doing some work, I went to bed around midnight. Suddenly, around 4 AM, I felt very cold and started shivering. Not long after, at 5 AM, I developed a fev...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, some studies abroad have indeed shown that using antipyretics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may slightly reduce the effectiveness of vaccines, but it does not render the vaccine ineffective. It is recommended that if you have a mild fever or are only slightly uncomfort...[Read More] Can Taking Fever Reducers Affect Vaccine Efficacy? A Patient's Concern
Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Regarding saliva rapid test kits? Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse in early 2017. In mid-2020, I used an HIV saliva test kit and received a negative result (one line). Do I need to get tested again? I noticed that the CDC has been promoting blood testing kits re...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The window period for HIV typically does not exceed six months. Therefore, if unsafe sexual activity occurred three years ago and the current test result is negative, it should rule out infection. However, saliva testing involves issues related to its sensitivity, and a ne...[Read More] Do I Need Further HIV Testing After a Negative Saliva Test?
Understanding Blood Tests for HIV During Emergency Room Visits
Blood tests and HIV In mid-June, I was sent to the emergency room due to acute gastroenteritis and vomiting (later diagnosed as acute gastroenteritis). After a blood sample was taken for testing, the nurse informed me that all my blood test results were normal. I would like to as...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Is there an HIV test available? Should I ask the emergency department if they have the test? If not, can I go to the outpatient clinic for testing to find out? Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Blood Tests for HIV During Emergency Room Visits
Understanding HIV Survival: How Long Can the Virus Live Outside the Body?
Regarding viral issues? I recently became suddenly worried about having inserted my fingers into my vagina without washing my hands after touching various public transportation handrails, bathroom door handles, etc. I am very afraid of contracting HIV as a result. I know from rea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus is indeed not easy to survive in the environment, primarily because HIV is mainly transmitted through contact with genital secretions. It is not easily spread or transmitted in the environment. Therefore, the contact situations you mentioned would not result ...[Read More] Understanding HIV Survival: How Long Can the Virus Live Outside the Body?
Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Urticaria issues? About a month ago, I started experiencing unexplained itching all over my body (my diet and daily routine have not changed). If I scratch, it becomes red but does not develop into hives. I have since seen two different doctors who diagnosed me with mild urticari...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Urticaria needs to be visually assessed, so if you suspect it is urticaria, it would be helpful to take a photo of the appearance during an outbreak for the physician's evaluation. Additionally, even with medication, some cases of urticaria...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Urticaria: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Does it matter if the test results are obtained more than 24 hours after the needle puncture? During surgery, I was accidentally punctured by a brand new needle, which immediately drew blood. However, my gloves had already come into contact with the patient's blood. Blood wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There is no immunoglobulin available to prevent HIV, but there are oral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications. It is recommended to first inquire verbally or check cloud-based records to see if the patient has any bloodborne infectious diseases. If it is confirmed or...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. I work in the field of microblading, and one day I was accidentally pricked by a microblading needle. I forgot whether there was any bleeding at the time, and later I found out that the client is an AIDS patient, not j...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If the client is an HIV-positive patient and the needle used for the tattooing (which is similar to microblading) accidentally pricks them, there is a certain risk of transmission (approximately 1%). However, if the client is adhering to their medication regimen, the risk ...[Read More] Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Significant weight loss after childbirth? Hello Doctor, before my pregnancy, my weight was approximately 65 kg (height 159 cm, BMI was overweight). During my pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes and used short-acting insulin (once in the morning). At the time of delivery, I weig...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Postpartum weight loss can also be evaluated by checking thyroid function, as thyroid dysfunction can affect weight.[Read More] Postpartum Weight Loss: Understanding Health Concerns After Pregnancy
Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Generalized heat sensation? The patient is a young girl with asthma and a history of frequent bronchitis. Her normal body temperature typically ranges from 36 to 36.7 degrees Celsius, not exceeding 37 degrees. However, since early last year, her temperature has been between 37.2 ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your description, the most likely cause seems to be related to your menstrual cycle. I recommend observing whether you experience this reaction during each menstrual period. If so, you may consider consulting a gynecologist. Another possibility is that recent significa...[Read More] Understanding Systemic Heat: Symptoms and Causes in Asthma Patients
Understanding HIV Testing: Your Concerns and Results Explained
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse on April 12th, and afterwards I was very worried about the possibility of contracting HIV. Three months later (a few days after July 12th), I conducted a self-test, which came back negative. However, I was stil...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there have been no unsafe sexual behaviors after April, your risk of infection should be very low. It is recommended to continue monitoring unless you experience any potential symptoms, in which case further testing would be necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Your Concerns and Results Explained
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Vaccination Practices
Risk of HIV Infection A few days ago, when I went to get vaccinated, I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new syringe for my injection. If the nurse forgot to change the syringe and administered the injection using an intramuscular method, is there a chance tha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, vaccine injections must use safe needles, and these needles cannot be reused. Additionally, intramuscular injections are not a route for HIV transmission. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Vaccination Practices
Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Stabbed by a soft needle? Hello, I would like to inquire about an incident where I accidentally brushed against a wound while removing a patient's intravenous catheter. I applied pressure and did not see any blood, and I was wearing gloves at the time, so the contact was thr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is a hole in the gloves, it indicates that the soft needle has directly punctured the skin, which poses a potential risk of infection even if there is no visible bleeding! Additionally, it is important to verify whether the patient has been tested for HIV, Hepatit...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Drinks?
Questions about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? I would like to ask the doctor: If someone intentionally adds bodily fluids containing sexually transmitted infections to a drink, would an unsuspecting person who consumes it become infected with HIV, sy...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the three sexually transmitted infections you mentioned cannot be transmitted through diet, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Drinks?
Assessing HIV Risk from Unprotected Oral Sex: A 10-Week Saliva Test
The possibility of contracting HIV through unprotected oral sex? I previously performed oral sex without a condom on my ex-boyfriend, and there was no ejaculation, only exposure to pre-ejaculate fluid. There were no significant bleeding injuries in my mouth. Afterward, I felt ver...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The behavior you described should still be considered unsafe, so there is indeed a possibility of HIV infection, although the risk is relatively low. 2. The saliva test you mentioned is likely one that can be purchased at a pharmacy. The quality of these rapid tests ...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk from Unprotected Oral Sex: A 10-Week Saliva Test