Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Sneezes, Skin, and Surfaces
HIV infection I was at the UNIQLO in the Dajia Shopping Center today and was sneezed on by a male employee. At that moment, I didn't have my mouth open, but I have acne on my face with some open wounds. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? I understand that the HIV virus dies in...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, HIV is primarily transmitted through blood or bodily fluids. It is not transmitted through droplets from sneezing, and the risk of infection through non-bloodied wounds is also very low. Therefore, transmission through casual contact is almost nonexistent. Most cases of HI...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Sneezes, Skin, and Surfaces
Assessing HIV Infection Risk After PEP: Testing Recommendations Explained
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV should be followed by an RT-PCR test. The date for the COMBO test should be scheduled accordingly? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a previous high-risk exposure (due to a condom break). I urgently started post-exposure prophylaxis (...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, if both the COMBO and RT-PCR tests are negative and you have already taken preventive medication, the risk of HIV infection is indeed very low. If you still have concerns, it is advisable to undergo a retest in 4-6 weeks. Thank you for your inqui...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk After PEP: Testing Recommendations Explained
Understanding HIV Testing: Combo Test vs. 4th Generation ELISA Explained
HIV testing methods? Hello doctor, I have been searching for a long time and I am unclear about the differences in testing types. Is the combo test the same as the 4th generation ELISA test? Where can I find the DUO test in Taichung? What is the window period for these tests? I w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the different types of testing, here is the response: A: According to the reference webpage https://tw.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140413000016KK03122, regardless of the reagent used for testing, the results after 13 weeks are considered final...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Combo Test vs. 4th Generation ELISA Explained
Concerns About Early HIV Infection Symptoms: What to Do Next
Concerned about the possibility of early HIV infection? Hello Doctor: After having sexual relations with a sex worker on June 12 (with a condom throughout), I developed a fever (low-grade fever that has persisted until now), dizziness, and muscle aches (first in my shoulders, the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. You can consult and undergo related examinations at nearby medical facilities that offer anonymous screening. 2. The anonymous screening list is attached.[Read More] Concerns About Early HIV Infection Symptoms: What to Do Next
Understanding Early Symptoms of HIV: What You Need to Know
What are the early symptoms? On May 20th, I had sexual intercourse and oral sex with an online acquaintance (both with a condom, but it seems the condom had a little baby oil on it, although I am sure it didn't break). I already had some folliculitis, and recently (about a m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, folliculitis is not a typical symptom of HIV. As long as safe sex practices are followed, the risk of contracting HIV is very low. Based on your description, it should not be HIV. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Early Symptoms of HIV: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Symptoms: Is Oral Thrush a Sign of Infection?
Symptoms of AIDS-related complications? Hello, Doctor. Due to work-related reasons, I had a suspected needle stick incident with a dental anesthetic needle. I believe I was stuck about 15 minutes after the patient finished using it, but I did not undergo any testing at that time....
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it does not seem like typical symptoms of HIV. As for the incubation period, it can indeed vary in length, making it difficult to assess the condition solely based on timing. The best recommendation is to seek medical attention for an HIV test or...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: Is Oral Thrush a Sign of Infection?
Understanding the Link Between Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis and STDs
Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? In patients with Sjögren's syndrome, the occurrence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or gastrointestinal diseases can trigger ocular diseases and arthritis. Since this condition is autoimmune...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. Reactive arthritis is related to individual susceptibility, making it easier to develop arthritis following an infection. Some cases of reactive arthritis are associated with sexually transmitted infections (triggered ...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis and STDs
Understanding Negative RT-PCR Results After Acute HIV Symptoms
Perform RT-PCR after the onset of symptoms? I would like to ask the doctor, if after experiencing acute symptoms similar to HIV, I undergo an RT-PCR test and receive a negative result (after ten days), can it be concluded that although it cannot completely rule out the possibilit...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether it can be proven that the symptoms are unrelated to HIV, here is the response. According to the Taiwan AIDS Society (http://praatw.org/aids.asp), "What is RT-PCR?" In simple terms, RT-PCR combines reverse transcription w...[Read More] Understanding Negative RT-PCR Results After Acute HIV Symptoms
Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
ANA index and HIV I had an ANA test at the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, with a result of 1:1280. All detailed examinations were normal, but I am experiencing pain in my left knee and finger joints, as well as dry mout...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether a high ANA index is related to HIV, the response is as follows. [Interferents and Unrelated Health Conditions] An assessment of the impact of interferents and unrelated health conditions on the specificity of this assay was cond...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between ANA Levels and HIV Risk
Understanding the Risk of HIV After a Syphilis Diagnosis
Fear of AIDS I would like to ask if someone has recently been confirmed to have syphilis, but they mentioned that it has been 2 months since their syphilis diagnosis. Their test results showed no HIV reaction, only syphilis. I will be getting tested after 3 months. Is it possible...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question of whether I could have contracted HIV after three months of testing, here are the key points: A. The HIV virus has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV After a Syphilis Diagnosis
Understanding RT-PCR Results and HIV Concerns After Low-Risk Sexual Activity
RT-PCR issues Hello, doctor. I had low-risk sexual activity 16 days ago, and after receiving oral sex, I experienced slight weakness in my legs two days later. Therefore, I went for an RT-PCR test ten days later, and the report came back negative yesterday. The acute symptoms I e...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of contracting HIV is very low. If you are concerned, you can take another test in 1-2 months or consider anonymous screening; however, it is likely to still be negative. Therefore, it can be inferred that your symptoms are probabl...[Read More] Understanding RT-PCR Results and HIV Concerns After Low-Risk Sexual Activity
Understanding Risk Assessment and Symptoms After Potential Exposure
Regarding risk assessment and symptoms? Hello, doctor. At the beginning of May, I had some physical contact with a sex worker. During this interaction, she touched my genitals with her hand, which had a clear liquid on it. We ended with oral sex, but there was no vaginal intercou...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the symptoms of oral thrush and sore throat associated with infections, the response is as follows: A: According to the Centers for Disease Control website: 1. There are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, ana...[Read More] Understanding Risk Assessment and Symptoms After Potential Exposure
Unexplained Symptoms After Sexual Encounter: Seeking Medical Guidance
I don't know what this disease is. It seems like a rare condition? Hello Dr. Liao, I had sexual intercourse on October 2, 2016, with a male partner. I was the receptive partner, and he suddenly sat on me, which startled me, but there was no penetration. Later, we used a cond...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: A. Regarding the response to "the most expensive urology clinic": Frotin, Cefspan, Doxynin, and Azithromycin are all antibiotics, differing in the sexually transmitted pathogens they cover. It is unclear if you have experienced any unusual symptoms after ...[Read More] Unexplained Symptoms After Sexual Encounter: Seeking Medical Guidance
Assessing HIV Risk After Intercourse with a Sex Worker: Key Considerations
Sexual intercourse with sex workers? First of all, thank you, doctor, for answering my previous question. Since the other party keeps insisting that they are not sick, I am unsure about the possibility of infection. I have been operating under assumptions and doubts, but afterwar...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you engage in unprotected sexual intercourse with an individual infected with HIV, the likelihood of contracting the virus depends on the severity of their condition, particularly their viral load and CD4 immune cell count. If the individual is infected but has a low vi...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Intercourse with a Sex Worker: Key Considerations
Understanding the Risks of Unprotected Sex with Sex Workers
Sexual intercourse with sex workers? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my sexual encounter with a sex worker. During the intercourse, there was oral and vaginal sex for about 5-10 minutes, and no condom was used. He kept assuring me that he was disease-free, but I am still ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since it is not possible to ascertain the health status of this sex worker, we cannot determine the risk of infection. However, if you are concerned, it is advisable to consider regular follow-up testing for HIV and related sexually transmitted infections every 3 to 6 mont...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Unprotected Sex with Sex Workers
Understanding Acute HIV Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Symptoms of acute HIV infection? Hello Doctor, here is the sequence of events and my questions: I understand that symptoms alone cannot be used to speculate whether one has contracted HIV. It has not yet been 12 weeks since the exposure, but I feel quite uneasy, so I hope to alle...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the above, here is the response: A: According to 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...[Read More] Understanding Acute HIV Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Urticaria and Thyroid Medications Hello Doctor: At the end of March, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and started taking methimazole in early April. However, about three weeks into the treatment, I began experiencing widespread itching and hives. The doctor prescribed one ant...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lin, Please read the following explanation, primarily based on the recommendations from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for healthcare professionals in January 2016: Procil® (Propylthiouracil, PTU; 50mg/tablet) primarily works by inhibiting the production of thyro...[Read More] Understanding Urticaria and Thyroid Medication: Key Insights for Patients
Understanding HIV Testing: Is 7-8 Months Enough for Accurate Results?
HIV Issues Doctor, I engaged in high-risk behavior (unprotected oral sex) about 7 to 8 months ago and underwent anonymous testing for HIV and syphilis at a hospital. Both results were negative. Does this confirm that I am not infected? Is there a need for further testing? Are the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the issue of HIV, here is the response: A: 1. After each instance of high-risk behavior or sharing needles or diluents for drug use, monitoring should be conducted for at least three to six months. 2. If the test results are negative after three to six mon...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is 7-8 Months Enough for Accurate Results?
Understanding HIV Risks: Oral Sex and Symptoms Explained
HIV issues Hello, doctor. On March 6th of this year, I had unprotected oral sex with a sex worker. About 20 seconds later, she rinsed her mouth and then continued to provide service for another 20 seconds. Because I was concerned, I stopped the activity immediately. In the end, m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, from your question, I can sense your concern and fear regarding oral sex without a condom. Indeed, if there is no blood contact and only saliva is involved, the risk of transmission is very low. As for your symptoms, they are likely caused by a cold or gastroenteritis. Alt...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Oral Sex and Symptoms Explained
Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Your Questions Answered
Could you please provide the content you would like me to translate? I would like to ask the doctor, two days ago, on the third day of my menstrual period, I had a French kiss and then engaged in sexual intercourse with a male acquaintance. He did not use a condom, but he only pe...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "What is the likelihood of contracting HIV?" The information comes from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan. HIV has three main transmission routes: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal interco...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risk After Unprotected Sex: Your Questions Answered