Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy with Concurrent Hepatitis C Infection
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, if a person is co-infected with HIV and Hepatitis C, and has not taken any treatment for Hepatitis C or antiretroviral therapy, is the HIV test still accurate after a 3-month window period? I have come across information online suggesting that Hep...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Previous literature suggested that infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) might prolong the window period for HIV, hence it was recommended to monitor for up to one year. However, if you have recently tested negative for HCV, then there is no concern for HCV, and the window perio...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy with Concurrent Hepatitis C Infection
Understanding HIV and Hepatitis C Testing: Key Questions Answered
HIV-related issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. I used the Abbott fourth-generation HIV rapid test on days 99 and 117 after potential exposure, and both results were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors within the 117 days. Can I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. According to the current follow-up recommendations, it is advisable to monitor for 2. The window period for Hepatitis C can last up to 6 months, so it is generally recommended to follow up for a duration of six months.[Read More] Understanding HIV and Hepatitis C Testing: Key Questions Answered
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
HIV transmission issues Hello Doctor: I am very afraid of HIV. I get scared when I see blood and worry that I might accidentally get infected. Today, while drinking water at home, I noticed a small red mark on my water bottle that looked like dried blood. I had to scrape hard to ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main routes of transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into co...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Concerns Addressed
Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Is it possible to contract HIV during the blood draw process? Hello, doctor. Thank you for taking the time to answer my question despite your busy schedule. Yesterday morning, I went to a nearby medical laboratory to have my blood tested because I was concerned about my blood sug...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main routes of transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into co...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Blood Tests? Understanding the Risks Involved
Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
HIV testing issues? 1. I used the Abbott HIV fourth-generation rapid test on day 90 and day 99 after a high-risk exposure, and both tests were negative. Additionally, I had no risk behaviors during these 99 days. Can I be certain that I have ruled out the risk of infection? 2. A...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, 1. Currently, if using a fourth-generation rapid test, a negative result at four months can essentially rule out HIV infection. Therefore, a negative result at 99 days may still carry a very low probability of encountering an extended window period (though this is also e...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Key Questions and Answers for Patients
Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
HIV transmission routes (abrasions) 1. If you accidentally cut the skin around your eyebrows while using an eyebrow razor that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission. However, the risk is considered to be very low, as HIV does...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. If it is a personal item, there is a potential risk of HIV infection. 2. If it is a shared item, there is still a possibility of contracting HIV, so it is recommended to consult and get tested at a nearby medical facility.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Shaving Cuts? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know
Blood Donation and HIV Issues Hello, my girlfriend has had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past but did not get tested. Later, she donated blood and received a report stating that her blood was suitable for use (multiplex NAT negative). However, I saw that the blood donatio...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although AIDS can cause immune dysfunction, AIDS-related diseases are classified as infectious diseases. Therefore, questions related to AIDS should be directed to the Infectious Disease Department. Please consult with them. Thank you! The Aller...[Read More] Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
The risk of transmission when sharing a bowl of ice with a person living with HIV? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if there is a risk of infection if I shared a bowl of ice with someone who is HIV positive. They had their wisdom teeth removed two days ago, and I am not sure if ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the disease control tree 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 transmissi...[Read More] Risk of HIV Transmission from Sharing Ice Cream with an Infected Person
Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello, Doctor: If there is a scratch on my leg (suspected to be bleeding) that comes into contact with a blood stain on a bedsheet (approximately within a small square area of 1cm x 1cm) and the affected area (the scratched area) is in contact with the blood stain w...
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 the risk of infection. 2. Blood t...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Contact with Dried Blood: What You Need to Know
Common Questions About HIV Saliva Rapid Testing Explained
Questions about HIV rapid testing? Hello Doctor, I purchased an HIV saliva rapid test two days ago, and the result was negative. I have a few questions about the process, and I would appreciate your help. If there is insufficient sample collection on the test stick, will the C li...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The accuracy of the HIV saliva screening test is as high as 99%. The sample is collected by gently scraping the gums with a collection swab, and results can be interpreted in about 20 to 30 minutes, making it both convenient and quick. However, saliva testing still has a window p...[Read More] Common Questions About HIV Saliva Rapid Testing Explained
Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
I tested positive for HIV three years ago when I had my first child (my second child). The first test was positive, while the second test was negative? Three years ago, I had two children. The first pregnancy tested positive in March 2019, and the second in October 2020, both bei...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The first question is whether an HIV-positive baby has been born. If so, at least one parent must be an HIV-infected individual, and regardless of whether the initial test result is negative or positive, a confirmatory test must be conducted at a hospital. 2. What is the pur...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Results: A Journey Through Two Pregnancies
Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Elbow issues Hello doctor, a few days ago I noticed some raised bumps on my elbow that feel itchy but are not red. I scratched and rubbed them, and yesterday the skin broke a little but it seems to have scabbed over. Now it looks a bit red in that area, but I don’t feel any open ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Just by looking at the pictures, it is difficult to determine; it resembles common eczema or contact dermatitis. I recommend seeing a dermatologist first. We do not solely rely on the rash to diagnose autoimmune diseases or HIV, so please do no...[Read More] Understanding Elbow Issues: Potential Causes and When to See a Doctor
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Modes of Transmission of HIV/AIDS I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person with HIV on a recently scabbed area (about five days post-injury) and then touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV? Thank you, doctor.
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Theoretically, if there is no contact with blood or bodily fluids, there should be no issue of exposure to the virus! (The skin does not contain the virus.)[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin
Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Possibility of infection Hello Dr. Lin, today while traveling by air, I accidentally pricked myself with a plastic fork when I opened it. Although there was no bleeding, it looks a little white, and I'm not sure if the skin is broken. Even though the fork appears to be dispo...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless there is reasonable suspicion that the fork has come into contact with another person's blood or bodily fluids, there is minimal risk of infectious disease. It is advisable not to worry too much.[Read More] Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know
Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Transmission routes of HIV In addition to 1. high-risk sexual behavior, 2. sharing needles, and 3. vertical transmission from mother to child, are there any other routes or factors that can lead to HIV infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Other bodily fluids theoretically also carry risks (such as from needle sticks), but the risk of transmission from a single occurrence is very low. Therefore, the primary modes of transmission are indeed the three mentioned above.[Read More] Understanding Additional Routes of HIV Transmission Beyond Common Methods
Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
HIV infection Hello doctor, I had unprotected sex with a sex worker on October 16th, and I had already been experiencing cold symptoms, including a runny nose, since October 15th. Today, October 19th, my cold has progressed from just a runny nose to coughing and a scratchy throat...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the incubation period for HIV is at least one week, so if symptoms appear within two to three days, they are likely unrelated. However, if you have engaged in high-risk behaviors, it is still advisable to get tested.[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms After Unprotected Sex: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Infection may be consulted? Hello doctor, I am currently on a business trip abroad. For the first time, a colleague took me to a massage due to back pain. The establishment was a regular massage parlor without any sexual services. Since I have never had a massage before, I had my...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Based on the photos, it appears to be skin symptoms that resemble friction or treatments involving mugwort; it is unlikely to be a sexually transmitted infection (including HIV). It is recommended to treat it as a regular wound. If there are still concerns, you may consult a near...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks After Massage: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Probability of HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (approximately 4-5 days old) where the skin surface is peeling and scabbing (the skin looks dry with some flakes and does not feel wet to the touch), and then im...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. There are three routes of transmission for HIV: unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles and diluents, and transmission from an HIV-positive mother during pregnancy. 2. When touching a patient's wound, if you also have a wound and the patient is not adhering to t...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Skin Contact
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin Contact
HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (about 4-5 days old) where the skin had peeled and scabbed, and then immediately touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HI...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of this happening is very low. Currently, HIV/AIDS is classified as an infectious disease. Although clinical symptoms are related to immune function, it is advisable to consult an infectious disease specialist for related concern...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin Contact
Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?
HIV transmission routes (injection) If the alcohol swab was placed on the table and potentially contaminated with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, the risk of HIV transmission through that swab is extremely low. HIV does not survive long outside the human body, and it is part...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, 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 the risk of infection....[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Alcohol Swabs?