Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Eating lettuce with snails? Hello, doctor. I just ate a large bowl of salad from a restaurant (which had been refrigerated for 3 hours) and only realized at the end that there was a live snail in the bowl. I'm very concerned about the risk of parasitic infection. It's b...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if it's just a one-time consumption, the chance of getting sick is quite low. The risk of eating raw snails is higher, but the risk of parasites from vegetables that snails have crawled over is much lower, as the vast majority would be killed by stomach acid. So, you ...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Snails in Salad: Parasite Infection Risks
Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage
HIV infection I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: - Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fl...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Contact During Massage
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Urinary tract infection (UTI) issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I recently visited the obstetrics and gynecology department, and due to urgency, I went to the restroom first. After urinating, I accidentally dripped some urine on the toilet and the fl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The likelihood of transmission through general contact is low because the environmental differences between a toilet and the human body are significant. In terms of bacteria or viruses, the time required for adaptation greatly reduces their survival rate. 2. However, wounds ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Infection issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about an incident that happened while I was at a hotel in Taiwan with my family. I adjusted the showerhead and pressed on the area where the water sprays out. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain, but later I checked my finger an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious bleeding or wound on the finger, there is basically little chance of transmitting any infectious disease. Please don't worry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Infection risk inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask two questions. I came to Shanghai with my family, and today while eating, I accidentally drank from a cup that seemed to have some mucus or phlegm in it. I didn't swallow it, but it felt very unpleasant. I would like ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Drinking mucus or saliva is generally destroyed by stomach acid, so it does not pose a significant risk of contracting any specific infectious disease. Of course, some viruses can be transmitted through saliva, so there is still a certain risk of infection. However, most virus...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, doctor: (1) Last month, I went to a private laboratory for a blood test. Normally, the procedure is to draw blood first and then pay, but that day I paid first before the blood draw. The technician counted out change for me using seven one-hund...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, it is important to note that the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for about 10 minutes. Therefore, unless the other person is covered in fresh blood and is in direct contact with your open wound, the risk of infection is very low. If you still have concern...[Read More] Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Understanding Infection Risks from Contaminated Solutions
Concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? 1. If infected blood drips into a solution and someone then uses that solution on a wound, is there a risk of infection? 2. If a person applies povidone-iodine (and allows it to dry) before coming into contact ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it depends on what type of solution it is. If it is plain water, the HIV virus can survive for about ten minutes before it dies; if it is a disinfectant, it is unlikely to survive at all. Therefore, transmission of HIV is not possible. 2. Similarly, it is not possible t...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Contaminated Solutions
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Used Gaming Consoles
Risk of HIV Infection If I buy a second-hand gaming console and touch my mouth without cleaning my hands, can I get infected with HIV (especially if there are small wounds in my mouth and on my hands)? The console does not have any visible fluids, but I am concerned that the prev...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal sex without a condom with an HIV-infected individual poses a risk of infection through the exchange of...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Used Gaming Consoles
Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Risk of Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Hello Dr. Lin, Yesterday, I went to my elder's house and was about to take a shower when my elder accidentally spilled a cup of water. In a hurry, I grabbed a cloth to wipe the floor. While wiping, I noticed yellow and black st...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is no precise data, but viruses typically do not survive outside the body for more than a few days, so there is definitely no risk of transmission after six months. 2. No, because the virus cannot survive that long after six months. 3. Based on the scenario you describ...[Read More] Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings
Risk of HIV Infection I went to get an injection previously, and the nurse placed an alcohol swab (which was almost dry) and the needle on a metal tray to administer the shot. After the injection, she used that same swab to apply pressure to the injection site. Upon reflection, I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main transmission routes: 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 con...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings
Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
Concerns about the risk of cryptococcal infection? Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about the risk of cryptococcal infection: There is a floor-to-ceiling window next to my bedroom that opens to a balcony. I have found 5 or 6 clumps of bird droppings on the balcony railing and f...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is actually a type of fungus found in the environment, and it is present in the air, so we encounter it in our daily lives. Generally, individuals with normal immune systems are unlikely to develop diseases caused by Cryptococcus. However, the concentration of...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks from Bird Droppings
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
Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Regarding COVID-19 vaccines? Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask: I received my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine (AstraZeneca) on September 10, 2021, my second dose (BioNTech) on November 24, 2021, and my booster dose (BioNTech) on March 1, 2022. I would like to know what the ou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is a certain probability of severe illness associated with COVID-19, which is related to factors such as the patient's age, pre-existing chronic conditions, and vaccination status. Your situation indicates that the likelihood of experiencing severe illness is lo...[Read More] Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects
Concerns About Wild Dog Encounters: Infection Risks and Precautions
Stray dog issue Hello doctor, today I went up the mountain with my family and while riding a motorcycle, two or three wild dogs suddenly rushed towards us, barking loudly. It was quite frightening, but fortunately, they did not chase us afterward. During the encounter, I don'...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If the skin is intact and without wounds, there should be no risk of infectious diseases. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Wild Dog Encounters: Infection Risks and Precautions
Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Infection risk Hello, doctor. Recently, during my internship at the hospital, someone left an alcohol swab contaminated with a patient's blood on the table. While I was reaching for gloves, my finger accidentally touched it. I have a habit of picking at my thumb, so I'm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infecte...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Healthcare
Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?
HIV Transmission Routes (Allergy) I have an allergic constitution, so my eyes, nose, and ears are easily itchy. To relieve the itching, I often use my hands to touch the mucous membranes of my eyes, ears, and nose. If my hands have HIV-infected bodily fluids and I continuously to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk o...[Read More] Can Allergic Reactions Increase HIV Infection Risk Through Mucous Membranes?