Infection risk, Internal Medicine FAQ

Assessing Infection Risks from Accidental Blood Exposure in Clinical Settings

Infection issues Hello, doctor. I am currently interning, and someone placed 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, and I'm not sure if ...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, viruses die quickly outside the human body, so the risk of indirect contact (where the virus transfers from blood to an alcohol swab and then enters your wound) is quite low. Furthermore, alcohol has a strong virucidal effect, so in the case of a single incident, I believe...

Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists

Injury from an ampoule breakage? I am a pharmacist responsible for collecting used controlled substance vials from the wards. Today, I noticed that the bag used for collection was damaged, and an ampoule broke, causing a cut on my finger. I immediately squeezed the wound to expel...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the medication bottle has not come into contact with anyone else's blood or bodily fluids, theoretically, it should not transmit any infectious diseases (since there is no source of infection). However, bacteria can still be present on the bottle, so caution is still need...

Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites

Hello, I am the questioner 198067. I apologize for having some additional questions to ask you? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. My understanding is that after being bitten by a monkey over 20 years ago, even though the initial treatment was incomplete (for example, I only ...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Correct. 2. I haven't heard of it so far!

Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options

Cryptococcal infection issues Hello doctor, two days ago while riding my motorcycle, I suddenly felt something drop onto my lower lip. I immediately wiped it off with my finger and discovered it was a yellow substance. My belongings were also contaminated with a small drop of yel...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, Cryptococcus is not only found in pigeon droppings; it can also be present on many plants in the environment. In most cases, inhaling Cryptococcus does not lead to infection. The likelihood of contracting a Cryptococcus infection is higher when one's immune system is ...

Assessing Blood Infection Risks After Accidental Cut in Hospital

Risk of blood infection from being cut by scissors used by a nurse in the hospital? Hello Doctor: A few months ago, my child was hospitalized for pneumonia for 5 days. On the day of discharge, while the nurse was removing the IV bandage, she accidentally cut my child's littl...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse, or any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual po...

Concerns About Oral Sex and Infection Risks: A Medical Perspective

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that? On July 2, 2023, I received oral sex without a condom from a female massage therapist, but there was no penetrative intercourse. A few months ago, I had a tooth extraction, and I'm concerned if the wound could be infected. A...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 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. Blo...

Are Blood Draw Assist Devices Safe for Reuse? Understanding Infection Risks

Questions about blood collection assistive devices? Hello, doctor! Today I took my wife for a prenatal check-up and noticed that the staff used a blood draw assist device. Upon inquiry, I learned that the device is reusable. Although the needle and the tubing are new, I am concer...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, assistive devices should not come into contact with the needle and should not have any blood residue on them. Therefore, the infection risk they pose should be similar to that of the rubber band tied above the injection site. If there is noticeable blood contamination, the...

Needle Stick Injuries and Infection Risks in Healthcare Settings

Issues related to needlestick injuries and environmental infections? Because there are HIV-positive individuals in my work environment, and I sometimes come into contact with substances that may contain their bodily fluids, I would like to know if there is a risk of infection if ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body and is not infectious. 2. The transmission routes of HIV are through unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing needles.

Understanding Parasite and Infection Risks from Snail Contact

Parasitic and Infectious Issues Hello Doctor, I am the questioner from <a href="https://adoctor.tw/article/197160">#197160</a>. I tend to feel anxious and nervous, so I would like to confirm the following questions with you: 1. If I handle a snail while we...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk is very low. 2. The risk of transmission from a single contact is actually very minimal; it is advised that if you feel fine, there is no need for special concern. 3. The risk from occasional touching is also low, but it is still recommended to wash your hands aft...

Preventing Parasite and Infection Risks from Snails: Expert Advice

Parasitic and Infectious Issues Hello, Doctor. 1. If I pick up a snail (likely an African giant snail) from a pile of grass by hand and then wash my hands with soap, will that prevent parasites and bacteria? What is the proper way to handle this situation? 2. If I touch a snai...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Yes. Parasites and bacteria primarily invade through the gastrointestinal tract. If you wash your hands promptly after touching something, you can effectively remove parasites and bacteria, which generally minimizes the risk of infection. 2. If handwashing is thorough, there...

Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Contact with a Sex Worker

Concerned about the risk of HIV infection? On April 29, I had contact with a sex worker, and there was no unsafe sexual behavior throughout the encounter. 1. The other party performed manual stimulation on me (using lubricant), and after ejaculation, they wiped with tissue. Is th...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. It is not considered a high-risk behavior; simply consult and follow up with a nearby medical facility. 2. If you still have concerns, please adhere to safe sexual practices and avoid sharing drugs.

Assessing Infection Risks from Handling Contaminated Clothing

Is there a risk of infection? On April 6, I helped a patient wash underwear stained with menstrual blood. I had several small wounds on my hands (including cuts from finger flesh and mosquito bites). The patient has a history of genital warts, so I am uncertain about their health...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. In principle, healthcare personnel should not have direct contact with patients' blood, body fluids, or wounds without gloves; they should wear gloves while performing procedures. 2. If there is accidental contact with an infectious wound, remember to first wash it thor...

Can Wearing a Used Bracelet Increase HIV Infection Risk?

Concerns about the risk of HIV infection? Hello, doctor! A few years ago, I purchased a clasp-style bracelet from a small online seller (which seems to have gone out of business since). After I put it on, I accidentally pinched the skin on my arm, which was very painful and cause...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned is unlikely to indicate an HIV infection. However, if you are feeling very uncomfortable, you may consider getting tested for HIV. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding HIV Infection Risks and Testing: Your Questions Answered

Risk of HIV Infection Hello Doctor, I apologize for having two questions to ask you: 1. I once shared a bowl of ice with a friend of a friend (someone I don't know at all). If both parties had open sores in their mouths, is there a risk of HIV infection? Is there a need for ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described does not pose a risk for HIV infection, so there is no need for HIV testing. Thank you for your inquiry.

Concerns About Eating Undercooked Meat: Infection Risks Explained

Ingestion of raw food? Hello doctor, I usually cook braised pork at home, but today I got home late from work and saw a pot of what I thought was braised pork and fish balls in the refrigerator. Since it was late, I didn't heat it up properly and ate three fish balls floatin...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the chance of parasites is low because the meatballs are usually frozen, and parasites die when frozen. However, the bacteria in undercooked food can be higher, which may lead to some stomach discomfort or diarrhea, but it is unlikely to cause serious consequences, so ther...

Concerns About Infection Risks from Handling Raw Foods and Utensils

Is there a concern for infection? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. When washing utensils that have come into contact with raw egg, is there a concern for bacteria or infection? (I have a small cut on my hand, and although I used hand soap to wash, I'm not sure if it ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two situations you mentioned should not lead to infection as long as proper hand hygiene is practiced. Thank you for your question.

Does Handwashing Before Using the Restroom Reduce Infection Risk?

Does handwashing reduce the risk of infection? Hello doctor, I have severe obsessive-compulsive disorder regarding cleanliness. I would like to ask if washing my hands before using the restroom will reduce the risk of infection. Sometimes my hands are very dirty, as I might pick ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Handwashing can indeed reduce the chances of infection. 2. If hands are washed thoroughly with soap, it should eliminate most pathogens. Thank you for your question.

Do Small Insects on Private Areas Cause Infection? A Doctor's Insight

May I ask the doctor? Hello Doctor, I am the questioner #191585. I would like to ask if small flying insects coming into contact with the mucous membranes of the genital area or the anus would pose any infection risk? Since children encounter similar flying insects when using res...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, yes, the conditions you mentioned are generally not likely to cause infections. Thank you for your question.

Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective

Infection issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. Is there a concern about contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from using a seated toilet? - It is a home toilet that hasn't been used for a while. - I have wiped the toilet seat but did not disinfect it with alcohol. 2. Is...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two conditions you mentioned should not raise concerns about sexually transmitted infections. Thank you for your inquiry.

Concerns About Infection Risks from Toilet Use: A Medical Perspective

Infection issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. Is there a concern about contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from using a sitting toilet? - It is a home toilet that hasn't been used for a while. I have wiped the toilet seat, but I did not use alcohol for disinfection. ...

Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two conditions you mentioned should not raise concerns about sexually transmitted infections. Thank you for your inquiry.

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