Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my regular pa...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, alongside genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the W...[Read More] Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the typical symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my ste...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, along with genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the ...[Read More] Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
Can Male Masturbation Devices Transmit Viruses? Expert Insights
Can male masturbation devices transmit viruses? Hello, doctor. Some time ago, I purchased a masturbation device online. Although the outer packaging was intact, I found that the inner packaging was damaged upon opening. I washed the entire device with soapy water two or three tim...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases; please consult an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.[Read More] Can Male Masturbation Devices Transmit Viruses? Expert Insights
Can You Get HIV by Touching Your Eyes After Contact with Infected Blood?
Mucous membrane (eye) If your hand unknowingly came into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then you rubbed your eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You are at risk of infection only if you work in a hospital with HIV patients or if your partner is HIV-positive. 2. In contrast, other infectious diseases can be transmitted through hand contact, so avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.[Read More] Can You Get HIV by Touching Your Eyes After Contact with Infected Blood?
Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
HIV infection I went to the local health bureau for an HIV test on July 17th. Before the blood draw, I had a brief conversation with the doctor. The method used was a fingerstick rapid test (a purple square device was used to prick my fingertip). Since I was washing my hands at t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Since there have been clusters of hepatitis C cases in some medical institutions, there have been instances of needle reuse. If a needle is used for the first time but is old, there may be issues with infection. Safety needles, as the name implies, are designed for single use; on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Risks and Safety of Fingerstick Methods
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...[Read More] Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists
Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Infection Issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions: About six months ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on both sides of my groin. Almost every node in that area has enlarged, with a few becoming elongated, measuring approximately 1 to 2...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, multiple enlarged lymph nodes usually indicate that there is some condition in the body, ranging from systemic infections, rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases, to hematologic malignancies. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic as soon as poss...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Concerns About Infection and Parasites from Snail Contact
Infection and parasitic issues? Hello, Doctor. 1. If I accidentally kicked a snail while wearing flip-flops (and I'm not sure if my foot made direct contact with the snail), and afterwards I wiped my foot with a wet wipe, is there a concern about parasitic infection? 2. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. As long as there are no obvious wounds on the foot, it will not occur. 2. Yes, it can occur. Dupuytren's contracture is caused by repetitive irritation leading to chronic inflammation. Reducing the irritation is an important part of treatment, and you can consult a derm...[Read More] Concerns About Infection and Parasites from Snail Contact
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Abnormal lymphocytes and leukocytes in blood test report? Hello, I went to the emergency room last November due to abdominal pain. I just checked my health records and saw the blood test report from that time, which showed three values highlighted in red: Neutrophil - 90.0%, Mono...
Dr. Zheng Weijun Reply:
Dear commenter, based on the information you provided, the proportions of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes in your blood report are 90.0%, 2.0%, and 7.5%, respectively. These values are slightly abnormal, as neutrophils typically range from 50-70%, monocytes from 2-10%, an...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Neutrophils, Monocytes, and Lymphocytes
Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications
Elevated γ-globulin levels? Hello, doctor. Previously, I was concerned about the possibility of having multiple myeloma. Later, I received some blood test results: FLC Lambda 11.89 (5.71-26.3) / FLC Kappa 14.45 (3.3-19.4) / FLC K/L 1.22 (0.25-1.65). The Kappa level of 14.45 (3.3-...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. It appears that your γ-globulin levels are elevated. Does this mean I have multiple myeloma? --> No. Infections or autoimmune diseases can also cause a slight increase. The manifestations of multiple myeloma are d...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Gamma-Globulin Levels: Potential Causes and Implications
Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
Blood test shows suspicion of hepatitis B and C, and HIV? I would like to ask the doctor about a situation during my blood draw. There was blood from a previous patient on the blood draw table. After I reminded the nurse about the blood on the table, she wiped it with an alcohol ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hepatitis B and HIV are primarily transmitted through blood. The risk of transmission is higher if you have an open wound on your hand that comes into contact with infected blood. However, once the virus leaves the human body, it does not survive for long. If there is no direct c...[Read More] Risk of Hepatitis B, C and HIV Infection from Blood Draw Procedures
Can You Contract HIV from Using Public Urinals?
Is there a risk of contracting HIV from contact with public restrooms? No, touching a urinal with the male genitalia does not pose a risk of HIV infection. HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk, and typic...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, the HIV virus is primarily transmitted through blood, and it does not survive well outside the human body, so your chances of contracting HIV are very low.[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Using Public Urinals?
Understanding Symptoms After Kissing: What Could They Indicate?
HIV issues Hello Doctor: I kissed my boyfriend, including French kissing. On the first to third day, I felt fine, but by the fourth day, my throat started to feel uncomfortable, and I experienced pain on both sides when swallowing saliva. After that, I developed dizziness, fatigu...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Hello, based on your symptom description, it is recommended that you visit an otolaryngologist, as it could be an upper respiratory infection or another type of infection.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Kissing: What Could They Indicate?
Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Wiping with a towel contaminated with HIV? Using a towel that has been contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids to wipe the male genitalia can pose a risk of HIV transmission, although the likelihood is generally considered low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus does not survive well outside the human body (with a survival time of less than ten minutes), so the risk of infection is very low. However, there is still a possibility of other infectious diseases, so sharing towels is not recommended.[Read More] Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Understanding Proteinuria: When to Worry About Kidney Health
Response: Second diagnosis of kidney issues (proteinuria)? Hello, Doctor. I previously asked about the issue of suspected proteinuria, and your response was that vaccination and infections can trigger the production of antibodies to protect against foreign viral invasion. Antibod...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Yes, wishing you health and safety.[Read More] Understanding Proteinuria: When to Worry About Kidney Health
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![Read More] Understanding Rabies Infection Risks and Long-Term Effects After Animal Bites
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 ...[Read More] Understanding Cryptococcus Infection Risks and Testing Options
Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Cryoglobulin test The presence of cold agglutinins, indicated by a positive IgM (1+), suggests that your body may be producing antibodies that can cause red blood cells to clump together at lower temperatures. This condition can be associated with various underlying issues, inclu...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to return to the rheumatology clinic for follow-up, as further examinations may be necessary. The presence of cryoglobulinemia is related to many factors, with hepatitis C being the most common. Even if hepatitis C tests are no...[Read More] Understanding Positive IgM in Coagulation Protein Tests: What It Means for Your Health
Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Needle stick injury from HIV? If a finger is punctured by a needle that has been contaminated with HIV-infected blood, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to 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 of infection. B...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Needle Stick Injuries: What You Need to Know
Can Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?
Exposure to HIV-infected bodily fluids? If the hand has come into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then touches the nose or ears, is there a risk of HIV infection in this scenario?
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 Touching HIV Blood Lead to Infection Through Nose or Ear?