Infection, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 20

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Concerns About Bacterial Contamination During Vaginal Ultrasound

Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus? I went for a transvaginal ultrasound, and the nurse first placed a paper drape in the buttock area. Later, she flipped the pillow over, which raised concerns about bacteria and viruses from the bed and pillow getting onto the drape. I was wo...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hospitals have specific disinfection protocols for their instruments. The situation you mentioned should not lead to a vaginal infection. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Concerns About Bacterial Contamination During Vaginal Ultrasound


Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks

May I ask the doctor? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a few questions: 1. Is there a concern about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections from the doorknobs of public restrooms or private bathrooms? 2. Can hot shower water or frequent wiping of the anal area cause...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The chance of infectious disease transmission is very low. 2. If you rub too vigorously, it can indeed cause skin inflammation. 3. Most pathogens can be eliminated. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Common Health Concerns: Hygiene, Skin Irritation, and Infection Risks


Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?

Infectious disease inquiries? Hello Doctor, today after lunch with my department, my supervisor invited us to go karaoke, which was a place similar to the one in "Light the Night." I touched the microphone while singing and drinking. I have some acne on my face, and alt...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to an infection of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV, so there is no need to worry. Thank you.

[Read More] Can You Catch STDs or HIV from Microphones and Acne?


Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?

May I ask the doctor? Hello doctor, may I ask if there is a concern about the transmission of infectious diseases when encountering birds flying by or taking off nearby while walking or riding a bike? Additionally, can bacteria or viruses carried by birds be transmitted through t...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the pathogens in these birds are primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets. As you mentioned, simply flying by does not cause infection unless there is prolonged close contact, such as feeding them. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Concerns About Bird-Borne Diseases: Do You Need to Worry?


Can You Get HIV from a Sharp Object Injury? Prevention Options Explained

HIV infection While cleaning up in the sink, I suspect I was cut on my finger by a sharp object like a toothpick from a customer, causing bleeding (the object should not have had any blood on it). The customer was here about 10 minutes ago. Is there a risk of HIV infection from t...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the likelihood of infection in the situation you mentioned is very low. Unless it is confirmed that the other person has HIV, there should be no need for prophylactic medication. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Sharp Object Injury? Prevention Options Explained


Understanding HIV Testing: Can False Negatives Occur?

Is there a possibility of false negatives in HIV testing? 1. I had protected sexual intercourse on October 5th at 11 PM, and I took an antibody and antigen rapid test on January 4th, which came back negative. Can I rule out the possibility of a positive result? 2. Many hospital...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After a three-month window period, infection can generally be ruled out; however, this is contingent upon no unsafe sexual practices or sharing of needles during this time. 2. Generally, the timeframe is three to six months; one month refers to the earliest time at which a p...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can False Negatives Occur?


Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Persistent Back Pain

Urinary tract infection and subsequent lower back pain follow-up? Hello, I have already gone to a large hospital for examination due to concerns about bacteremia. After blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, and kidney ultrasounds, the doctor said there were no significant issues. Howe...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if these tests have been done, it will take some time to improve. It is recommended to drink plenty of water and get more rest. However, if you suddenly experience a fever or increased pain later on, you will need to return to a major hospital for a detailed examination. T...

[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Persistent Back Pain


Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain

Urinary tract infection and subsequent lower back pain? Due to a urinary tract infection, I have been undergoing medication treatment for 12 days. The first 10 days included three medications: Paran (Panadol), Ikodin, and Urogen. However, since the treatment effects were limited,...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to say that lower back pain is definitely due to a kidney infection, as muscle strains can also cause back pain. This aspect requires a physician's direct assessment for a more accurate diagnosis. If a urinary tract infection is accompanied by bact...

[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infections and Associated Back Pain


Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients

Syphilis/HIV Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. What is the typical diameter of syphilis rashes? Are they round or irregularly shaped? Are they independent lesions or do they form a confluent area? Do they appear flat or raised? Are the colors light red or dark red? 2. If one...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Syphilis rashes are usually not itchy or painful, initially appearing as light red spots that can progress to red or dark red, and are typically round in shape. 2. When there are only one or two spots, it can be difficult to distinguish whether they are caused by syp...

[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients


Understanding Parasite Risks: Can Outdoor Activities Lead to Infection?

Fear of parasitic diseases? I recently came across many news articles about parasites online, and as a high school freshman, I have a lot of questions and fears regarding them. My current concern is whether there is a chance of encountering parasites on sports fields or grassy ar...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the insects you mentioned in these environments are not considered parasites. Parasites refer to organisms that can infect humans. The smaller parasitic worms are most commonly found in undercooked meats and seafood. As long as food is cooked thoroughly, there is usually n...

[Read More] Understanding Parasite Risks: Can Outdoor Activities Lead to Infection?


Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks

Questions related to the possibility of syphilis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If there was a small amount of contaminated blood in the bucket and after about an hour, you filled it with water without rinsing it out, then spilled it on your foot where you later disco...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a syringe for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the syringe at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minute...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used, so it is crucial never to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash typically occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis, which happens approximately six weeks to six m...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Therefore, it is crucial not to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash is associated with secondary syphilis, which typically occurs approximately six weeks to six mont...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Sharing needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I’ve seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes to s...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Sharing needles Hello Doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used; even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Understanding Brain Fog: Concerns and Solutions for Patients

Brain fog issue? Hello Doctor: I originally had poor memory and difficulty concentrating due to a mental illness, similar to brain fog, which made me hesitant to dine in restaurants for fear of exacerbating my condition. This has been somewhat distressing. I am concerned about th...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended to get vaccinated, as this can lead to milder symptoms in case of infection and a lower risk of complications. Regarding brain fog, it mostly occurs in older adults, so the likelihood at your age is low. Even if it does happen, recovery is gradual and doe...

[Read More] Understanding Brain Fog: Concerns and Solutions for Patients


Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips

Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea shaves in the bathroom and there is a trace of blood contamination on the showerhead, can another person become infected if they use ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described, where a small amount of blood sprays outside, is unlikely to pose an infection risk after a short period of time. It should not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you mentioned. As for the showerhead, it is advisabl...

[Read More] Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips


Understanding Lip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice

Lip issues Hello, I would like to ask about suddenly feeling a slight pain in my lips at night. When I looked, they seemed a bit red. Is this normal? I asked my sister, and she said it might be because I accidentally bit them, and that applying oral ointment would be fine. Howeve...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the most common cause of red and painful lips is indeed accidentally biting them. Aside from that, the most frequent issue is viral infections, such as herpes virus infections. Most cases will resolve on their own, so there is no need to worry. As for the very few cases th...

[Read More] Understanding Lip Pain: When to Seek Medical Advice


Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know

Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. Today, when I met with an international client, I shook hands with him and later noticed that he had black lines on his fingernails. I looked it up online, and it mentioned something about HIV. I would like to ask you, I had a small cut on...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the presence of black lines on the nails cannot be used to diagnose or confirm an HIV infection. Additionally, HIV is not transmitted through handshakes. Therefore, based on the situation you described, there should be no risk of HIV infection. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Handshakes: What You Need to Know


Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads

Wound management questions? There is a small area on my lower leg just below the knee that was originally a grayish color, approximately 2 cm in size, likely caused by long-term friction from wearing pants. One day, I felt a foreign body sensation, and when I squeezed it, a black...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems to be a larger folliculitis, commonly referred to as "dingzi" in Taiwanese. This type of folliculitis does indeed heal very slowly. However, if there is a bacterial infection involved, it may require some debridement and the us...

[Read More] Managing Persistent Wound Issues: Insights on Bruises and Blackheads


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