Risk of HIV Infection from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Stepped on something prickly on the beach? Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. Previously, I stepped on something sharp at the beach and didn't pay attention to what it was. If I stepped on a needle or sharp object, is there a risk of HIV infection? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you really stepped on a needle and it pierced your skin, you would likely experience noticeable pain and bleeding. Based on your description, it shouldn't be a case of stepping on a needle. As for the risk of contracting HIV from stepping on other debris, the chanc...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from Beach Injuries: What You Need to Know
Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Infection concerns? Hello, Doctor Hong. Yesterday, while I was in the elevator, I noticed a large pool of red liquid flowing from the buttons to the floor. I later heard that someone had vomited blood inside the elevator (I did not see it happen). I was told that the floor was co...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the situation you mentioned, you are concerned about the risk of contracting HIV from contact with blood in an elevator. However, since you did not have mucous membrane exposure or direct contact with fresh blood through an open wound, it currently appears that th...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection Risks After Encountering Blood in Elevator
Concerns About Vibrio Infections After Minor Cuts in Marine Environments
Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Infection Issues At 2:30 PM, I went to Sicao to catch clams and didn't notice a slight cut on my leg. After about an hour, I returned to shore and rinsed the wound with clean water; it was red but did not swell, hurt, or feel warm. When I got home...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There are different pathogenic bacteria species in seawater and freshwater. Wounds that occur in water can indeed become infected and cause inflammation. However, if the immune system is functioning normally, most minor wounds will heal on their own. It is advisable to mon...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infections After Minor Cuts in Marine Environments
Understanding Fever in COVID-19: Symptoms, Duration, and Contagion
Fever due to COVID-19? Hello, doctor. I am a confirmed case and have been on medication for a week. My cough and phlegm have decreased, but I am experiencing tinnitus and, after the medication wears off, I start to have a fever with axillary temperatures ranging from 36.8 to 37.8...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have been diagnosed for over a week and still have a persistent fever, it is indeed uncommon. I would like to know if you are experiencing any other discomfort. If so, I recommend seeking medical attention to confirm whether there is a subsequent bacterial infection...[Read More] Understanding Fever in COVID-19: Symptoms, Duration, and Contagion
Concerns About Infection Risks from Vaccination: What Parents Should Know
Infection issues? Yesterday, I took my baby to get the Moderna vaccine. The situation was quite chaotic at the time, and I didn't pay attention to whether the nurse used a new syringe for the injection. If the nurse forgot to change the syringe, is there a chance that my bab...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently, vaccinations are administered using disposable needles. According to the standard operating procedures (SOP), once the vaccination is completed, the needle must be discarded, and the next individual will receive a brand new needle. Therefore, there should be no ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Vaccination: What Parents Should Know
Understanding Cloudy Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Urinary issues Hello, I would like to ask if it is normal for my morning urine to be cloudy for a period of time. A few days ago, I had a routine check-up (with a morning urine sample), and the results showed yellow, cloudy urine with a pH of 8.5. I went for further urine testing...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, when you mention cloudy urine, are you referring to a darker color or the presence of suspended particles and sediment? If it's a darker color, along with your urine test report, it suggests that you may be dehydrated, leading to concentrated urine. I recommend increa...[Read More] Understanding Cloudy Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice
Assessing Infection Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex: Key Considerations
Is there a risk of infection? Hello doctor, today I had unprotected oral sex with an online acquaintance. I know that the risk of transmitting HIV through unprotected oral sex is very low, but today the situation was a bit special. 1. The other person ejaculated on my face, and I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two scenarios you mentioned do not pose a risk of HIV infection on the face or hands. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex: Key Considerations
Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Nail color consultation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about something I noticed this morning when I looked at my nails, particularly the area near the lunula on my thumb, which appears to have a deeper, slightly purplish color. It's most noticeable when viewed from the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you do not experience shortness of breath while walking, the likelihood of hypoxia is low. As for the color of your nails appearing darker, it should still be within the normal color range. A small number of people may have darker nail coloration due to temperature chan...[Read More] Understanding Nail Color Changes: What Purple Nails Could Indicate
Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Elevated rheumatoid factor in health check-ups? Hello Doctor, I underwent a full body health check in August and unexpectedly found my RF to be 240 (normal <15), while other results were normal. I went to the immunology department for a re-examination. I have no discomfort, an...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
A netizen discovered an RF level of 240 during a comprehensive health check-up. RF is not exclusively associated with rheumatoid arthritis; it is commonly found in carriers of hepatitis B, chronic infections, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. RF does not have predictive valu...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Rheumatoid Factor: Concerns and Implications
Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Issues Related to PEP Administration Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my situation. I have been taking PEP medication for about a week now, within 48 hours of potential exposure. During this period, I have experienced symptoms similar to acute HIV infection, such as swolle...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Symptoms can be difficult to determine. It is recommended to get an HIV test if there are any concerns. 2. To confirm a diagnosis, it is advisable to undergo testing. 3. It is recommended to avoid alcohol as much as possible. If you really want to drink, wait 2-3 da...[Read More] Concerns About PEP Use: Symptoms, Timing, and Alcohol Interaction
Can Cooked Food Contaminated with Fish Blood Transmit Parasites?
Parasitic Infections Inquiry If cooked food comes into contact with a small amount of fish blood, and I am unsure whether the fish is from saltwater or freshwater, is there a possibility of contracting parasites, such as liver flukes?
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, parasitic eggs are usually found in meat. If you only came into contact with blood, the risk is relatively low. Additionally, if the food has already been cooked, the chance of parasitic infection is also low. It is recommended to see a gastroenterologist if you experience...[Read More] Can Cooked Food Contaminated with Fish Blood Transmit Parasites?
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Immune system issues Hello doctor, I started experiencing chills and fever on the night of August 4, 2022. The next day, I visited an ENT specialist who diagnosed me with a common cold. I took medication for three days, and while I felt somewhat better, the fever returned. After ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. In your test results, the presence of IgM antibodies indicates an acute infection, so it is important to consider Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Toxoplasmosis is caused by a parasite known as Toxoplasma, whil...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Issues: Symptoms and Diagnostic Insights
Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Risk of HIV Infection Due to having pimples on the penis, I underwent electrocautery. The procedure lasted about an hour, and during that time, someone assisted me. There was no bleeding at the moment, and I am unsure if the other person made any contact, but I noticed they had n...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main modes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bod...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk After Electrocautery Treatment for Penile Bumps
Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
HIV-related issues 1. Ten days ago, I had unprotected sexual intercourse, and three days after the encounter, I developed a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius. After seeing a doctor and receiving an injection, my fever subsided, but I continued to experience diarrhea for the following...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data, the transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1. **Sexual Transmission**: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms and Testing: What You Need to Know
Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
When a young child tests positive for anti-dsDNA antibodies, it is important to monitor for potential signs and symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or other autoimmune disorders. Key considerations include: 1. **Clinical Evaluation**: Conduct Dear Dr. Gao, A toddler ...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your questions. Here are my responses: 1. I would like to ask, if both the bone marrow aspiration and chromosome tests are normal, but immunoglobulin infusion does not improve platelet counts—initially it was effective but later it failed to raise the platel...[Read More] Understanding Positive Anti-dsDNA in Young Children with ITP: Key Considerations
Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Hello Dr. Hong, I apologize for asking about the following situation regarding the risk of HIV infection. Last Friday, while waiting for the bus, I noticed that the person next to me had what appeared to be two or three bloodstains, about the size of a ten-d...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, currently there are no reported cases of HIV infection due to coins or masks. It is advised not to worry, and there is no need for prophylactic medication at this time. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risk from Indirect Blood Contact: Expert Insights
Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
The wound came into contact with the water from my own toilet? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I was shopping and accidentally scratched my hand on a sharp object (a store decoration). At that moment, I only felt a sting and there was no bleeding. I sprayed a lot of alcohol on it an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your main concern is the risk of infection from the wound. However, the pathogens found in toilet environments are primarily gastrointestinal bacteria, not bloodborne pathogens, so the risk of sexually transmitted infections or bloodborne disease...[Read More] Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Is there a possibility of contracting HIV after a proctoscopy? Hello doctor, on August 25th, I underwent an anoscopy at the hospital due to hemorrhoid issues. The nurse asked me to lie down without checking if the doctor used properly sterilized instruments beforehand. I would li...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is essential to follow the regulations for instrument disinfection when performing a sigmoidoscopy in the hospital. Therefore, in recent years, there have been no case reports in Taiwan related to sigmoidoscopy, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Colonoscopy? Understanding Infection Risks
Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the risk of infection during male-to-male sexual activity involving mutual masturbation. During the process, I experienced minor fresh cuts due to dry foreskin. A small amount of my partner's semen dr...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, there is no clear definition of what constitutes a large area wound. Based on your description, the situation is indeed very complex. It is advisable to first confirm with the individual if there are any recent test results. If there are results and they are negative, ther...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks in Male-to-Male Sexual Activities