Can Swallowing Toilet Water Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Infection concerns? Using a public restroom in a department store, I accidentally dropped something into the toilet water, and the water splashed out, directly hitting my mouth. In a moment of panic, I swallowed it before I could react. Will this cause an infection?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the risk of swallowing a small amount of dirty water is similar to eating contaminated food. The main concern is that a higher number of bacteria could lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea. If the amount is small, it usually does not cause any symptoms. The risk...[Read More] Can Swallowing Toilet Water Lead to Infections? Expert Insights
Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Blood and Alcohol Contact?
Suspected contact with blood that has been exposed to alcohol? Hello, doctor. I'm sorry to ask, but can HIV be transmitted through blood? Today, while disinfecting in the exhibition restroom, I noticed that the alcohol dispenser seemed to have some blood mixed with the alcoh...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 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 o...[Read More] Can HIV Be Transmitted Through Blood and Alcohol Contact?
Understanding Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Low-grade dysplasia refers to a condition where there are abnormal changes in the cells of a tissue, but these changes are not severe enough to be classified as cancer. It is Hello Dr. Cheng: During the Lunar New Year, I suddenly experienced abdominal pain (just above the navel),...
Dr. Zhang Shixin Reply:
Hello Mr. Hsieh: Low-grade dysplasia refers to a stage where cells exhibit abnormal proliferation but have not yet transformed into cancer cells. The causes of abnormal proliferation may be related to environmental factors (such as Helicobacter pylori, high salt or pickled diets,...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Dysplasia: What It Means for Your Health
Do You Need to Fast for Uric Acid Tests? Understanding Urine Odor Changes
Is fasting required for uric acid testing? Hello, Doctor Gao: I have the following questions: 1. For a simple uric acid test without any other tests, is fasting required? 2. Over the past year, I have noticed that my urine has a different smell, resembling onion water, every time...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. Is fasting required for a simple uric acid test without any other tests? --> Fasting is not necessary for measuring uric acid levels in the blood. 2. Over the past year, I have noticed that my urine has a differe...[Read More] Do You Need to Fast for Uric Acid Tests? Understanding Urine Odor Changes
Understanding Eosinophil and Lymphocyte Abnormalities in Blood Tests
Examination Report I have been experiencing hand pain for four months and have seen many specialists without improvement. I had multiple blood tests, and the only abnormalities found were an Eosinophil count of 13.1% and a Lymphocyte count of 13.5%. I am unsure what these two abn...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The value of eosinophils is more meaningful when converted to a total count. A high total eosinophil count is more associated with allergic diseases or parasitic infections. The proportion of lymphocytes can fluctuate based on the body's c...[Read More] Understanding Eosinophil and Lymphocyte Abnormalities in Blood Tests
Can Alcohol Residue from Disinfecting Affect Food Safety?
Disinfectant alcohol Hello doctor, recently I cleaned my refrigerator because there was mold inside. After cleaning, I sprayed alcohol for disinfection (but the refrigerator door was possibly not opened). A day later, I used the refrigerator to chill a can of milk. At that time, ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
The spray dosage is not high, so it should not lead to toxicity. Please monitor for any related symptoms and consider visiting the emergency department if necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Alcohol Residue from Disinfecting Affect Food Safety?
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
Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?
Sneezing after diagnosis? Hello, I would like to consult a doctor. I was diagnosed with COVID-19 for the second time during the New Year. I took cold medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, and I no longer have yellow phlegm or a sore throat. However, after sneezing quite forc...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. After a typical COVID-19 infection, a dry cough and decreased appetite may persist for one to two weeks, gradually improving over time. 2. If the cough and chest pain continue, or if there is hemoptysis, it is advisable to visit a healthcare facility to check for possible se...[Read More] Can Sneezing Too Hard Cause Chest Pain After COVID-19?
Could Parasites Be Causing My Severe Headaches and Cough?
Cerebral issues caused by parasites? Hello Doctor, I consumed several raw shrimp (purchased from a Japanese restaurant, unsure of the species and handling process) three weeks ago. In the past week, I have experienced severe headaches, strong cough (with phlegm, but minimal nasal...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if there is a combination of cough with phlegm, it is advisable to suspect an upper respiratory tract infection (such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19). The likelihood of contracting a parasite from consuming raw shrimp is extremely low, and it is unlikely to experience headach...[Read More] Could Parasites Be Causing My Severe Headaches and Cough?
Can Oral Sex Lead to Syphilis Infection? Understanding the Risks
Can a person who performs oral sex on another be at risk of contracting syphilis? On January 25, 2024, I visited a brothel and had oral sex with a sex worker. She mentioned that she uses an alcohol-based mouthwash before each oral encounter. I am very concerned because I have hea...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you have related symptoms, it is recommended that you see an infectious disease specialist for an examination. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can Oral Sex Lead to Syphilis Infection? Understanding the Risks
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Regarding healthcare? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask three questions. 1. If there is a wound in the mouth (such as on the lips or inside the mouth), can I get infected if I eat something that has HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids? 2. Similarly, if I have a wound in my m...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. If bodily fluids contain live HIV, there is indeed a risk of infection. 2. All diseases transmitted through bodily fluids or droplets have the potential for infection. 3. Viruses typically die within minutes outside the human body, and public restrooms are unlikely to have bod...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Spaces: Key Insights
I forgot to ask for additional information? Hello, doctor! I apologize for my question. If someone with anal fissures or hemorrhoids sits on a public chair and comes into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, could they be at risk of infection? I also forgot to ask, i...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if an open wound comes into contact with body fluids containing the HIV virus, there is indeed a risk of infection. However, the HIV virus dies within minutes once it leaves the human body, so the likelihood of encountering live HIV in a public place is very low. It is adv...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Spaces: Key Insights
Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Public Restroom Use
Probability of HIV Infection Hello, doctor: I just used a public restroom and didn't notice that there was menstrual blood left on the toilet seat from the previous user. I sat down directly on it. If the previous person had HIV, what is the risk of infection in this situati...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 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 infectio...[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection from Public Restroom Use
Risks of HIV Infection from Fingerstick Blood Sampling in Hospitals
Blood draw needle infection Doctor, when conducting HIV testing in a hospital using fingerstick blood sampling, is a new lancet used for each individual? If the lancet is not changed and the previous person tested positive for HIV, would using the same lancet for my blood sample ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Medical institutions dispose of used needles and do not reuse them, so there is no risk of transmitting HIV.[Read More] Risks of HIV Infection from Fingerstick Blood Sampling in Hospitals
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 the Window Period for STI Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
Window period for a ten-in-one STI test? Hello doctor, I had a high-risk sexual encounter on October 9th last year and subsequently contracted Chlamydia, which has made me very worried about the possibility of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I received treatment and...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes. 2. First, maintain personal hygiene and ensure adequate hydration. Next, using condoms during sexual contact with strangers is essential for safe sex.[Read More] Understanding the Window Period for STI Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Masturbation-related infection If a person has contact with the blood or semen of an HIV-infected individual on their hands, does not wash their hands, and then engages in masturbation with broken skin on their genitals, is there a risk of HIV infection?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids poses...[Read More] Can You Contract HIV from Masturbation After Contact with Infected Fluids?
Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?
Will this lead to an HIV infection? I touched the inside of a girl's vagina with my hand that had lubricant on it, and then immediately touched my own glans. I am not circumcised, and I was wearing a condom the entire time. Is there a risk of transmitting HIV in this situati...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main routes of transmission for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected individual or ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Touching with Lubricated Hands?
Understanding Right Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Next Steps
Right inguinal lymphadenopathy? Hello, doctor. For the past month, I have been experiencing a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in my groin and lower right abdomen, accompanied by lower back pain. I can feel small lymph nodes on the inner side of my right thigh. Three weeks ago...
Dr. Huang Yaoxuan Reply:
You can go for an outpatient evaluation and examination.[Read More] Understanding Right Groin Lymphadenopathy: Causes and Next Steps
Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?
Pork parasitic infection issues? Hello Doctor: Yesterday (January 23), while eating a milk hot pot, I consumed thin slices of pork (originating from Denmark, unsure if it was frozen). After the water boiled, I added the pork and noticed it turned white and firm, so I took it out ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless you are consuming fresh pork, generally, parasites cannot survive in meat that has been frozen. Therefore, the likelihood of getting sick from parasites is quite low; it is more probable to experience foodborne illness from bacteria. Given the situation you described, the ...[Read More] Concerns About Pork Parasites: Should You Get Tested After Eating Undercooked Pork?