Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my father (in his 60s). He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand without ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about my father, who is in his 60s. He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
Stepping on a Syringe: Risk of HIV Infection Explained
Stepped on a syringe? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I step on a syringe outside, is it possible to contract HIV this way? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: To determine the previous use of this syringe and whether it has come into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids, it is important to note that HIV typically dies within a few hours outside the human body. Therefore, the risk of contracting HIV from stepping on a used syr...[Read More] Stepping on a Syringe: Risk of HIV Infection Explained
Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Risk of Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Hello Dr. Lin, Yesterday, I went to my elder's house and was about to take a shower when my elder accidentally spilled a cup of water. In a hurry, I grabbed a cloth to wipe the floor. While wiping, I noticed yellow and black st...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. There is no precise data, but viruses typically do not survive outside the body for more than a few days, so there is definitely no risk of transmission after six months. 2. No, because the virus cannot survive that long after six months. 3. Based on the scenario you describ...[Read More] Understanding Hantavirus and Leptospirosis Infection Risks in Household Settings
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings
Risk of HIV Infection I went to get an injection previously, and the nurse placed an alcohol swab (which was almost dry) and the needle on a metal tray to administer the shot. After the injection, she used that same swab to apply pressure to the injection site. Upon reflection, I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
HIV has three main transmission routes: 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 infection. 2. Blood transmission: (1) Receiving or coming into con...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Medical Settings
Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Is syphilis invisible? Last February, I suddenly woke up with a fever, a type of fever I had never experienced before. A few days later, I discovered a half-spherical mass the size of a ping pong ball on my cervix. Initially, I thought I had cancer. After a month, the ulcerous sm...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. Your description is quite vivid; however, the Treponema pallidum is not that miraculous. It can be cured with a course of penicillin. B. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the modes of transmission are as follows: 1. Close contact during sexual ...[Read More] Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Understanding HIV Testing: Can You Rule Out Infection After Risky Behavior?
HIV testing issues Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse with a female online friend in early April. I went to a medical testing center in mid-April for an HIV antibody test, which came back negative. On May 8, I noticed inflammation of the glans and visited a urolog...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, after the window period, HIV infection can be ruled out. 2. Currently, the accuracy of anonymous screening or blood tests in the country is over 95%. 3. Engaging in unsafe sexual practices may also pose a risk for other sexually transmitted infections; therefore, usin...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Can You Rule Out Infection After Risky Behavior?
Risk of Infection from Toilet Cleaning: What You Need to Know
Regarding infections? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if there is a possibility of infection if my mouth came into contact with a toilet trash picker while cleaning the restroom. Thank you for your assistance.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, let's review the transmission routes of HIV: There are three main modes of transmission for the HIV virus: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in unprotected oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exchanging other bodily fluids carries a ri...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Toilet Cleaning: What You Need to Know
Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about the use of biologics for psoriatic arthritis? Hello, doctor. I have psoriatic arthritis, and one out of three doctors has applied for a biologic agent for me (currently under review). However, one of my blood test results shows HBc IgG...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. A positive HBc-IgG indicates that you have had a past infection and may still have latent hepatitis B virus. You can still use biologics, but it is important to regularly monitor the hepatitis B virus load to check for any reactivation during tr...[Read More] Can I Use Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis with Reactive HBc IgG?
Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Accidental ingestion of untreated water? Hello doctor, I was filling my cup with boiled water at home while there was already a little water in it. At first, I didn't think much of it, but later I became concerned about the possibility that the original water in the cup was ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
In Taiwan, tap water is disinfected with chlorine, so there is generally no issue with parasites. While it is possible to ingest small amounts of bacteria, it usually does not cause any discomfort, so there is no need to worry too much![Read More] Accidentally Drinking Tap Water: Risks and Symptoms to Watch For
Concerns About HIV Risk from Needle Exposure in Clinics
HIV-related anxiety Recently, during a visit to the clinic for an injection, the nurse removed the needle cap and, while preparing to administer the injection, placed the exposed needle on a metal tray to attend to another matter (which seems to be non-standard procedure). Afterw...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus will die within ten minutes when exposed to the environment outside the human body, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection.[Read More] Concerns About HIV Risk from Needle Exposure in Clinics
Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
HIV-related anxiety Recently, during a visit to the clinic for an injection, the nurse removed the needle cap and, while preparing to administer the injection, placed the exposed needle on a metal tray to attend to another matter (which seems to be non-standard procedure). Afterw...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus will die within ten minutes of being exposed to the environment outside the human body, so there is no need to worry about HIV infection.[Read More] Understanding HIV Anxiety: Risks of Needle Exposure in Clinics
Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Concerns about HIV infection? Hello doctor, earlier at school when I went to the restroom, I saw that the toilet had someone else's stool that seemed to be unflushed and had some blood in it. I thought they might have just finished using the toilet and left, so I didn't...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus can survive outside the human body for more than ten minutes, so there is no need to worry about that; instead, attention should be paid to fecal-oral transmission, such as certain intestinal bacteria or viruses. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly b...[Read More] Concerns About HIV Infection from Contaminated Toilet Encounter
Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Questions about viral infections? If a medication or food is contaminated with syphilis-infected blood and is consumed after one month, is there a risk of infection? This concern arises mainly because the pharmacy staff may have handled medication after coming into contact with s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The transmission routes of syphilis are through blood and sexual contact, so it is not transmitted otherwise.[Read More] Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Am I infected with HIV? Hello doctor, I have a question: On October 28, 2023, I went for a massage and had unprotected sexual intercourse with the attendant, although it was only for 5 thrusts. After that, I used a condom. However, I had a fever for one day from November 26 to 27...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper blood transfusions, among others. 2. As for the symptoms of acute HIV syndrome, they can vary widely; if you have engaged in any of the aforementioned high-risk behaviors, pl...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms and Testing
Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if I was at high risk and then contracted Hepatitis C but did not take any medication, and after a 3-month window period my HIV test result was negative, is this result still accurate? This is a hypothetical question, as I h...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The window periods for HIV and Hepatitis C are 3-12 weeks and 4-10 weeks, respectively. 2. Regarding the frequency of HIV screening for the public, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following: Individuals who are sexually active should undergo at least one H...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing Accuracy After Hepatitis C Exposure
Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have a syphilis infection with an initial RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectivity, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if someone h...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA indicates whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if a perso...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
The risk of HIV infection for a nurse administering an IV drip without wearing gloves? Hello, doctor. Recently at the clinic, after the nurse inserted the IV, some blood spilled out and got on the nurse's finger. The nurse was not wearing gloves, and I'm not sure if the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The transmission routes of HIV include sexual intercourse, sharing needles for drug use, and improper handling of wounds. 2. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes outside the human body. After coming into contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person (who has not rece...[Read More] Risk of HIV Infection from IV Nurse's Glove-Free Blood Exposure
Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections always have a high RPR? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what should ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals tend to have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, i...[Read More] Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect