Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Sexually transmitted disease-related issues? Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. 1. When I used a public restroom, I noticed blood on the toilet paper after wiping myself (I wiped quite hard). Is there a risk of sexually transmitted infections in this situation? 2....
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Answer: 1. Generally, tissue paper in public places should not have blood on it, unless one has accidentally overlooked it or left it behind. 2. Since it is dirty tissue paper, it should not be used to wipe the face or genital areas, as this can help prevent the transmission of i...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Blood Exposure in Public Restrooms
Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
HIV infection I have a cold and a sore throat. I came into contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person. Since I have a sore throat with wounds, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV infection leads to immune dysfunction, the related symptoms are primarily various infections. Therefore, the issue of HIV should be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please consult with an infectious disease physician. ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor! I have some questions regarding my last unsafe sexual encounter in February of this year. I was concerned about potential infections, so I went for a blood test on June 27, and the result was negative! I have heard that the HIV window period doe...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. The diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and prognosis related to HIV are managed by infectious disease specialists. Although the issues caused by HIV are related to immune function, we kindly ask that you direct any questions regarding HIV to an i...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: When to Get Retested After Potential Exposure
Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
Recurrent inflammatory colds? Hello, doctor. In the past month, I have been experiencing recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation. The first instance was a sudden acute fever, which did not show significant signs of subsiding after two days. After visiting my family physician...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Your situation is relatively complex, and it is recommended that you visit the Infectious Disease outpatient clinic for evaluation. Additionally, if you experience any changes in hearing, it is advisable to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist to rule out more obv...[Read More] Understanding Recurrent Infections: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Questions related to HIV transmission? Hello Doctor, I had sexual intercourse with a woman on May 18. Subsequently, on the evening of May 26, I experienced symptoms of fever, nausea, and vomiting. By May 27, only the fever remained, and after taking antipyretics, I no longer ha...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV primarily affects immune function after infection, currently, issues related to HIV, including diagnosis, treatment, and risk, are managed by infectious disease specialists. Therefore, I recommend that you consult an infectious dise...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks and Acute Infection Symptoms
Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Is there a risk of HIV infection? Hello doctor, I previously went to a gay nightclub where a partner possibly ejaculated on my calf. There is a small area on my calf that seems to have a minor wound that is about to scab over. Is this a concern? Additionally, I licked the partner...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is generally little risk associated with saliva coming into contact with the skin, but if semen comes into contact with an open wound, there is theoretically a slight risk of transmission (though it is low). I can only tell you that contact with bodily fluids carries...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Blood infection During a prenatal check-up, blood was drawn, and immediately after the previous pregnant woman had her blood drawn, I was called to sit down. As I sat down, I noticed an alcohol swab on the table that was contaminated with blood from the previous patient. The nurs...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus dies within ten minutes after leaving the human body, and its survival rate is even lower in the presence of alcohol-based disinfectants. 2. The primary viruses that can be transmitted through needles are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV; however, transmission...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection During Routine Blood Draws in Pregnancy
Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance
Eating undercooked pork chop? On the evening of May 20, I ate an air-fried frozen pork chop. Halfway through, I noticed that the meat was tough to chew and had a slightly raw color. The pork chop was a frozen product that I had purchased only two or three days ago. Is there a pos...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
It is highly recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist. Consuming contaminated or undercooked food can lead to infections or food poisoning. Thank you.[Read More] Concerns About Undercooked Pork Chops: Parasite Risks and Medical Guidance
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Sashimi rice bowl delivered on a hot summer day? Hello Doctor, due to my internship, I am currently in Shanghai. On May 17, 2024, during a hot day, I had delivery of chopped sashimi, which included fresh Norwegian salmon, Arctic sweet shrimp, and Arctic surf clams. In the afterno...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, leaving raw food at higher temperatures significantly increases the risk of bacterial growth, which can lead to gastroenteritis. In contrast, the relationship between parasites and temperature is minimal (if food contains parasites, they do not proliferate within the food)...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Eating Raw Fish Delivery
Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Infection issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about an incident that happened while I was at a hotel in Taiwan with my family. I adjusted the showerhead and pressed on the area where the water sprays out. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain, but later I checked my finger an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious bleeding or wound on the finger, there is basically little chance of transmitting any infectious disease. Please don't worry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Cutting hair to the point of bleeding? Hello, on March 24, I got a haircut and accidentally got cut on my neck by the scissors, causing a small piece of skin to come off and some dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the person who used the scissors bef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main modes 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 e...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from a Haircut Accident? Understanding the Risks
Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Blood-stained toilet paper in public restrooms? Hello doctor, after using the restroom in a public toilet, I noticed that the nearby roll of toilet paper had quite a bit of fresh blood on it, which appeared to be bright red and likely not dried yet. When I removed the toilet pape...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, there are three main transmission routes 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] Risk of HIV Transmission from Contaminated Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior
HIV testing issues Hello Doctor, I had a high-risk sexual encounter on October 16, and I used the OraQuick saliva rapid test on April 1 of the following year (about five and a half months later), with a negative result. I would like to know if I can trust this result and if I can...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, questions related to HIV/AIDS fall under the specialty of infectious diseases, so please consult an infectious disease physician. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfar...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Reliability of Oral Swab Results After High-Risk Behavior
Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Infection risk inquiry? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask two questions. I came to Shanghai with my family, and today while eating, I accidentally drank from a cup that seemed to have some mucus or phlegm in it. I didn't swallow it, but it felt very unpleasant. I would like ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Drinking mucus or saliva is generally destroyed by stomach acid, so it does not pose a significant risk of contracting any specific infectious disease. Of course, some viruses can be transmitted through saliva, so there is still a certain risk of infection. However, most virus...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks: Understanding Transmission Routes
Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Medication issues related to suspected Mycoplasma infections? Hello Dr. Liao, I started experiencing symptoms of a sore throat, itching, and coughing on March 19 while in mainland China. Due to potential exposure to a Mycoplasma infection, I sought medical attention after retur...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan: 1. The drug of choice for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is not erythromycin, but rather macrolide antibiotics. Alternative medications include fluoroquinolone antibiotics or tetracycline antibiotics. Gener...[Read More] Managing Mycoplasma Infection: Treatment Duration and Medication Guidance
Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Does ankylosing spondylitis cause swelling from injuries to subside more slowly? Hello Doctor: Last year, I had a minor motorcycle accident and developed a lump on my calf. I applied ice and then heat to the area. A classmate who was riding with me also sustained an injury, but h...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I don't think that would be the case, especially regarding your wisdom teeth. Have they not healed for 7 months or 7 weeks? Seven months is quite a long time, and I would recommend seeing a dentist for an evaluation, or even consulting an ...[Read More] Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries?
Understanding Skin Bumps: Are They a Sign of Infection?
Inquiry about arm issues? Hello Doctor: I noticed three small bumps on my arms while showering in the past couple of days. They are a bit itchy, and I scratched the skin on my right arm, while the left arm looks somewhat like acne. I would like to ask if it is possible to contrac...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
In public restrooms, it is advisable to use your own bathroom facilities to avoid skin diseases or other infectious diseases. If skin symptoms persist for an extended period or worsen, it is recommended to visit a nearby medical facility for evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Skin Bumps: Are They a Sign of Infection?
Concerns About Potential HIV Exposure During Sleep: What You Need to Know
You may experience pinprick sensations while sleeping? A few days ago, I took a short nap (about 10 minutes) in the library, and there was a strange person sitting next to me. I was worried that he might be an HIV-positive patient and could stab me with a needle, and that I might...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
If you have any questions, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic for expert evaluation. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Potential HIV Exposure During Sleep: What You Need to Know
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