Infectious disease, Internal Medicine FAQ

Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Effective Solutions

There are many health conditions? Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing many health issues, but I have encountered obstacles in seeking medical help and have not been able to find the cause of my problems or receive effective assistance. Therefore, I would like to seek your opi...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment with the Infectious Disease Department for further examination to determine if there are any physiological issues. Additionally, please measure your body temperature daily to check for fever after experiencing chills and shi...

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.

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.

Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Symptoms, Concerns, and Next Steps

Persistent low-grade fever Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing recurrent low-grade fevers since last Friday afternoon, and it has now been a week with no improvement. I visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed Tamiflu, but it has not been effective. My symptoms include per...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
It is recommended that you go to the infectious disease department for further blood tests. Thank you for your inquiry.

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.

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.

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...

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 ...

Chronic Lower Back Pain Without Diagnosis: What Are Your Options?

If you have been experiencing lower back pain for more than three months without a clear diagnosis, what should you do? Hello, Doctor Wu! I am here to inquire about a family member who is a 47-year-old male, working as a night shift operator for 25 years (his job does not require...

Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
It is recommended to see a large hospital's Immunology and Rheumatology department or Orthopedics. Wishing you well.

Needle Stick Injury: When to Seek Medical Attention and Which Specialist to Consult

Needle puncture issues Hello, Doctor. I accidentally pricked my finger with a needle while disposing of it in a sharps container. Later, I felt a slight tingling sensation, but there were no visible signs of injury or significant bleeding. I'm concerned that it might be a ps...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Consultation and examination can be scheduled with Infectious Disease, Family Medicine, or Emergency Medicine. 2. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at 0, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Understanding Blood Donation and HIV Testing: What You Need to Know

Blood Donation and HIV Issues Hello, my girlfriend has had unprotected sexual intercourse in the past but did not get tested. Later, she donated blood and received a report stating that her blood was suitable for use (multiplex NAT negative). However, I saw that the blood donatio...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although AIDS can cause immune dysfunction, AIDS-related diseases are classified as infectious diseases. Therefore, questions related to AIDS should be directed to the Infectious Disease Department. Please consult with them. Thank you! The Aller...

Persistent Positive COVID-19 Test: What You Need to Know

Persistent positivity after COVID-19 diagnosis? Hello Doctor: I tested positive on November 9 and started taking molnupiravir, completing a five-day course. After that, the second line on the test strip became faint, but the next day it started to darken again. As of today, Novem...

Dr. Cai Mingsong Reply:
Patients with complications from COVID-19 require isolation. It is recommended to wear a mask and monitor for any worsening symptoms. You may discuss with your original physician, and if you experience any discomfort or have questions, please consult the infectious disease outpat...

Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns

Congenital Syphilis in Newborns Hello doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after she was born. The results showed an RPR of 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there b...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases, and I recommend that you consult with an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about ...

Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn

Congenital syphilis in newborns? Hello Doctor, I had a syphilis infection during my pregnancy, so I brought my baby in for a blood test after birth. The results showed RPR 1:4, and the hospital wants us to be admitted. Can my baby recover after treatment? Will there be any effect...

Risk of Infection from Plastic Fork Injury: What You Need to Know

Possibility of infection Hello Dr. Lin, today while traveling by air, I accidentally pricked myself with a plastic fork when I opened it. Although there was no bleeding, it looks a little white, and I'm not sure if the skin is broken. Even though the fork appears to be dispo...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Unless there is reasonable suspicion that the fork has come into contact with another person's blood or bodily fluids, there is minimal risk of infectious disease. It is advisable not to worry too much.

Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Touching Scabs and Skin Contact

HIV infection I would like to ask the doctor, if I touched a person infected with HIV on a bruised area (about 4-5 days old) where the skin had peeled and scabbed, and then immediately touched my face (which has a few pimples) and rubbed my eyes, is there a risk of contracting HI...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The likelihood of this happening is very low. Currently, HIV/AIDS is classified as an infectious disease. Although clinical symptoms are related to immune function, it is advisable to consult an infectious disease specialist for related concern...

Risks of Eating Undercooked Pork: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Prevention

Consumption of undercooked pork? Hello: During dinner, I pan-fried some frozen pork collar, and since the meat was cut a bit thick and possibly not fully thawed, I cooked it for about 10 minutes before eating. After consuming some, I noticed the meat was pink, indicating it might...

Dr. Qiu Junwei Reply:
1. If there have been no symptoms of diarrhea in the past few days, can we rule out concerns, or is there still a possibility of parasitic infection even without diarrhea? 2. How long should one observe symptoms to determine if an infection has occurred? Generally, if there are...

Understanding Recurrent Abscesses: Causes, Treatment, and Management

Recurrent abscess formation? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I visited the infectious disease department on October 2nd due to an abscess and was prescribed antibiotics. Since then, the abscess has ruptured twice, but the area surrounding the abscess remai...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is likely pus that has not yet drained. 2. We need to assess the symptoms and the medication you are using to determine the next steps; I recommend coming in for an outpatient visit. 3. We need to see if the bacteria are resistant to the antibiotic or if surgical draina...

Understanding Risks of Bloodborne Diseases: Key Concerns and Clarifications

Regarding issue #201311? Regarding your inquiry about the risks of HIV and other bloodborne diseases: 1. There is a potential risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases if a wound or blood comes into direct contact with mucous membranes or broken skin. However, if the area around...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. If there is no contact with the skin where the fingers touched, theoretically, there is no risk of transmission (referring to the absence of blood, not just the lack of visible blood). 2. The risk is extremely low because the virus must travel from the bloodstain to the ointm...

Concerns About Bloodborne Diseases During Pediatric Urology Visits

Concerns and anxiety about medical consultations, worrying about blood and infectious diseases? Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I took my child to a pediatric clinic for a urology consultation. During the consultation, I noticed that the physician had a noticeable laceration at the base...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Direct contact of wounds or blood with mucous membranes or broken skin may pose a risk of transmitting bloodborne diseases. However, if there is blood at the base of the fingernail and the finger touches intact skin, theoretically, there is a risk of transmission. 2. The surf...

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