Infectious disease, Internal Medicine FAQ

Understanding the Risk of HIV Infection After Sexual Encounter

What is the likelihood of contracting the HIV virus? Hello Doctor: - I had contact with a sex worker on August 16: unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. - About 3 to 4 days after the incident, I felt a slight tingling sensation on the glans and noticed white or...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan, there are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-in...

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What Does a Positive ANA Test Mean?

Autoimmune diseases Hello, Director Gao. I would like to ask you a question. Previously, I experienced full-body itching and developed hives whenever I returned home. After seeing a doctor, I took antihistamines for over a month, and now I no longer itch, but I still occasionally...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. An ANA titer of 1:80 is considered low, and if there are no symptoms, we usually recommend monitoring. 2. In cases of chronic urticaria, we sometimes test for syphilis, as untreated syphilis infection can lead to prolo...

Impact of Delayed Testing After Insulin Injection: What to Expect

Needle stick injury without testing for more than six months? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask if, after more than six months since the injection, a recent blood test can show negative or positive results without prior testing. The injection was done with an insulin needle, and ...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is essential to identify which patient the needle belongs to and whether they have any bloodborne infectious diseases, such as HBV, HCV, HIV, or syphilis. 2. Since the window period has already passed, testing at this point can determine if there is an infection. 3. ...

Concerns About Wild Dog Encounters: Infection Risks and Precautions

Stray dog issue Hello doctor, today I went up the mountain with my family and while riding a motorcycle, two or three wild dogs suddenly rushed towards us, barking loudly. It was quite frightening, but fortunately, they did not chase us afterward. During the encounter, I don'...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If the skin is intact and without wounds, there should be no risk of infectious diseases. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Teenagers: Causes and Solutions

Elevated body temperature? Hello, my daughter is 14 years old and recently her body temperature has been between 37.5 to 38 degrees Celsius. Previously, her temperature was mostly around 36.6 degrees. She does not have any discomfort, and when her temperature reaches 38 degrees, ...

Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, previously my body temperature was around 36.6°C, but recently it has been between 37.5°C and 38°C. If it's not due to my menstrual cycle and I'm not feeling unwell, it shouldn't be related to the weather. I recommend seeing a pediatric infectious disease sp...

Concerns About Eating Food Contaminated with Cockroaches: What to Do?

Eating food that contains cockroaches? 1. I found a small dead cockroach in my bowl while having breakfast. I'm not sure if it was crushed by the food or scalded by the freshly cooked food. At that moment, I didn't think much of it and continued eating. Halfway through,...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Theoretically, there is a risk of transmission, but in practice, the number of human infection cases domestically is quite low, and the risk of transmission from a single exposure is very low. 2. The roundworm typically resides in locations such as the oral cavity and esopha...

Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations

Blood draw infection issues? Hello, Doctor. I recently visited a medical facility's health check center for a physical examination. During the blood draw, the nurse used an alcohol swab for disinfection and then placed the swab on the table. After completing the blood draw, ...

Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.

Understanding Cellulitis: Managing Pain and Mobility Issues

Unable to walk after contracting cellulitis? Three days ago, I was diagnosed with an infection in my left leg. I have been taking my medication regularly, but I have been experiencing fever almost continuously after taking the medication. Additionally, standing up causes unbearab...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if you are still experiencing a fever three days after starting antibiotics, it usually indicates that the cellulitis has not been adequately controlled. It is advisable to return for a follow-up or consult an infectious disease specialist for evaluation. If the fever has ...

Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next

Needle stick injury and infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I would like to inquire about something. Today, I went to buy a sewing needle for leather shoes (it's a bit thicker than a regular needle, and the tip is sharpened into a triangular shape). The male shop owner, who l...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, needle stick injuries typically occur shortly after blood is drawn, as the needle may still harbor viable viruses that pose a potential risk of transmission. If the injury occurs two hours later, the likelihood of viable viruses remaining is quite low, and the risk of tran...

Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Dental and Barber Settings

HIV transmission routes (dental cleaning, barbering) 1. If you go to the dentist for a teeth cleaning and experience gum bleeding, is there a risk of contracting HIV? 2. If a barber accidentally cuts you with their tools and there is bleeding, and there was someone before you w...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. To determine if the person in front has been diagnosed with HIV, if they have and are irregular with their medication, resulting in a high viral load, there is a risk of transmission. 2. Dental instruments should be properly sterilized and not reused, so the risk of infectio...

Understanding HIV Risks: Common Questions and Concerns Addressed

I'm sorry, but I need more context or content to provide a translation? 1. I understand that the HIV virus dies quickly outside the human body. However, as a cashier, if I touched a customer's wound and then rubbed my eyes, would there still be a risk of HIV infection d...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. The risk can only be described as negligible; if I say it's less than one in ten thousand, you might think that's quite high. 2. Blood on the surface is indeed considered external; the virus dies quickly. 3. There is a risk of transmitting infectious diseases whe...

Concerns About Parasite Infection from Contact with Stray Cat Waste

Parasitic infection Hello, doctor. I accidentally came into contact with the vomit of a stray cat I care for, and then I unintentionally ingested some food that had touched it. Could this lead to an infection with the pork tapeworm? I have seen this stray cat eating raw pork, so ...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
No, pork tapeworms generally do not appear in cat vomit. The likelihood of a cat acquiring parasites from a single ingestion of something from its gastrointestinal tract is also very low. Preventive medication or special monitoring is not recommended.

Can You Contract HIV from Contaminated Eye Care Equipment?

HIV infection If I go to an ophthalmologist and the previous patient had a wound with bleeding that contaminated the instruments, but the instruments have been wiped and show no blood traces, and the doctor does not disinfect them before helping me remove a blister from my eye, i...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Currently, questions regarding HIV/AIDS will be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please direct your questions to an infectious disease physician. Thank you! Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Department of Allergy, ...

Can You Get HIV from Wiping a Wound with Contaminated Wipes?

HIV wet wipes Using a wet tissue or towel that has come into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids to wipe a wound on your neck could potentially pose a risk of HIV transmission. However, the likelihood of transmission in this manner is considered to be very low. HIV i...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Unless it is an emergency situation or in the case of first aid, people generally do not use someone else's blood-stained tissues or towels to clean their own wounds, so the likelihood is low. 2. You can refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for ...

Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs

Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the common symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my regular pa...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, alongside genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the W...

Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights

Can one contract gonorrhea without any apparent reason? 1. Can gonorrhea be contracted without any apparent reason? 2. What is the incubation period for gonorrhea? 3. What are the typical symptoms of gonorrhea in women? 4. If I had unprotected sexual intercourse with my ste...

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is also known as gonococcus. It is a common issue among young populations, along with genital warts (commonly referred to as "cauliflower") and syphilis. According to the ...

Can Male Masturbation Devices Transmit Viruses? Expert Insights

Can male masturbation devices transmit viruses? Hello, doctor. Some time ago, I purchased a masturbation device online. Although the outer packaging was intact, I found that the inner packaging was damaged upon opening. I washed the entire device with soapy water two or three tim...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Your question pertains to infectious diseases; please consult an infectious disease specialist. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department of Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is here to assist you.

Can You Get HIV by Touching Your Eyes After Contact with Infected Blood?

Mucous membrane (eye) If your hand unknowingly came into contact with HIV-infected bodily fluids and then you rubbed your eyes, is there a risk of contracting HIV?

Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. You are at risk of infection only if you work in a hospital with HIV patients or if your partner is HIV-positive. 2. In contrast, other infectious diseases can be transmitted through hand contact, so avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.

Understanding Tetanus Concerns After Minor Injuries: What You Need to Know

Concern about tetanus? I'm sorry, but I cannot provide medical advice. However, I can help translate your questions into English. 1. About three days ago, I fed my dog and didn't notice that there were feces on my hand. I accidentally popped a pimple, which bled a litt...

Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. I recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist regarding this issue. The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.

Injury from Ampoule Breakage: Assessing Infection Risks for Pharmacists

Injury from an ampoule breakage? I am a pharmacist responsible for collecting used controlled substance vials from the wards. Today, I noticed that the bag used for collection was damaged, and an ampoule broke, causing a cut on my finger. I immediately squeezed the wound to expel...

Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
If the medication bottle has not come into contact with anyone else's blood or bodily fluids, theoretically, it should not transmit any infectious diseases (since there is no source of infection). However, bacteria can still be present on the bottle, so caution is still need...

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