Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Lymphadenopathy Infection Issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions: About six months ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on both sides of my groin. Almost every node in that area has enlarged, with a few becoming elongated, measuring approximately 1 to 2...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, multiple enlarged lymph nodes usually indicate that there is some condition in the body, ranging from systemic infections, rheumatologic and autoimmune diseases, to hematologic malignancies. Therefore, it is recommended to visit an infectious disease clinic as soon as poss...[Read More] Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Causes and When to Seek Help
Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Wiping with a towel contaminated with HIV? Using a towel that has been contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids to wipe the male genitalia can pose a risk of HIV transmission, although the likelihood is generally considered low. HIV is primarily transmitted through direct con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The HIV virus does not survive well outside the human body (with a survival time of less than ten minutes), so the risk of infection is very low. However, there is still a possibility of other infectious diseases, so sharing towels is not recommended.[Read More] Can Wiping with a Towel Contaminated by HIV Blood Transmit the Virus?
Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Is there a chance of contracting HIV? Hello doctor, I recently went to the hospital for a check-up in the hepatobiliary and gastroenterology department due to weight loss and pain in the upper right abdomen. After a blood test, my Neutrophil count was 75.4 and Lymphocyte count wa...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
We recommend that you consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding the Risk of HIV: Should You Get Tested After Years?
Understanding STD Risks and Prevention After Potential Exposure
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), risks? Hello Dr. Liao, on June 11th, I had sexual intercourse with a sex worker. Initially, there was unprotected manual stimulation, followed by protected intercourse (but due to insufficient rigidity, the condom slipped halfway down, expo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The HIV virus is transmitted only through sexual intercourse and sharing needles. 2. You can get tested at any time, but the general result is usually negative; regular testing and safe sexual practices are the most reliable. 3. For general sexually transmitted infections,...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks and Prevention After Potential Exposure
Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Hello, doctor. 1. After engaging in high-risk behavior, I went to the hospital for an HIV PCR test and a syphilis test 10 days later, and both results were negative. I only engaged in [unprotected oral sex from a male to a female]. I...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. It is recommended to monitor for at least 3 months to definitively rule out infection. Each individual's constitution varies, so there is no exact timeframe; however, in rare cases, the window period for the virus can extend up to 3 months. 2. Typically, infectiousness is...[Read More] Understanding STD Testing and Risks After Unprotected Oral Sex
Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
HIV testing issues? On June 5th, I had blood tests done at the provincial hospital, and the health record showed the following urine general examination and syphilis test items: - Treponema pallidum antibody test - Bacterial culture identification test (including general bacteri...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
For HIV-related inquiries, please contact the Infectious Diseases Department. If this is regarding health check-up items, please call the Health Management Center or the Laboratory Department.[Read More] Understanding HIV Test Results: What to Expect and When to Be Notified
Understanding Symptoms: Sweating and Chest Pain After Diagnosis
Medical consultation Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question. I am currently on the fourth day of my diagnosis, and I have been sweating continuously while lying in bed. I also have chest pain and cannot sleep well; when I do manage to fall asleep, it’s only for about two ho...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It still sounds like symptoms related to COVID-19. It is recommended to follow up with an infectious disease specialist or a pulmonologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Sweating and Chest Pain After Diagnosis
Understanding Chills and Shaking: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Chills and shivering? Recently, I suddenly felt chills and shivering, which lasted for about an hour, followed by mild nausea and a small amount of vomiting. After that, I suddenly felt fine. Since this has never happened to me before, I would like to ask what the possible diagno...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Feeling cold and shivering can sometimes be a precursor to a fever, but there are other potential causes as well. If a fever is present, you may want to consult an infectious disease specialist for differential diagnosis. If there is no fever, it would be advisable to see a famil...[Read More] Understanding Chills and Shaking: Possible Causes and When to Seek Help
Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain
Elevated CRP levels with no identifiable cause? Hello, doctor. Since the end of March, I have been experiencing generalized stiffness and pain. I have seen specialists in family medicine, rehabilitation, orthopedics, rheumatology and immunology, infectious diseases, pain manageme...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The unit for CRP can be either mg/dL or mg/L in our country, so the significance of the number 9 will differ accordingly. Additionally, I recommend that you continue to follow up with the rheumatology department, as your physician will monitor ...[Read More] Unexplained High CRP Levels: Seeking Answers for Persistent Pain
Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
For issues related to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you should consult a urologist or an infectious disease specialist? Hello, Doctor! I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you some questions regarding gonorrhea and chlamydia. ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Both types can have asymptomatic infections, and even if there are no symptoms, there is still a possibility of being infectious. 2. Asymptomatic infections are rare in males, but more common in females. If there are no symptoms, unless your intimate partner has been diagnosed...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea and Chlamydia: When to See a Urologist or Infectious Disease Specialist
Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need Medical Attention?
Eating undercooked pork in barbecue? When eating barbecue, I thought it was beef and consumed it medium-rare, only to later discover it was pork! Doctor, I have two questions: 1. Is it necessary to see an infectious disease specialist for this situation? 2. Is the prevalence of t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, a member of the indigenous community in Hualien County, Peng Zhao-xi, frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh. After exam...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need Medical Attention?
Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need to See an Infectious Disease Specialist?
Eating undercooked pork in barbecue? When eating barbecue, I thought it was beef and consumed it medium-rare, only to later find out it was pork! Doctor, I have two questions: 1. Is it necessary to see an infectious disease specialist for this situation? 2. Is the prevalence of t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan, a member of the indigenous community in Hualien County, Peng Zhaoxi, frequently consumed raw wild boar meat. Over a month ago, he developed a hard lump on the inner side of his left thigh. After exami...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Undercooked Pork: Do You Need to See an Infectious Disease Specialist?
Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Cellulitis I was admitted to the emergency room on February 28 due to swelling in my left hand. I was diagnosed with cellulitis despite having no external injuries. After 11 days of antibiotic treatment, the swelling finally decreased, and my CRP levels returned to normal. Howeve...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Severe cellulitis may lead to localized tissue thickening or persistent swelling for some time after infection control, and it may take longer to gradually recover. Another possibility is that if the infection has invaded deeper tissues such as joints or bones, the recovery time ...[Read More] Understanding Cellulitis: Long-Term Recovery and Ongoing Symptoms
Concerns About Parasite Infection After Using Contaminated Water
Parasitic issues? Dear Doctor, I stayed overnight in a rural area where the washing facilities only had a faucet without a showerhead and no hot water supply. It had not been used for about six months, and when I turned it on, I noticed some filamentous floating substances resemb...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Parasitic infections are primarily transmitted through contact routes, such as oral ingestion (via drinking water or food) or external parasites (like scabies). Therefore, when traveling to the outdoors or Southeast Asia, remember to wear long sleeves and avoid consuming untre...[Read More] Concerns About Parasite Infection After Using Contaminated Water
Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
The relationship between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and leukocytes? Hello Doctor, I experienced fever along with swollen and painful bilateral inguinal lymph nodes at the beginning of February. I went for a urology examination, and the blood test was done ap...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. It is recommended to include the reference ranges for the test results to facilitate interpretation, as different hospitals may use different laboratory equipment, which can lead to variations in normal values. Additionally, although the total w...[Read More] Understanding the Link Between EB Virus, CMV, and White Blood Cell Counts
Can Birds Transmit Infections to Humans? Understanding the Risks
Is there a possibility of infection? Hello doctor, if birds come close to us or land on us, can the bacteria on them cause infections? If so, will touching other objects afterward also transfer the bacteria onto those surfaces? Thank you.
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
Hello: This issue is not within the specialty of Metabolism, so I recommend consulting an Infectious Disease specialist. Thank you.[Read More] Can Birds Transmit Infections to Humans? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Elbow issues? Hello, I would like to ask the doctor about a condition I've been experiencing. I previously visited a dermatologist and an internist because occasionally I have sudden itching on my elbow. I'm not sure if I've scratched the skin, but it appears to ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it does appear to be chronic eczema, which is often caused by frequent rubbing or scratching. The darkening is due to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. As long as you avoid continuous rubbing or scratching, the color will gradually return to normal. Regarding the rash a...[Read More] Understanding Eczema: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns About Skin Changes
Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Lower back pain? Lower back pain, numbness in hands, slight pinkish blood when wiping after urination, sometimes present and sometimes absent, generalized abdominal pain without a specific location, occasional decreased urine output which may be due to hot weather and sweating, d...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, urinary tract infection should be ruled out first, as it can cause hematuria and abdominal pain. If there is also kidney inflammation, it may lead to lower back pain. It is recommended to consult an infectious disease specialist or a urologist for a urine test and further ...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Inquiry about HIV issues? Hello, Dr. Hong. My friend is a male HIV patient, but I am very close to him and do not mind his condition. However, just yesterday, he masturbated at my house and ejaculated onto a tissue, which he then threw into the bathroom trash can. After he left, ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does indeed carry a certain risk of infection. It is recommended that you visit the infectious disease outpatient clinic for screening and consultation regarding whether any further treatment is necessary. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Your Questions Answered
Understanding Umbilical Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps
Umbilical inflammation Hello, my belly button has been inflamed since early January this year. I have taken antibiotics for two months but have not recovered; I still have pus daily, although the amount is gradually decreasing. The dermatologist mentioned that there is a cyst ins...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed very unlikely for the cyst to become malignant. If the symptoms persist, you may consider consulting an infectious disease specialist or a general surgeon for further evaluation. A CT scan or surgery may be necessary. Thank you for y...[Read More] Understanding Umbilical Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, and Next Steps