Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Food does not transmit HIV? Hello, I apologize for the inconvenience. Recently, after sharing a takeout meal with my child, I noticed that part of the food had a strong semen-like odor. If it was indeed semen, I have a sore in my esophagus due to not swallowing my acne medication...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to the relevant information from the Centers for Disease Control, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: A. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a ris...[Read More] Can Eating Contaminated Food Lead to HIV Infection?
Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Infection issues I would like to ask the doctor, if I accidentally shared a razor with my dad who does not have hepatitis C or any other known infections, is there a risk of infection? Or is it possible to contract other viruses?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The bloodborne infectious diseases that we typically test for include HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Other viruses or bacteria can also be transmitted through blood, but the likelihood or severity of those infections is generally considered negligible. The ri...[Read More] Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing the Right Panel for Your Needs
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I recently paid out of pocket for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, which had two test panels. The first panel includes: Gonorrhea DNA test, Chlamydia DNA test, Syphilis tests (RPR, TPPA), Urethritis screening (Trichomonas, Candi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main difference between Kit 1 and Kit 2 lies in the HIV testing, particularly regarding the window period. However, since your last sexual encounter was 16 months ago, you have already surpassed the HIV window period. Therefore, given your situation, Kit 2 is indeed su...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing the Right Panel for Your Needs
Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Transmission of Syphilis and HIV 1. If I have eczema on my hands and come into contact with a significant amount of sweat from a person with HIV or syphilis, or if I handle money that has been contaminated with bodily fluids after using the restroom, what is the likelihood of con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin. The modes of transmission include: 1. Sexual transmission: En...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Normal Variations in Genital Appearance: A Medical Perspective
What are the issues related to the reproductive organs? Hello doctor, I visited a urologist at the end of 2019 because I noticed a yellowish-white spot on the surface of my glans. Sometimes, when I shower, it appears less noticeable, and I feel like it varies between being obviou...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it appears to be some glands on the glans rather than an infectious disease. If there have been no significant changes over the past two years, it is advisable to simply monitor the situation unless there are any notable changes that would require a fol...[Read More] Understanding Normal Variations in Genital Appearance: A Medical Perspective
Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Is abdominal pain a sign of a sexually transmitted infection? I had an encounter with a female online friend in March of this year. We did not have sexual intercourse; I engaged in digital penetration for about 30 seconds, touched my own genitals, and she performed oral sex on me...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Indeed, some infectious diseases can be transmitted through sexual contact or oral contact (mainly the ones you mentioned), but they would not typically present with abdominal pain lasting six months. Abdominal pain has many differential diagnoses and is likely unrelated t...[Read More] Can Abdominal Pain Be Linked to STIs? Understanding the Risks
Potential Risks of Unknown Liquid Exposure: What You Need to Know
Contact with unknown liquid? During my visit to a local hospital in Southeast Asia, I was wearing a face mask and face shield due to the pandemic, so I didn't notice if I came into contact with anything. After returning home, I discovered brownish-yellow stains on my hands (...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, since it is difficult to determine what items you have come into contact with, it is challenging to assess the potential infectious diseases. However, generally speaking, if you do not have any obvious wounds or needle punctures, it is unlikely that you have been exposed t...[Read More] Potential Risks of Unknown Liquid Exposure: What You Need to Know
Understanding Prolonged Pain After BNT Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Discomfort after receiving the BNT vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, I received my first dose of the BNT vaccine on June 20 at 15:58, and I began experiencing pain under my left clavicle at 16:08. Twelve hours after the first dose, I developed a fever and redness and swelling at the injec...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, muscle and joint pain after vaccination is quite common. However, if you have been experiencing pain for two months and it is getting worse, it may be necessary to consider that it might not be solely caused by the vaccine and that other underlying conditions could be invo...[Read More] Understanding Prolonged Pain After BNT Vaccination: A Patient's Journey
Concerns About Biktarvy Interactions with Other Medications
Questions regarding Biktarvy interactions? Hello, doctor. A few days ago, I had a potential exposure to risky behavior, and the next day I immediately consulted an infectious disease specialist and received HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with the medication Biktarvy. The inf...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, theoretically, a one-hour interval should minimize any significant drug interactions and should not adversely affect the efficacy of the medication. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Concerns About Biktarvy Interactions with Other Medications
Which Specialist Should I See for Oral and Vaginal Symptoms?
Please specify the department? Hello Doctor, I have been feeling some discomfort in the left side of my mouth since last night, and it has become more painful this morning. I initially thought it was due to my wisdom tooth irritating the tissue (I have experienced this a few time...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Issues in different areas typically require consultation with different specialties! It is recommended to first see a dentist for dental concerns. If the dentist assesses that there is a concurrent facial cellulitis, then a referral to an infectious disease specialist may ...[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Oral and Vaginal Symptoms?
Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Low-grade fever, chills, weakness, headache? Hello, I have been experiencing a low-grade fever for three to four days (body temperature around 37.3-37.5°C). I also have a headache, fatigue, and slight chills. I took a home rapid test for COVID-19 yesterday, which came back negati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, other viral infections, urinary tract infections, irregular lifestyle, high stress, and menstrual periods can all contribute to the symptoms mentioned above. It is recommended to maintain a regular schedule, exercise, and have a balanced diet, as well as to drink plenty of...[Read More] Understanding Low-Grade Fever, Chills, Fatigue, and Headache Symptoms
Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Does it matter if the test results are obtained more than 24 hours after the needle puncture? During surgery, I was accidentally punctured by a brand new needle, which immediately drew blood. However, my gloves had already come into contact with the patient's blood. Blood wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There is no immunoglobulin available to prevent HIV, but there are oral post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medications. It is recommended to first inquire verbally or check cloud-based records to see if the patient has any bloodborne infectious diseases. If it is confirmed or...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Blood Test Results on HIV Exposure Risk After Needlestick
Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
HIV infection Hello, doctor. I have two questions to ask you. I work in the field of microblading, and one day I was accidentally pricked by a microblading needle. I forgot whether there was any bleeding at the time, and later I found out that the client is an AIDS patient, not j...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If the client is an HIV-positive patient and the needle used for the tattooing (which is similar to microblading) accidentally pricks them, there is a certain risk of transmission (approximately 1%). However, if the client is adhering to their medication regimen, the risk ...[Read More] Understanding HIV/AIDS Infection Risks in Tattooing: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
After injuring the toenail, a series of symptoms began, primarily persistent low-grade fever and dizziness? Hello, Doctor. At the beginning of last month, while on a business trip and staying at a hotel, I accidentally injured my right big toe by pinching it in the door. There wa...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Generally, a nail injury is unlikely to cause a systemic infection (unless the local wound condition is very poor). Your initial symptoms resemble those of a systemic inflammatory response or infection, but typical infections do not usually last for a month. It would be ad...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Toenail Injury: Fever, Dizziness, and More
Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Stabbed by a soft needle? Hello, I would like to inquire about an incident where I accidentally brushed against a wound while removing a patient's intravenous catheter. I applied pressure and did not see any blood, and I was wearing gloves at the time, so the contact was thr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is a hole in the gloves, it indicates that the soft needle has directly punctured the skin, which poses a potential risk of infection even if there is no visible bleeding! Additionally, it is important to verify whether the patient has been tested for HIV, Hepatit...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained low-grade fever Hello doctor, I have been experiencing intermittent elevated body temperature above 37.3°C since the end of May, but it does not exceed 37.8°C (most often occurring in the evening). Although my temperature is not very high, when it rises to this range,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of low-grade fever, including underlying infections, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and endocrine issues. It is recommended that you visit an infectious disease clinic and bring your recent test reports to arrange for further relevant examinations (ther...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Can You Get Infections from Unknown Drops on Your Face?
Infection issues If something unknown dripped onto my face while walking, possibly water, I'm not sure. Is there a possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection or other infectious diseases? If it gets into my eyes, mouth, or nostrils, is it easy to get infecte...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, getting water droplets on your face or nostrils from the outside will not cause an infection. As for the eyes, the reflex to close them helps prevent infection of the cornea or conjunctiva. If you do not experience any discomfort afterward, there is no need to worry. Thank...[Read More] Can You Get Infections from Unknown Drops on Your Face?
Understanding Pain and Discharge: Is It an Infection?
Could it be an infection? Hello doctor, I often experience some pain in my genital area when I go to the bathroom, and the intensity of the pain varies each time. I also frequently notice that my glans secretes a whitish-yellow fluid. What could be the issue? Would antibiotics be...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! It's difficult to determine if there is an issue based solely on these descriptions. If there has been any recent unprotected sexual intercourse, it is indeed possible that this could be a manifestation of gonorrhea. I recommend visiting a urologist or an infectious d...[Read More] Understanding Pain and Discharge: Is It an Infection?
Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Numbness in the cheeks, unexplained fever, and heart rate issues? Around 1 AM on June 2, my family member received a notification from the "Taiwan Social Distancing" app indicating possible contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case. They went to work in the morning, but in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! It is common to experience palpitations and other discomforting symptoms during a fever. A single negative test result does not definitively confirm that you are negative for the virus. If you still have the same symptoms after 3-4 days (which is now), it is advisable to c...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms: Numbness, Low Fever, and Heart Issues
Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury
Fever of unknown origin, central fever? Hello, my father suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage at the beginning of this year, which led to hydrocephalus. He immediately had an external ventricular drain placed to manage the cerebrospinal fluid. After a cerebral angiogram revealed an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello! Your father's condition is quite complex, making it difficult to assess based solely on your brief description. The diagnosis of central fever is made only after excluding other infectious causes, and it can be established only when laboratory tests show no obvious si...[Read More] Managing Fever and Central Temperature Regulation After Brain Injury