Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Syphilis Issues Hello Doctor: In mid-May of this year, I underwent a rapid screening test that showed a faint line, but it was uncertain whether it was two lines. The physician administered a single dose of treatment, and the subsequent blood test results were RPR: Reactive 1:4, ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, there are two methods for syphilis testing: one is the RPR or VDRL test, which indicates whether there is current infectiousness, and the other is the TPHA or TPPA test, which indicates whether there has been a past infection with syphilis. Both tests should be interpre...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: What Does a Negative Result Mean?
Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Issues related to syphilis infection? Hello Doctor, I was recently screened and found to have a syphilis infection (I have never been infected before). I usually do rapid tests, and my last rapid test was negative over six months ago. Since then, I have not experienced any sympto...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, you need to confirm whether it is a first-time infection, and if treatment was received within a year, only then is it possible to achieve a dual negative result, i.e., RPR/TPHA (-/-); otherwise, it often remains positive. 2. The level of the index indicates the strength o...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Infection: Key Questions and Insights for Patients
Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Inquiry about Rheumatoid Factor and Other Related Data? Hello, Doctor Gao. I apologize for the lengthy message. Here are my health examination data from three tests conducted at the same laboratory: - Date: 2023/11/11, 2024/6/15, (2024/4/30) - ALT/SGPT (L...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses: 1. I underwent tests related to immune system diseases at a regional hospital in December 2023, and my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor was less than 5 at that time. Additionally, the measurement taken on April 30, 2024,...[Read More] Understanding RA Factor Changes and Related Health Concerns
Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor, I recently engaged the services of a foreign sex worker and used a condom throughout the entire process. During the encounter, I was asked for a wet kiss. However, due to a lack of sleep in the past few days, I hav...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are commonly found in the perineal area, with another frequent site being the oral cavity. Engaging in oral sex without proper protection, such as a condom, can certainly increase the risk of acquiring STIs. 2. In addition to commo...[Read More] Can You Contract STDs from Kissing After a Lip Injury?
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
Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Regarding contact with another person's blood? Hello Dr. Lin, my family member needs to check their blood sugar, but they cannot operate the device and cannot see, so I assist them. Today, my family member bled more than usual, and when I was about to discard the test strip,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there are many diseases that can be transmitted through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. The ones that are usually of particular concern are HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It would be advisable to first check if any of your family members have a history o...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, doctor: (1) Last month, I went to a private laboratory for a blood test. Normally, the procedure is to draw blood first and then pay, but that day I paid first before the blood draw. The technician counted out change for me using seven one-hund...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, it is important to note that the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for about 10 minutes. Therefore, unless the other person is covered in fresh blood and is in direct contact with your open wound, the risk of infection is very low. If you still have concern...[Read More] Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Managing Viral Warts and Hemorrhoids: Key Questions Answered
Having viral warts and hemorrhoids? Hello Doctor, about one or two weeks ago, I noticed something on my buttocks and went to see a dermatologist. The doctor said it was a viral wart, which I believe is genital warts. I have undergone one session of cryotherapy and have some quest...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
To encourage men to receive the HPV vaccine, it has been renamed the Papillomavirus vaccine. Generally, adults carry the papillomavirus, but certain strains can lead to cancer or sexually transmitted infections. Therefore, the government encourages both young men and women to get...[Read More] Managing Viral Warts and Hemorrhoids: Key Questions Answered
Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
Red rashes on the back, posterior legs, arms, and anterior chest, with itching at night that makes it impossible to sleep, and some areas of skin peeling? Since January 2024, the patient has been experiencing symptoms and has visited three clinics where eczema or urticaria was su...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The skin condition described by the netizen seems to be unrelated to the positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) titer of 1:5120. There may be other autoimmune diseases involved, and it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation. It is recommended to first visit a dermatology de...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Skin Rashes: Possible Immune System Disorders
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.[Read More] Can Oral Sex Lead to Syphilis Infection? Understanding the Risks
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What Do Red Flags Mean?
The blood test report shows results in red? Due to symptoms of immunodeficiency, I undergo blood tests at the hospital every six months. This time, I had a regular check-up at the hospital before the Lunar New Year, and the next day I checked the results on the National Health In...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it is important to identify the type of immune deficiency in order to make an accurate assessment. 2. If last year's tests were normal and this year's results are abnormal, please seek care at a nearby medical facility as soon as possible for confirmation and...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: What Do Red Flags Mean?
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.[Read More] Understanding the Window Period for STI Testing: Your Concerns Addressed
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 ...[Read More] Is Syphilis Invisible? Understanding Symptoms and Recurrences
Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Questions about viral infections? If a medication or food is contaminated with syphilis-infected blood and is consumed after one month, is there a risk of infection? This concern arises mainly because the pharmacy staff may have handled medication after coming into contact with s...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
The transmission routes of syphilis are through blood and sexual contact, so it is not transmitted otherwise.[Read More] Can You Get Infected by Contaminated Food or Drugs After a Month?
Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have a syphilis infection with an initial RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectivity, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if someone h...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: Interpreting RPR and TPLA Results
Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections typically have high RPR titers? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA indicates whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, if a perso...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing: RPR Levels and Treatment Goals
Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect
Regarding the laboratory report? Is it possible for someone to have an initial syphilis infection with an RPR titer of only 1:2 or 1:4? If the TPLA is over 500, does that mean that early-stage infections always have a high RPR? If the initial serum RPR is 1:2 or 1:4, what should ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The RPR value indicates the intensity of infectiousness, while TPHA/TPLA represents whether there has been a past infection. 2. Generally, first-time infected individuals tend to have higher RPR and TPHA values, which may become negative or decrease after treatment; however, i...[Read More] Understanding RPR Results in Early Syphilis Infection: What to Expect
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 ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: Treatment and Implications for Newborns
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...
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 here to support ...[Read More] Understanding Congenital Syphilis: What to Expect for Your Newborn