Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Injury caused by a chest drainage tube? Today, I accidentally got stabbed by a broken glass tube while cleaning the chest drainage bottle. Should I see an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean water and has been left...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the incident of accidentally being punctured by a broken glass tube while cleaning a chest drainage bottle today, is it necessary to consult an infectious disease specialist for blood tests? The chest drainage bottle has already been rinsed with clean wate...[Read More] Needle Injury from Broken Chest Drain: Infection Risk and Testing Guide
Understanding Symptoms During HIV Window Period: What You Need to Know
Regarding some questions? Doctor, I would like to ask if diarrhea, chest pain, or increased heart rate can occur during the window period of HIV. Sometimes I feel a dull discomfort in my penis, and I visited a urologist who said there were no visible abnormalities. I still experi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: When HIV is first contracted, it may present with symptoms similar to those of a cold. However, during the window period, there are usually no specific symptoms. The symptoms you described are generally not indicative of HIV. To confirm whether one has HIV, it is recommend...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms During HIV Window Period: What You Need to Know
Understanding Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help
This symptom is somewhat severe..? Hello Dr. Liao, on October 10th, I went to a hotel with my girlfriend for the first time. The bathroom was dry, and we took about 40 minutes before using the toilet. That day, I did not have an erection or penetration, but I did use my tongue to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "I have two areas of broken skin on my foot; could the hotel be the source of infection?" A: If it was oral sex, the wounds on your foot are not related to sexually transmitted infections. Just ensure proper wound care. 2. Con...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Intimate Encounters: When to Seek Medical Help
Concerns About Vaginal Bumps: What Could They Be?
Hello, doctor. I have been very worried about a problem? Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a concern I have. When I touch inside my vagina, I feel two rows of small, black, bump-like structures that resemble blisters on each side. I am very worried that this might be genita...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is indeed likely that you have vaginitis. However, vaginitis is a general term that refers to inflammation of the vagina caused by various factors. This can include sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes...[Read More] Concerns About Vaginal Bumps: What Could They Be?
Understanding Post-Treatment Syphilis Issues: What to Expect
Issues After Syphilis Treatment Hello Doctor, It has been seven months since I was diagnosed with syphilis and treated. My titers have decreased from 1:128 to 1:8. I went for a follow-up blood test yesterday, and the results are still 1:8. It seems that the titers are not decre...
Dr. Wu Hongjie Reply:
Dear Sir/Madam, Regarding early syphilis (infection within one year), treatment is considered successful if the RPR or VDRL titers decrease by fourfold within six months after treatment. Based on your titer reduction, if the entire treatment course is completed, it should be con...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Syphilis Issues: What to Expect
Understanding HIV Risks: Anal Sex and Safe Practices Explained
HIV Issues During anal intercourse, if there was a bowel movement and excessive wiping caused bleeding, and for the first 1-2 minutes there was no condom used, but the rest of the time a condom was used without ejaculation inside, and both partners are HIV-negative, is there a ri...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
The most important aspect of this situation is to confirm that both parties are free of HIV, as the transmission routes for HIV are numerous, including unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles, and exposure to infected bodily fluids. Many individuals may not be aware of th...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Anal Sex and Safe Practices Explained
Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative Result After 7 Months Reliable?
HIV Issues If you had unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse, and you underwent anonymous testing for HIV and syphilis approximately 7 to 8 months after the sexual encounter, with both results being negative, it is highly unlikely that you have HIV. The standard w...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. If the last instance of unprotected sexual intercourse occurred seven to eight months ago, it is generally possible to rule out any concerns. 2. If you still have questions, you may consult a nearby medical facility. Thank you![Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Is a Negative Result After 7 Months Reliable?
Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Contact with Dried Blood and Mucous Membranes
Is there a risk of contracting bloodborne diseases after coming into contact with dried blood and then touching mucous membranes? Hello Doctor: Here’s what happened: While heading to class, I randomly chose a seat and initially thought the spots on the desk were just graffiti. Up...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "Can one contract HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, or hepatitis through contact with dried blood followed by contact with mucous membranes?" A: 1. Generally, blood and bodily fluids lose their infectious capability 15 minutes after leaving...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Diseases from Contact with Dried Blood and Mucous Membranes
Understanding STD Risks: HIV Transmission, Testing, and Symptoms Explained
Regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? Hello, doctor: 1. Aside from high-risk behaviors and drug use, is there a chance of contracting HIV from normal contact if my fingers are prone to dryness and cracking? 2. What is the window period for HIV testing? Most sources ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the question, "Aside from risky behaviors and drug use, is there a chance of contracting HIV from normal contact, especially if my fingers are prone to dryness and cracking?" The answer is: The risk is very low. 2. Concerning the question, ...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks: HIV Transmission, Testing, and Symptoms Explained
Understanding HIV and Syphilis: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
Regarding HIV and syphilis infections? Hello, I would like to ask a few questions regarding HIV/AIDS. The situation is as follows: I work in the service industry and have noticed some customers with unexplained red spots and rashes on their arms and calves, raising concerns about...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the body temperature sometimes remaining above 36.6°C and below 37.2°C around 11 PM to midnight or even later, could this be caused by an acute infection? A: Generally, healthy individuals have a lower body temperature in the early morning and the hi...[Read More] Understanding HIV and Syphilis: Symptoms, Risks, and Concerns
Understanding Infection Risks from Shared Needles: What You Should Know
Disease transmission I borrowed a needle from a friend to sew some clothes. About six days later, after rinsing the needle with hot water for a few seconds, I used it to prick a pimple on my nose, which caused some bleeding. Now I'm a bit worried that if there was saliva lef...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the questions asked, please consider (1) whether your friend has any illnesses and (2) the handling of needles. (1) Whether your friend has any illnesses: If your friend has bloodborne infections such as syphilis, HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, then w...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Shared Needles: What You Should Know
Potential Infection Risks for Dental Assistants: What You Need to Know
Stabbed by a needle? As a dental assistant, I have recently experienced several minor accidents, including being pricked by a patient's anesthetic needle, getting sprayed with a small amount of blood, and cutting my foot on a sharp object while disposing of clinic waste, alt...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
In larger hospitals, there is usually a standard operating procedure for needlestick injuries. Generally, it is as follows: 1. Report to the infection control department, and the occupational safety and health office will document the incident and provide the personnel department...[Read More] Potential Infection Risks for Dental Assistants: What You Need to Know
Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Sexual Encounter: What You Need to Know
Risk of HIV Infection On July 4th of this year, I had sexual relations with a sex worker in Thailand. The encounter involved unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse. During oral sex, she briefly held my glans, seemingly after I released pre-ejaculate fluid, and the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the relationship between unprotected oral sex and protected vaginal intercourse with subsequent symptoms of low-grade fever and headache: A: 1. For unprotected oral sex, it is important to check if the partner has any oral diseases or bleeding. ...[Read More] Assessing HIV Infection Risks After Sexual Encounter: What You Need to Know
Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
Lupus LA1 value is elevated? Dr. Tseng is currently approximately 9 weeks pregnant and underwent blood tests at the hospital. Initially, the STS RPR test was reactive, but subsequent tests for TPPA and FAT-ABS were negative, which preliminarily rules out syphilis. However, the im...
Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
Hello, netizen: Lupus anticoagulant (LA) refers to autoantibodies against negatively charged phospholipids or phospholipid-protein complexes. The presence of LA may be due to unknown reasons or may be associated with autoimmune diseases or antiphospholipid syndrome (such as unexp...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Lupus LA1 Levels During Pregnancy: What It Means
Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Issues related to systemic lupus erythematosus? Hello, doctor. I was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus in early April this year. I have already started taking medication, but I am currently away and do not have the English name of the medication with me, so I cannot pro...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
The diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) include: 1. The presence of a fixed erythematous rash on the cheeks, known as a malar rash or butterfly rash; it typically does not involve the nasolabial folds. 2. The appearance of discoid lupus erythematosus lesion...[Read More] Managing Joint Pain in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients
Chronic Pain in Groin and Thigh: Unraveling Possible Infections
Regarding infections? Hello Doctor, I previously had a risky encounter, and afterwards I experienced painful urination, which has since resolved. However, I have been suffering from persistent pain in my inner thighs and groin area, as well as a sore throat, for the past six mont...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. After experiencing abnormal sexual behavior, it is natural to worry and magnify existing symptoms, leading to doubts and suspicions about the possible motives and implications of all events. 2. Since you have already undergone screening for sexually transmitte...[Read More] Chronic Pain in Groin and Thigh: Unraveling Possible Infections
Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
About Gonorrhea Hello Doctor, I accidentally encountered a risky situation before, and afterwards I experienced painful urination. The pain during urination has resolved, but I have been experiencing persistent pain in my inner thigh and groin area for two months, and I have not ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, 1. First, let’s introduce gonorrhea based on information from the Centers for Disease Control: (A) Transmission: The primary mode of transmission for gonorrhea is through sexual intercourse. It can also be transmitted if an open wound comes into direct contact wi...[Read More] Understanding Gonorrhea: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Symptoms After Risky Behavior: When to Seek Medical Help
Regarding infectious symptoms? Hello Doctor: I accidentally engaged in high-risk sexual behavior, and afterwards I experienced a sore throat and pain in my groin area. I tested negative for HIV using an HIV RT-PCR test at 35 days, and at 90 days, I tested negative for both HIV an...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the inquiries, after completing a three-month sexually transmitted infection screening, you should feel reassured. 2. As for the possibility of other infections (bacterial or viral), it is advisable to have a clinical evaluation by a physician before...[Read More] Understanding Symptoms After Risky Behavior: When to Seek Medical Help
Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Syphilis infection Hello Doctor, I have some questions to ask you. 1. A year and a half ago, I was infected with syphilis and received treatment (antibiotic injections). My RPR value has decreased by more than fourfold and is currently at 1:16, but my TPHA remains around 1:5120...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. No, please continue to avoid dangerous behaviors (substance abuse and unsafe sexual practices). 2. No, thank you![Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Long-term Effects and Risks of Recurrent Infections
Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?
Diabetes mellitus Can a person with diabetes who is on medication donate blood?
Dr. Zhang Guoji Reply:
According to the "Health Standards for Blood Donors" published by the Department of Health: Article 4: Blood donors who have any of the following conditions should postpone their donation: 5. Currently suffering from syphilis, active tuberculosis, diabetes, heart diseas...[Read More] Can Diabetic Patients Donate Blood While on Medication?