Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
Chronic urticaria Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if chronic urticaria can only be managed with medication. I have been taking antihistamines for over two months, and during that time, I felt fine without itching, although sometimes my skin would be a bit red. A few years ago,...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. The result of the antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is acceptable; although it is marked as positive, the value is still within an acceptable range according to rheumatology standards, so there is no need to worry too much. Regarding chronic urti...[Read More] Managing Chronic Urticaria: Medication, Allergies, and Health Concerns
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...[Read More] Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: What Does a Positive ANA Test Mean?
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. ...[Read More] Impact of Delayed Testing After Insulin Injection: What to Expect
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.[Read More] Concerns About Blood Draw Infections: Risks and Recommendations
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...[Read More] Needle Injury Concerns: Risk of Infection and What to Do Next
Can Hospitalization Shorten Syphilis Treatment Duration?
Can syphilis treatment be expedited through hospitalization? I run a breakfast shop, and sometimes I get so busy that I forget to take my medication. Is it possible to shorten the process by being hospitalized for a week?
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sometimes sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted simultaneously, and you can come for anonymous testing at any time, such as for HIV. 2. There are several treatment methods for syphilis, including a series of injections over three weeks, oral medications, or a si...[Read More] Can Hospitalization Shorten Syphilis Treatment Duration?
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...[Read More] Can You Contract Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Insights and FAQs
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 ...[Read More] Can You Get Gonorrhea Without Symptoms? Key Facts and Insights
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 Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
Inquire about hand issues? Hello Doctor, I am currently on a business trip in Indonesia. Three days ago, I suddenly noticed a rash on the palm of my right hand, but it diminished by the evening and was gone the next day. I recall that during those three days, I was frequently usi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, consider whether there have been any heavy objects or sharp items that may have left marks. 2. Additionally, assess whether the environment is clean and well-ventilated, or if it has not been cleaned for a long time, which could lead to bites from rodents or insects. 3....[Read More] Understanding Hand Rash: Possible Causes and Concerns for Travelers
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 STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) transmission issues? Hello, Doctor: 1. I would like to ask if it is possible to transmit a sexually transmitted infection (STI) to my child if I accidentally become infected but have to take care of them at home. 2. For example, if I am in...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are typically transmitted through sexual contact, and the risk of transmission through general contact is low (though it depends on the specific STI in question). 2. No, unless the lesions of the STI come into direct contact with the ch...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission Risks When Caring for Children
Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Will I contract any diseases? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question: Over three years ago, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker and kissed a girl. Because I was inexperienced, my teeth accidentally poked her mouth (I am not sure if it was her lips or the insid...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is always a certain risk of disease transmission with exposure to blood and bodily fluids. However, unless there is significant bleeding, the risk of transmission for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis is quite low. On the other hand, viruses such as cytomeg...[Read More] Understanding Disease Risks from Oral Contact: A Medical Perspective
Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission Hello Doctor: Recently, I engaged in sexual activities with a sex worker, where we bathed and had intimate contact. We both shaved beforehand, but I am unsure if there were any cuts. During the encounter, the following occurred:...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Taiwan (https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Disease/Index), there are three main transmission routes for HIV: A. Sexual Transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with a...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks After Intimate Encounters: What You Need to Know
Understanding the Sudden Spike in Syphilis Levels: Causes and Concerns
Elevated syphilis titers? Hello doctor, I had a blood test for syphilis at the end of March, which showed a titer of 1:2. I was hospitalized and received penicillin treatment for 14 days. In early May, my blood test showed a syphilis titer of 1:256. Could you please explain why t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The syphilis index includes RPR (infectivity) and TPHA (past infection) categories; therefore, a result of 1:2X may indicate RPR, while 1:256X may indicate TPHA. 2. It is recommended to obtain information and consult with the medical facility to clarify the current situation.[Read More] Understanding the Sudden Spike in Syphilis Levels: Causes and Concerns
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 You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?
About infections? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if food contains HIV, hepatitis B, C, or syphilis viruses, and I have a cut in my mouth that comes into contact with these viruses, will I contract these diseases? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk of infection for these diseases. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Can You Get HIV or STDs from Contaminated Food with Mouth Sores?
How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time (continued inquiry) Hello, Doctor: This is my original question for you: "Could you please tell me how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, warts, herpes, human papillomavirus, and Chlamydia can surviv...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the bacteria or viruses you mentioned can survive for varying lengths of time depending on different environments, including the quantity present in bodily fluids, which can range from a few minutes to several weeks. It is difficult to generalize, and most do not have defi...[Read More] How Long Do Hepatitis and Other Viruses Survive Outside the Body?
How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?
Survival time Hello, doctor: I would like to ask how long the viruses or bacteria of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, HIV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can survive in the general environment outside the human body. Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, these pathogens die quickly after leaving a living host, so they are not transmitted through contact but rather through sexual activity and blood transmission. Thank you for your question.[Read More] How Long Can Hepatitis and HIV Survive Outside the Body?