Syphilis, Internal Medicine FAQ - Page 3

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Can Deep Kissing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Transmit HIV or Syphilis?

Infection issues Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you. I would like to ask you a question. It has been about 15 days since I had my wisdom teeth removed, and there is no bleeding or pain at the wound site. If I engage in deep kissing with someone, is there a risk of contr...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Infection is only possible if the other person has syphilis or HIV and is irregular in their medication or has not yet been treated. 2. Moreover, each individual's immune system varies, and significant exposure through larger wounds or bleeding is necessary for the possib...

[Read More] Can Deep Kissing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction Transmit HIV or Syphilis?


Understanding HIV Testing: Do You Need Further Testing After Negative Results?

HIV issues Hello doctor, I had risky sexual behavior on September 6. I tested negative for antigen and antibodies at 15 days, negative for antibodies at 42 days, negative at 84 days, and negative at 99 days. Do I still need to get tested, and what is the likelihood of a conversio...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, consider two sexually transmitted infections: 1. Syphilis: The window period is one and a half months. If the test is negative after 99 days, there is no cause for concern. 2. HIV: The window period is three to six months. If the test is negative after 99 days, it is recom...

[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Do You Need Further Testing After Negative Results?


Negative Rapid Test but Positive RPR: Understanding Syphilis Diagnosis

Rapid test negative but RPR positive? Due to having a rash on my body, and aside from that, there are no signs of primary syphilis or rashes on my hands and feet. I saw a doctor this morning who ordered a blood test, and I will wait a week for the results. However, I took an anon...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, let's take a look at what tests were performed in the anonymous screening to understand the negative report results. 2. Additionally, syphilis is generally tested using RPR/VDRL and TPHA/TPPA to clarify the patient's status. It is recommended to seek a nearby ...

[Read More] Negative Rapid Test but Positive RPR: Understanding Syphilis Diagnosis


Risk of Infection from a Doll's Needle: What You Need to Know

Stabbed by a doll's pin? Today, while unpacking a package that arrived from China, I took out a doll and didn't notice that the pin at the back was open, which pricked me. Upon closer inspection, I found that the wound only scratched the skin and there was no bleeding. ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if a needle has definitely been used on someone else before being used again, tests will be conducted for HIV, syphilis (VDRL or RPR), HBV, and HCV. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Risk of Infection from a Doll's Needle: What You Need to Know


Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients

Syphilis/HIV Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask: 1. What is the typical diameter of syphilis rashes? Are they round or irregularly shaped? Are they independent lesions or do they form a confluent area? Do they appear flat or raised? Are the colors light red or dark red? 2. If one...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Syphilis rashes are usually not itchy or painful, initially appearing as light red spots that can progress to red or dark red, and are typically round in shape. 2. When there are only one or two spots, it can be difficult to distinguish whether they are caused by syp...

[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV: Key Questions and Answers for Patients


Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks

Questions related to the possibility of syphilis or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? If there was a small amount of contaminated blood in the bucket and after about an hour, you filled it with water without rinsing it out, then spilled it on your foot where you later disco...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does not pose a risk for HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Can You Get STDs from Contaminated Water? Understanding the Risks


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a syringe for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the syringe at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minute...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used, so it is crucial never to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash typically occurs during the secondary stage of syphilis, which happens approximately six weeks to six m...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Shared needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Therefore, it is crucial not to use needles that have been used by others. The so-called rash is associated with secondary syphilis, which typically occurs approximately six weeks to six mont...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Sharing needles Hello doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I’ve seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes to s...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used. Even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns

Sharing needles Hello Doctor, I recently shared a needle for intravenous injection with an HIV patient. What is the likelihood of infection? I used the needle at least an hour after he did. I've seen various claims online about the virus survival time, ranging from 3 minutes...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sharing needles can lead to infection regardless of how long they have been used; even if it’s just for one minute, there is still a risk of infection. Therefore, never use needles that have been used by someone else. The so-called rash is associated with the secondary sta...

[Read More] Understanding Risks of Sharing Needles: HIV and Syphilis Concerns


Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips

Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as HIV, syphilis, or gonorrhea shaves in the bathroom and there is a trace of blood contamination on the showerhead, can another person become infected if they use ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you described, where a small amount of blood sprays outside, is unlikely to pose an infection risk after a short period of time. It should not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you mentioned. As for the showerhead, it is advisabl...

[Read More] Can STDs Spread Through Contaminated Showerheads? Prevention Tips


Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?

HIV rapid test I would like to ask the doctor, today I purchased the HIV rapid test from Chembio and the result was positive. Could it be that I previously had syphilis, which might cause a cross-reactivity and result in a false positive for "similar HIV antibodies"?


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, having had syphilis will not cause an HIV rapid test to turn positive. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Can Syphilis Cause False Positive in HIV Rapid Test Results?


Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room

Possibility of infection Hello, I would like to inquire about a situation in the operating room. There was a small suture needle left on the table after closing a patient's wound. While collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed down on the needle with my hand. At that t...


Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to the Centers for Disease Control data, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids with an HIV-infected individual carries a risk of infection. 2. Blood tra...

[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Stick in the Operating Room


Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?

Infection concerns? Hello doctor, I would like to inquire about a situation where my foot was punctured by an unknown needle on the street. The wound did not bleed, but there were small red dots resembling mosquito bites. These small red dots disappeared after 3 to 4 days. In thi...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you are certain that you were pricked by a needle, although the risk is low, there is still a possibility of bloodborne infection. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist or a family medicine clinic to follow the appropriate procedures for needle sti...

[Read More] Risk of Infection from Needle Prick: Do You Need Testing?


Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident

Contact with another person's blood? I work at a pet store, and today a customer was bitten by a guinea pig and started bleeding profusely. In an effort to help the customer, I went to grab the guinea pig, but it immediately bit my finger instead. The situation was chaotic, ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned does have a very low probability of bloodborne transmission. It is recommended to visit an infectious disease specialist and a family medicine clinic to inform them of your condition. They may need to follow the standard protocol for managing in...

[Read More] Risk of Blood Exposure: What to Know After a Pet Store Incident


Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study

Is it possible for a treponemal test to yield a false positive result? I am 36 years old. In August, I donated blood and received a notification that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In January, my blood donation results were still normal, all negative. In November, I w...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the two indices for syphilis, RPR and TPHA, show that RPR is more sensitive and can easily yield false positives, which may turn negative after syphilis treatment. On the other hand, the chance of false positives with TPHA is very low, and it typically remains positive eve...

[Read More] Understanding False Positives in Syphilis Testing: A Case Study


Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room

Stung by a thorn? Hello Doctor, I would like to inquire about an incident that occurred while I was working in the operating room. That day, a very small suture needle was left on the table, and while collecting instruments, I accidentally pressed on the needle. I was wearing glo...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed difficult to determine the likelihood of infection based on your description. In clinical practice, if there is any suspicion of a needlestick injury similar to your situation, we typically follow the needlestick protocol to assess the risk of infection. Thank...

[Read More] Concerns About Needle Stick Injuries in the Operating Room


Can STDs Spread Through Shared Laundry? Understanding the Risks

Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) If a person with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) has their clothing contaminated with bodily fluids such as semen, and these clothes are washed together with others in a washing machine using a mild detergent without b...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, you mentioned that the situation does not pose a risk of sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, HIV, or genital warts, and that they are unlikely to be transmitted. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Can STDs Spread Through Shared Laundry? Understanding the Risks


Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options

Needle-related issues Dear Dr. Hong, I am a nurse at a hospital, and a few days ago, I accidentally experienced a needle stick injury while on the intensive care unit. I have already followed the protocol for screening for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. However, I am still very...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the conditions you mentioned are mostly sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are not transmitted through needle stick injuries. The primary diseases associated with needle stick injuries are HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. It is recommended to follow the needle...

[Read More] Needle Stick Injury: Risks of Bloodborne Infections and Testing Options


Assessing the Risk of HIV and Syphilis After Recent Grooming and Sexual Activity

Risk assessment If I am a male and have just shaved my pubic hair, and there may be some wounds in the shaved area, is there a risk of contracting HIV or syphilis if I perform oral sex (without a condom) and vaginal intercourse (with a condom) with a sex worker 12 hours later?


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, as long as there is unprotected sex, there will be risks. Of course, oral sex carries relatively lower risks. As for whether to shave pubic hair, it has a relatively minor impact. Thank you for your question.

[Read More] Assessing the Risk of HIV and Syphilis After Recent Grooming and Sexual Activity


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