Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Syphilis skin contact infection Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred during my internship at the hospital. While removing an IV from a patient, my fingertip accidentally came into contact with the blood of a patient diagnosed with syphilis. At that m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if there is no puncture wound, simple intact skin contact with blood does not lead to syphilis infection unless there is a needle stick injury. In the case of a needle stick injury, it is necessary to follow the needle stick protocol, which includes testing for syphilis an...[Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Can this lead to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, or tetanus? Hello, Doctor. A few days ago, while I was browsing a kitchenware store in a department store, I accidentally scraped my hand on a product displayed by the store (a metal stirring stick with a gear-shaped end). At t...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: While I cannot say that the situation you mentioned is impossible, the probability is extremely low (you can think of it as being even less likely than being struck by lightning). The reason is that bacteria or viruses such as hepatitis B and syphilis can survive outside t...[Read More] Am I at Risk for Hepatitis B, C, Syphilis, or Tetanus?
Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Reactions after syphilis treatment? Hello, Doctor Liao. I went for an anonymous rapid syphilis test on August 13, and on August 18, I was informed that the result was positive for syphilis. On August 19, I made an appointment at the Infectious Disease Department of Pingtung Hospi...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Transmission Methods: 1. Close contact during sexual intercourse and other sexual activities is the primary route of transmission. Direct contact of wounds with secretions, bodily fluids, and other excretions (such as semen, blood, and vaginal secretions) from skin or mucosal les...[Read More] Understanding Post-Treatment Reactions to Syphilis: What to Expect
Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
The wound came into contact with the water from my own toilet? Hello, doctor. Two days ago, I was shopping and accidentally scratched my hand on a sharp object (a store decoration). At that moment, I only felt a sting and there was no bleeding. I sprayed a lot of alcohol on it an...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your main concern is the risk of infection from the wound. However, the pathogens found in toilet environments are primarily gastrointestinal bacteria, not bloodborne pathogens, so the risk of sexually transmitted infections or bloodborne disease...[Read More] Concerns About Toilet Water Contamination on a Wounded Hand
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Syphilis Diagnosis and Treatment I am gay and I was first diagnosed with syphilis two years ago (I was also diagnosed with HIV at the same time). I have received treatment (three injections for syphilis) and I was cured. Last year, I contracted syphilis again, but I was afraid to...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Yes, because the health insurance card will be annotated. For example, HIV and syphilis are both legally mandated reportable infectious diseases. If a clinic or physician diagnoses a legally reportable infectious disease but fails to report it within the specified time frame, ...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Options for LGBTQ+ Patients
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Risk of HIV and Hepatitis B/C Infection Hello Doctor, a few nights ago I stepped on something sharp at the beach. If it was a needle, is there a risk of HIV or hepatitis B/C infection? Do I need to get any tests done? Thank you.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have been pricked by a needle, it is indeed necessary to get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. If you are unsure about the source of the needle but suspect it might be contaminated, it is also advisable to test for the aforementioned four disea...[Read More] Risk of HIV and Hepatitis C/B Infection from Beach Injuries
Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Various Blood/Body Fluid Infectious Diseases Hello, doctor. If there are sores in or outside the mouth and I accidentally consume food contaminated with various bloodborne or fluidborne pathogens, is it possible to contract different bloodborne or fluidborne infections? Thank you...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. The term "food contaminated with various blood or body fluid infectious diseases' viruses/pathogens" refers to consuming items that may be tainted with infectious agents, such as undercooked meat from infected animals or food that has been handled by an infected...[Read More] Can Oral Sores Increase Risk of Bloodborne Infections?
Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Infection concerns? Hello, doctor. I've been coughing for over a month and was worried about the possibility of an HIV infection, so I went to the infectious disease department and had blood tests done twice, including testing for syphilis. The doctor only told me that I do ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Doxycycline is currently primarily used to treat two types of conditions: 1. It is one of the drug choices for syphilis. 2. It is used to treat certain atypical bacterial infections, such as Mycoplasma infections of the respiratory tract. Since you have some respiratory symptoms ...[Read More] Concerns About Cough and Possible STD: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Understanding HIV Testing: Your Questions Answered
Regarding HIV screening issues? Hello, Dr. Hong. Three months ago, I had a delivery of tea, and the lady performed unprotected oral sex on me, followed by unprotected vaginal intercourse. Twenty-six days later, I underwent RT-PCR for HIV and FTA-Abs for syphilis screening, and th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, if you are still negative after three months, the chance of infection is very low. However, as you mentioned, there are extremely rare cases where a positive result may occur later on, but the probability is very low. If you are still very concerned, you can...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Your Questions Answered
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Is there a possibility of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) if a showerhead comes into contact with a small amount of urine from a previous user (since they did not use the toilet flushing mechanism but inste...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the situation you mentioned will not lead to the transmission of the sexually transmitted infections you referred to, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Shower Heads?
Understanding HIV and STI Testing: Timing and Concerns After Unprotected Sex
HIV and various sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing issues? Hello doctor, I had unprotected intercourse for the first time on April 5th, and prior to that, I had no other sexual activities. I regret it and am worried. I would like to ask if I can feel reassured if I take...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible to be within the incubation period for 10 days. If there are no symptoms, it is recommended to follow up for HIV and syphilis testing at three months and six months. If any symptoms arise, please consult an infectious disease specialist. Thank you for...[Read More] Understanding HIV and STI Testing: Timing and Concerns After Unprotected Sex
Understanding HPV: Testing Options After Partner's Diagnosis
My boyfriend has genital warts? Hello, we are a same-sex couple. My boyfriend previously experienced gastrointestinal discomfort, which led to an examination where warts were found in the anal area, and surgery was arranged. We have had unprotected sexual intercourse, but both of...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The more accurate name for the cervical cancer vaccine is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. It not only prevents cervical cancer but also has been scientifically proven to prevent cancers related to the genital area, including effective protection against genital warts. ...[Read More] Understanding HPV: Testing Options After Partner's Diagnosis
Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
I have a question? Hello, doctor. I previously interned at a hospital and accidentally cut my finger while puncturing a rubber cap with scissors used for medical waste (like IV bottles). Although I squeezed out some blood at the time, I am still worried about the possibility of c...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if this occurs in a hospital, it should theoretically be reported as a sharp object injury, and the injury protocol should be followed. During this process, tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and HIV will be conducted for both you and the patient, and follow-up ...[Read More] Concerns About Infection After Needle Stick Injury: What You Should Know
Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
HIV testing issues Hello, doctor. I apologize for bothering you, but I would like to ask you a few questions. Recently, I underwent testing for sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV, and all results were negative. However, I have some concerns re...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main concern is the potential for a window period and sensitivity issues with the tests. The HIV Ag/Ab Combo has a higher sensitivity, but the HIV I/II O/p24Ag test is also quite reliable. Overall, your chances of being negative are very high. However, if you truly bel...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Test Results: What You Need to Know
Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Infection issues? When receiving an injection, if I did not pay attention to whether the needle was new, and considering that I am not in Taiwan where the equipment is reusable, the injection was administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. 1. What is the risk of infection for...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data 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 risk of infection. B. B...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Injections: Subcutaneous vs. Intramuscular
Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Half-service establishments, French kissing, and wet kissing? Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a massage parlor where I engaged in several minutes of French kissing, wet kissing, mutual nipple licking, fondling, finger stimulation, and manual stimulation with massage oil, but I...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. According to data provided by 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 risk of infectio...[Read More] Understanding STD Risks from Kissing and Oral Contact in Massage Settings
Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Issues with test results three months after syphilis treatment? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in mid-October last year. After a month of treatment with Doxycycline, I had a follow-up blood test three months later, and the result was RPR Negative...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. According to the treatment guidelines, after 3-6 months, if the RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) test can drop to 1/4, it indicates a good treatment response. Of course, the lower the value, the better. Therefore, your negative result is possible and suggests that the treatm...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment Outcomes: RPR Test Results Explained
Can Syphilis Be Transmitted Through Saliva? What You Need to Know
Can syphilis be transmitted through saliva? Hello doctor, my job is to care for patients, and I am currently taking care of an elderly man who has syphilis. Today, while feeding him, he accidentally choked and sprayed food, which ended up in my eyes. I would like to know if I cou...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: First, let's confirm whether your grandfather's syphilis has been treated. Generally, once it is known that someone has syphilis, treatment is usually initiated immediately. If he has already been treated, he is effectively cured and cannot transmit the infection...[Read More] Can Syphilis Be Transmitted Through Saliva? What You Need to Know
Can Syphilis or STDs Be Transmitted Through Indirect Contact?
Syphilis or sexually transmitted infection (STI) I would like to ask the doctor if it is possible to contract genital warts or syphilis in this situation. I purchased a contouring scissor online, and it was left for three days before I used it. When I opened it, it appeared to ha...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the cauliflower or syphilis you mentioned is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. The speculation you referred to about transmission through contact is unlikely. I suggest not to worry excessively. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can Syphilis or STDs Be Transmitted Through Indirect Contact?
Understanding Folliculitis: Is That Red Bump on Your Back a Concern?
Is the redness on the back folliculitis? Hello Doctor, I accidentally discovered a small bump on my back that resembled a pimple while taking a shower, and I accidentally popped it. After class today, I visited a dermatologist who said it was just a common folliculitis and that I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on the image, it does appear to be more like folliculitis rather than a sexually transmitted infection. I recommend using the ointment prescribed by your doctor, so there’s no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Understanding Folliculitis: Is That Red Bump on Your Back a Concern?