Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Infection issues I would like to ask the doctor, if I accidentally shared a razor with my dad who does not have hepatitis C or any other known infections, is there a risk of infection? Or is it possible to contract other viruses?
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: The bloodborne infectious diseases that we typically test for include HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Other viruses or bacteria can also be transmitted through blood, but the likelihood or severity of those infections is generally considered negligible. The ri...[Read More] Can Sharing a Razor with a Family Member Lead to Infections?
Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing the Right Panel for Your Needs
HIV testing issues? Hello, doctor. I recently paid out of pocket for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening, which had two test panels. The first panel includes: Gonorrhea DNA test, Chlamydia DNA test, Syphilis tests (RPR, TPPA), Urethritis screening (Trichomonas, Candi...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the main difference between Kit 1 and Kit 2 lies in the HIV testing, particularly regarding the window period. However, since your last sexual encounter was 16 months ago, you have already surpassed the HIV window period. Therefore, given your situation, Kit 2 is indeed su...[Read More] Understanding HIV Testing: Choosing the Right Panel for Your Needs
Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Transmission of Syphilis and HIV 1. If I have eczema on my hands and come into contact with a significant amount of sweat from a person with HIV or syphilis, or if I handle money that has been contaminated with bodily fluids after using the restroom, what is the likelihood of con...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control, HIV is transmitted through contact with blood or bodily fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk) that come into contact with mucous membranes or open skin. The modes of transmission include: 1. Sexual transmission: En...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis and HIV Transmission Risks in Everyday Situations
Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Syphilis rash-related issues? Hello Doctor: I tested positive for syphilis with an RPR of 1:16 in early October and have been taking Doxycycline for four weeks. Prior to treatment, I had four deep red rashes on my palms. During the second to third week of treatment, I experienced...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The presence of a rash does not indicate the effectiveness of treatment; in some cases, the rash may become more pronounced during treatment. It is recommended to follow up three months later for a more accurate assessment of the indicators. 2. It is advisable to di...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Rash: Treatment, Recovery, and Concerns
Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Infected with an unknown liquid in the hospital? Thank you for the doctor's initial response. I encountered an unknown yellow-brown residue (possibly povidone-iodine or another substance) at a local hospital in Vietnam. I would like to confirm with the doctor whether "l...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Yes, you should also be cautious that the unknown substance may be corrosive and could harm your skin. Generally, after an exposure incident involving blood or bodily fluids, it is recommended to test for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. In your case, it technically d...[Read More] Concerns About Unknown Liquid Exposure in Hospitals: What to Know
Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment and Infectiousness Timeline
Secondary syphilis Hello doctor, I was recently diagnosed with stage 2 syphilis. I received an injection for treatment on October 14 and have not yet returned for blood tests. I would like to ask how long it typically takes in this situation and what specific levels need to be be...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, typically after completing the full treatment, a syphilis test is conducted approximately 3 to 6 months later. If the index shows a fourfold decrease, it indicates a good treatment response and a lower chance of transmission. Ideally, if the RPR (VDRL) index can drop to ze...[Read More] Understanding Secondary Syphilis: Treatment and Infectiousness Timeline
Can COVID-19 Vaccine Be Administered During Syphilis Treatment?
Can a patient with confirmed stage 2 syphilis (under treatment) receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Hello Dr. Hong, I recently tested positive for stage 2 syphilis, with relevant indices showing RPR Test 1:64, RPR(L) 485.4, and TPLA 25565. I have chosen not to receive an injection this...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the treatment for syphilis does not affect vaccines, so it is safe to receive vaccinations. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can COVID-19 Vaccine Be Administered During Syphilis Treatment?
Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
The probability of contracting syphilis? Hello doctor, I had direct contact with the blood of a person infected with syphilis. At the time, my hand had no open wounds, and I washed my hands a few minutes later. That person's blood test for TPPA was 1:640, and they have alrea...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: 1. The patient has completed syphilis treatment and is essentially non-infectious. 2. If your hands do not have any open wounds, you will not be infected even if you come into contact with blood containing syphilis bacteria![Read More] Risk of Syphilis Infection from Blood Contact: What You Need to Know
Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
I would like to inquire about the syphilis testing through the National Health Insurance Express Service? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited the PrEP clinic and scheduled a follow-up blood test for the end of September. In the meantime, I checked my test results on the Natio...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the values of RPR and TPLA can vary due to different reagents and methods used, leading to different reference ranges. These values must be compared with the reference ranges provided by the testing laboratory to determine if there are any abnormalities. Therefore, it is r...[Read More] Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
I would like to inquire about the syphilis testing through the National Health Insurance Easy Access system? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I visited the PrEP clinic and scheduled a blood test for the end of September. In the meantime, I checked my test results on the National Hea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the values of RPR and TPLA can vary due to different reagents and methods used, leading to different reference ranges. These values must be compared with the reference ranges provided by the testing laboratory to determine if there are any abnormalities. Therefore, it is r...[Read More] Understanding Your Syphilis Test Results: TPLA and RPR Explained
Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Stabbed by a soft needle? Hello, I would like to inquire about an incident where I accidentally brushed against a wound while removing a patient's intravenous catheter. I applied pressure and did not see any blood, and I was wearing gloves at the time, so the contact was thr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: If there is a hole in the gloves, it indicates that the soft needle has directly punctured the skin, which poses a potential risk of infection even if there is no visible bleeding! Additionally, it is important to verify whether the patient has been tested for HIV, Hepatit...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infection from Accidental Needle Contact
Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Drinks?
Questions about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? I would like to ask the doctor: If someone intentionally adds bodily fluids containing sexually transmitted infections to a drink, would an unsuspecting person who consumes it become infected with HIV, sy...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the three sexually transmitted infections you mentioned cannot be transmitted through diet, so there is no need to worry. Thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Be Transmitted Through Contaminated Drinks?
Sudden Spike in Syphilis Titer: Causes and Treatment Insights
The syphilis index has suddenly increased? Hello, I was previously diagnosed with syphilis and after treatment, my PRP was maintained at 1:1. Recently (about six months later), I returned for a follow-up and it suddenly increased to 1:4. I am very certain that I have had no sexua...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, although PRP is the "syphilis index," it can fluctuate due to many factors, including the body's immune status. Therefore, we can only say that it may indicate syphilis reactivation, or it could be a distortion of the test values. Unfortunately, there is cur...[Read More] Sudden Spike in Syphilis Titer: Causes and Treatment Insights
Can STDs Like Syphilis and Gonorrhea Spread Through Contaminated Food?
Questions about the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? Infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and genital warts are primarily transmitted through sexual contact and are not typically spread through food. If bodily fluids from an infected person, such as bloo...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, sexually transmitted infections, including syphilis, are not transmitted through food. Please don't worry, and thank you for your question.[Read More] Can STDs Like Syphilis and Gonorrhea Spread Through Contaminated Food?
Understanding Syphilis Testing Concerns for Job Health Exams
Concerns regarding syphilis screening? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the items included in a general labor health examination. I am a student who was previously infected with syphilis, but I completed my final treatment two years ago with a titer of 1:2. My doctor info...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. The syphilis index you mentioned should ideally be negative at 1:2, which is close to negative. Therefore, it is possible to test either 1:2 or negative, depending on the sensitivity of the assay. 2. This is the company's regulation, not a standardized guidelin...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Testing Concerns for Job Health Exams
Understanding Syphilis Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Syphilis-related issues? Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I was diagnosed with syphilis on April 28 and went to the hospital on April 29 to receive a shot of Benzathine Penicillin. I am occasionally worried about its effectiveness; the rash has diminished, but there...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, regarding the syphilis blood test, the serological response is usually slower, and it typically takes 3 to 6 months for the blood test to more accurately determine whether the treatment has been successful. Immediate blood testing may have limited usefulness. As for your d...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis Treatment: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
Infection risk 1. If I accidentally cut myself with a utility knife while working, and the knife may have residual dried blood from a colleague who is a hepatitis C carrier, is it possible for me to contract hepatitis C through the cut if the virus survives on the dried blood? (I...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, hepatitis C is primarily transmitted through sharing needles or needlestick injuries, while syphilis is transmitted through sexual contact. The scenarios you mentioned are not routes of transmission for these two diseases, so the risk of infection is very low. Please don&#...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis C Infection Risks in Everyday Situations
Can STDs Be Detected After a Long Asymptomatic Period?
Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing Issues Hello, Dr. Hong. If a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is left untreated (due to being asymptomatic or unnoticed), and a long time passes until the asymptomatic stage, can it still be detected during testing at that point? O...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it depends on which disease you are referring to. If it is HIV, it may lead to a chronic infection, and it should still be detectable at this stage. If it is syphilis, it could become latent, but there is a high chance it can still be detected. As for other sexually transm...[Read More] Can STDs Be Detected After a Long Asymptomatic Period?
Understanding Latent Syphilis: Can RPR Tests Detect Asymptomatic Infection?
Syphilis Issues Hello Doctor, I accidentally discovered that there is a so-called fourth stage of syphilis (latent syphilis: referring to the period when syphilis enters a stage with no clinical symptoms). I would like to ask, even in the absence of symptoms, can the RPR test sti...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello: Yes, even in asymptomatic syphilis, the RPR test can usually still detect it. However, there is also a so-called window period for syphilis (the stage where one is infected but the RPR test is still negative). Therefore, it is generally recommended to follow up 3-6 months ...[Read More] Understanding Latent Syphilis: Can RPR Tests Detect Asymptomatic Infection?
Understanding Syphilis: Testing, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines
Syphilis Issues Continued Hello Doctor, regarding the syphilis issue 164200, I have a follow-up question. 1. As you mentioned, I have tested negative for RPR more than a year after the incident, and there have been no unsafe behaviors in between. Can I rule out the risk of infect...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. Indeed! 2. The window period for syphilis is generally less than one month, but there are many exceptions in medicine. A small number of individuals may experience a delayed conversion to a positive RPR due to factors such as the amount of bacteria they were infected with, the...[Read More] Understanding Syphilis: Testing, Risks, and Follow-Up Guidelines