Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Concerns regarding HIV and Hepatitis B? I have been staying up late until 3 AM since the beginning of the year. Between late February and mid-April, I had several instances of unprotected sexual intercourse with the same person (I am unaware of his medical history; I only know th...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically, the average window period for HIV is 3 months. If you have not engaged in sexual activity since April, then you should have surpassed the window period. Testing in August would likely yield a negative result, and the chances of infection should be very low. ...[Read More] Concerns About HIV and Hepatitis B After Unsafe Sexual Encounters
Understanding Persistent Fatigue and Heat Sensation After Napping
Feeling hot in the head? Hello, doctor... A week ago, after waking up from a nap, I started feeling a warm sensation in my head and overall weakness, feeling very fatigued. These symptoms have persisted until now, and I feel like I have a fever, but my body temperature is normal ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you were completely normal until a week ago when you started experiencing fatigue and a feeling of fever. It is highly suspected that you may have an infection, especially since the flu is currently prevalent. The common symptoms of the flu inclu...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fatigue and Heat Sensation After Napping
Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Immune system Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing mouth ulcers, throat pain, and gum pain since last month, and they haven't improved. A doctor suggested that I see an immunologist. Below are my health check reports: the report from April this year [link] and the immunolo...
Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the two blood test reports you provided, there are no abnormalities indicated, and the symptoms you described do not have any clear association with systemic lupus erythematosus. Generally speaking, different laboratories may have variations in measurement values ...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Disorders: Insights on Oral Ulcers and Lupus
Is Ultracet the Right Medication for My Cold Symptoms?
Ultracet Hello doctor, I have a cold with a sore throat and headache, and today is the 11th day. I visited a general clinic three times with no improvement, so I went to a medical center today. The doctor prescribed Ultracet tablets to be taken four times a day and Naposin 250mg ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Ultracet's main components are acetaminophen and tramadol. Tramadol injections are indeed commonly used for pain relief in cancer patients; however, Ultracet can also be used for pain management in patients with conditions other than cancer. Therefore, it is not exclu...[Read More] Is Ultracet the Right Medication for My Cold Symptoms?
Understanding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Testing and Symptoms
Post-PEP Testing Hello Dr. Liao, I engaged in sexual activities on March 17, which included approximately 30 seconds of unprotected oral sex and about 1 to 3 minutes of protected vaginal intercourse. There were around 10 thrusts, but the condom was not fitted properly. When I wit...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the topic of body temperature fluctuations and sweating after fever, here is the response: A: 1. If prophylactic treatment (PEP) was initiated within 66 hours and completed a 4-week course on April 16, you should be able to feel reassured. 2. Since the w...[Read More] Understanding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Testing and Symptoms
Understanding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Testing and Results
Post-PEP Testing Hello Dr. Hong, I engaged in sexual activity on March 17, which included approximately 30 seconds of unprotected oral sex and about 1 to 3 minutes of protected vaginal intercourse. During the intercourse, the condom did not fit well, and upon withdrawal, only the...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, you have completed PEP and subsequent tests have returned negative. Unless you have had further relevant exposure, the likelihood of contracting HIV is indeed very low. As for the symptoms you later described, such as fever, night sweats, and dia...[Read More] Understanding Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Testing and Results
Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
HIV Risk Hello doctor, I am a gay man. In early February, I had unprotected intercourse with someone, and I immediately withdrew after ejaculation. Does this reduce the risk of HIV infection, or is it still the same? I've been feeling a bit unwell these past few days; my gum...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, any unsafe sexual behavior carries a risk of HIV infection, and testing is necessary to confirm whether an infection has occurred. The symptoms you described are common manifestations of various infections, making it difficult to determine if HIV is present based solely on...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Key Insights for Gay Men After Unprotected Sex
Post-Exercise Weakness: Heart Pain, Breathing Issues, and Cold Sweats
Post-exercise generalized weakness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and profuse sweating? This morning, I overslept and rushed to the station. When I arrived, I felt very dizzy and thought I would wash my face at the nearby McDonald's. However, as soon as I walked in, my h...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: If you have the above symptoms, please go to the hospital for a detailed examination. Anemia can increase the workload on the heart, which is certainly related to cardiac issues. Thank you for your message![Read More] Post-Exercise Weakness: Heart Pain, Breathing Issues, and Cold Sweats
Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
During the recovery phase of facial nerve paralysis, swelling of the eyes and face may occur? Hello Doctor, I experienced facial nerve paralysis on the right side of my face on August 3, 2017. At that time, my right eye's vision, hearing, and taste were all affected. Althoug...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Here are my responses: 1. The unilateral lower limb swelling and pain (right leg) should not be related to the facial nerve paralysis on the same side, nor should it be associated with renal dysfunction (as renal dysfunction typically leads to...[Read More] Understanding Facial Swelling After Facial Nerve Paralysis: What to Do Next?
Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms
The recovery from a cold is slower than usual? I usually have nasal allergies, often experiencing nasal congestion and runny nose. Besides that, I rarely catch colds and do not take any medications regularly. Initially, one morning I woke up with sudden pain near my tonsils, and ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: <Regarding whether there is insufficient immunity or other underlying conditions? How to check and improve?> A: 1. You can refer to the following website: https://www.femh.org.tw/epaperadmin/viewarticle.aspx?ID=49672. It is recommended to maintain a regular ro...[Read More] Understanding Unusually Slow Recovery from Cold Symptoms
Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers
Purulent tonsillitis in the oral cavity, gingival swelling, and purulent lips? Hello Doctor, since I took my sister to the hospital on January 4th and stayed there from 9 AM to 10 PM, I have not slept for eighteen hours. It was the most irregular day for my schedule in over a yea...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, your oral ulceration does seem severe. It may not be possible to determine the true cause based solely on your description. I recommend visiting a major hospital's dental department for relevant examinations, including viral testing. If ther...[Read More] Understanding Oral Infections: Tonsillitis, Gum Swelling, and Lip Ulcers
Swollen Lymph Nodes Without Cold Symptoms: What to Do Next?
Swollen lymph nodes without cold symptoms? Hello Doctor, two weeks ago, I noticed swelling in the lymph nodes on the right side of my jaw, which is painful when pressed, but I do not have any cold symptoms (no cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, or runny nose). I took antibioti...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Painful swollen lymph nodes are usually associated with local infections, including bacterial and viral infections. Some infections may present with mild symptoms, primarily manifesting as lymphadenopathy. Therefore, if you have swollen and pai...[Read More] Swollen Lymph Nodes Without Cold Symptoms: What to Do Next?
Does Drinking Ice Water After Exercise Cause Pneumothorax?
Drinking a large amount of ice-cold water after exercise can cause pneumothorax? Hello Doctor: A friend heard that after exercising, drinking ice water caused discomfort and went to see a doctor, who said it was a pneumothorax caused by drinking ice water. Can drinking ice water ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, theoretically speaking, ice water may cause discomfort in the throat or gastrointestinal tract, but it should not directly lead to a pneumothorax. As for the causes of pneumothorax, aside from trauma, one possible reason could be severe coughing, or it may occur as a spont...[Read More] Does Drinking Ice Water After Exercise Cause Pneumothorax?
Understanding Persistent Fever and Cough: Possible HIV Concerns
I have been experiencing intermittent fever for a month? 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? 2. Do these symptoms resemble those of HIV? I have been monitoring my lymph nodes and oral health, and everything appears normal, except for throat pain caused...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding 1. What is the likelihood of contracting HIV in this situation? A: According to the CDC-Taiwan, there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse with an HIV-infected individual or exch...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Fever and Cough: Possible HIV Concerns
Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
About the common cold? I have been coughing for three to four days, but there has been no improvement, and my sleep has not been good (I have difficulty breathing). What should I do to improve? I have already visited a hospital in Taipei and underwent a rapid influenza test, whic...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, recently with colds, regardless of whether they are caused by the flu, symptoms including cough typically last for more than 3-4 days. However, if you continue to experience wheezing, it is advisable to get a chest X-ray to confirm whether there is pneumonia. As for the se...[Read More] Persistent Cough and Sleep Issues: When to Seek Further Medical Help
Is Lymphadenopathy Four Months After Unprotected Sex Related to HIV?
Lymphadenopathy appeared four months after anal intercourse? In early July of this year, I had sexual intercourse with a man. At first, we used a condom, but towards the end, I suddenly realized he had removed it, so I don't know how long I was exposed without protection. Re...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding <enlarged cervical lymph nodes...> the response is as follows: A: 1. Engaging in unsafe sexual practices (including withdrawal during intercourse) places individuals at high risk for sexually transmitted infections (including HIV). Please do not ta...[Read More] Is Lymphadenopathy Four Months After Unprotected Sex Related to HIV?
Understanding Causes of Chest and Throat Burning Sensations
Burning sensation in the chest and throat? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask what other conditions, besides gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can cause a burning sensation in the chest and throat? For example, can heart disease, bronchial diseases, respiratory diseases, or...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the most common cause is indeed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Additionally, esophageal infections, gastritis, mediastinitis, and myocarditis are also possible causes. It is recommended to first undergo an upper endoscopy, and if the res...[Read More] Understanding Causes of Chest and Throat Burning Sensations
Understanding Abdominal Pain and Breathing Issues: Which Specialist to See?
What are the issues related to the two symptoms, and which department should I visit? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing some tightness and discomfort in my upper abdomen recently, but it doesn't last long. The symptoms seem to be just tightness and pain, and although I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on the symptoms you described, the most likely causes of abdominal pain are gastroenteritis, peptic ulcer, and stress. To confirm the diagnosis, an upper endoscopy may be necessary. As for the difficulty in breathing, allergies could indeed be a primary cause, but it may be...[Read More] Understanding Abdominal Pain and Breathing Issues: Which Specialist to See?
Understanding Tonsil Swelling: Causes and Treatment Options
Swelling near the tonsils? About a month ago, I felt a sensation of something stuck in my throat. I visited an otolaryngologist two or three times, but the feeling of a foreign body has not disappeared. Recently, I noticed a very large mass on my tonsil that is not painful, but t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. It is recommended to first follow up with an otolaryngologist. 2. If you experience fever or sore throat, please consult an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Tonsil Swelling: Causes and Treatment Options
Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis
Acute HIV infection phase? Hello Doctor, I started feeling unwell around August 29, experiencing fever and fatigue. On August 30, I had blood tests showing a CRP of 7.490 (all other biochemical parameters were normal), WBC of 12,870, Neutrophils 70.8%, Lymphocytes 19.9%, and Mono...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the Centers for Disease Control website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw), 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 ...[Read More] Understanding Acute HIV Infection: Symptoms and Diagnosis