Could I Have Contracted an STD? Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Hello, Doctor. I had sexual relations with a mature sex worker on August 22. Initially, she gave me a full-body massage with lotion, and later we engaged in intercourse with a condom. However, about 20 minutes after finishing and returning hom...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based solely on your symptoms, it is difficult to definitively determine whether it is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), primarily because STIs can present with a wide range of symptoms. Additional diagnostic tests are needed for a more accurate assessment. If you ar...[Read More] Could I Have Contracted an STD? Symptoms and Concerns Explained
Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure
About HIV/AIDS Hello, doctor. I had sexual intercourse with a mature sex worker on August 22. Initially, she gave me a full-body massage with lotion, and later we engaged in protected sex. However, about 20 minutes after I got home, I started feeling itchy all over, and a red spo...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question about the causes of HIV/AIDS, the response is as follows: A: You can refer to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.tw. (I) There are three main transmission routes for the Human Immunodefici...[Read More] Understanding HIV Symptoms: What to Know After Potential Exposure
Could My Symptoms Indicate HIV After Unprotected Sex?
Is there a possibility of having HIV? Hello doctor, after having unprotected intercourse on June 26 (because the condom slipped off), I started experiencing cold symptoms on August 5, including a sore throat and a mild fever of 38 degrees Celsius. I also felt weakness in my limbs...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the likelihood of a cold is higher. However, the initial symptoms of a cold and HIV are clinically difficult to differentiate. If you are concerned, I recommend getting tested for HIV or undergoing anonymous screening. Thank you for your question...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate HIV After Unprotected Sex?
Why Does Drinking Soy Milk Cause Sore Throat? Allergies Explained
Sore throat after drinking soy milk? I would like to ask why my throat hurts every time I drink soy milk. Is it due to an allergy? I also experience pain when I drink unsweetened soy milk.
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your question. Soy milk is a mild beverage, but if you experience a sore throat while consuming it, please consider consulting an otolaryngologist to check for any mucosal damage. After that, you may want to consider issues related to immune function or aller...[Read More] Why Does Drinking Soy Milk Cause Sore Throat? Allergies Explained
Managing Throat Issues with Hypothyroidism and Goiter
Throat issues I have hypothyroidism and also an issue with thyroid enlargement. Currently, my thyroid levels are normal, but I often choke when drinking water. I would like to know how to improve this issue.
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, if you have thyroid issues and are regularly taking medication or undergoing check-ups, it should not affect your ability to drink water. It is recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or a family medicine specialist to assess your swallowing function. You may consider c...[Read More] Managing Throat Issues with Hypothyroidism and Goiter
Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Is this an HIV infection? On the third day of my period, I had intercourse with my boyfriend (who frequents nightclubs) without using a condom, and there was no ejaculation inside. That night and the next day, my knees were a bit sore, but then it went away. The following day, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, the symptoms and incubation period do not strongly resemble HIV. However, it is advisable to consider a urinary tract infection. I recommend increasing your water intake and urinating frequently to alleviate the symptoms. If you continue to feel ...[Read More] Am I at Risk for HIV After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Symptoms
Concerns About Early HIV Infection Symptoms: What to Do Next
Concerned about the possibility of early HIV infection? Hello Doctor: After having sexual relations with a sex worker on June 12 (with a condom throughout), I developed a fever (low-grade fever that has persisted until now), dizziness, and muscle aches (first in my shoulders, the...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. You can consult and undergo related examinations at nearby medical facilities that offer anonymous screening. 2. The anonymous screening list is attached.[Read More] Concerns About Early HIV Infection Symptoms: What to Do Next
Understanding Risk Assessment and Symptoms After Potential Exposure
Regarding risk assessment and symptoms? Hello, doctor. At the beginning of May, I had some physical contact with a sex worker. During this interaction, she touched my genitals with her hand, which had a clear liquid on it. We ended with oral sex, but there was no vaginal intercou...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the symptoms of oral thrush and sore throat associated with infections, the response is as follows: A: According to the Centers for Disease Control website: 1. There are three main transmission routes for HIV: (A) Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, ana...[Read More] Understanding Risk Assessment and Symptoms After Potential Exposure
Understanding Acute HIV Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Symptoms of acute HIV infection? Hello Doctor, here is the sequence of events and my questions: I understand that symptoms alone cannot be used to speculate whether one has contracted HIV. It has not yet been 12 weeks since the exposure, but I feel quite uneasy, so I hope to alle...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the above, here is the response: A: According to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal intercourse or other exchanges of bodily fluids...[Read More] Understanding Acute HIV Infection Symptoms: What You Need to Know
Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Fever every afternoon? Hello doctor, I have been experiencing a fever for over a month now, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging from 37.5 to 38.5 degrees Celsius. Two months ago, I had symptoms such as coughing and a runny nose, with occasional fevers aro...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, regarding the above issue, here is my response. Hello, doctor. I have been experiencing a fever for over a month, with temperatures gradually rising in the afternoon, ranging between 37.5°C and 38.5°C. Two months ago, I had symptoms of cough and runny nose, with o...[Read More] Persistent Afternoon Fever: Understanding Chronic Symptoms and Causes
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Before the consultation, I experienced severe bloating that did not improve with burping, and I was unable to have a bowel movement. I also had no appetite. For about three months, I had recurrent gastrointestinal issues approximately three ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Based on your symptom description, there are several possible conditions to consider. First, the most likely cause is chronic constipation, especially if your intake of vegetables is low and you have little time for exercise. This can easily lead to the symptoms you described. ...[Read More] Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux: Symptoms and Management Tips
Understanding HIV Risks: Oral Sex and Symptoms Explained
HIV issues Hello, doctor. On March 6th of this year, I had unprotected oral sex with a sex worker. About 20 seconds later, she rinsed her mouth and then continued to provide service for another 20 seconds. Because I was concerned, I stopped the activity immediately. In the end, m...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, from your question, I can sense your concern and fear regarding oral sex without a condom. Indeed, if there is no blood contact and only saliva is involved, the risk of transmission is very low. As for your symptoms, they are likely caused by a cold or gastroenteritis. Alt...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Oral Sex and Symptoms Explained
Understanding Intermittent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Lung issues Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I had a complete physical examination last July, which included a chest CT scan, and the results showed no significant abnormalities in my lungs. However, I have been experiencing intermittent coughing for more than a ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Lung cancer indeed does not develop in such a short period of time. The only concern is that any examination has its limitations; a CT scan may not detect very small or early-stage lung cancer. However, based on your symptoms, it may not necessarily be lung cancer. Conditi...[Read More] Understanding Intermittent Cough: When to Worry About Lung Cancer
Rabies Exposure Concerns: What Parents Need to Know
Rabies infection issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, if my hand came into contact with the saliva of a stray dog and I only washed my hands normally afterward, touching water 2-3 times during that period, and then handled fruit for my child to eat (with my hands touching t...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers, Regarding the question of whether contact with the saliva of a stray dog could lead to rabies infection after only washing hands normally, touching water 2-3 times, and then cutting fruit for a child (with the hands touching the fruit), especially since the child h...[Read More] Rabies Exposure Concerns: What Parents Need to Know
Understanding Morning Cough: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Regarding morning cough? In the past month or two, I have been coughing persistently during the early morning hours, accompanied by a wheezing sound when breathing and clear phlegm. Occasionally, I also cough in the morning, though not very frequently, but if I cough too much, I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, the sound you described as "whooshing" is indicative of bronchoconstriction. I need to confirm whether this sound has been present for a long time or if it has recently developed. If it has been ongoing or occurs frequently, you should be cautious and consider vi...[Read More] Understanding Morning Cough: Causes and Solutions for Relief
Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Symptoms related to HIV/AIDS? Hello, doctor. Since around September of last year, I have had sexual encounters with over ten sex workers. Among these encounters, there were a few instances of unprotected oral sex, but all vaginal intercourse was protected, and there was no anal i...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: According to the information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov.tw/professional/list.aspx?treeid=7B56E6F932B49B90&nowtreeid=8CFCD9975BC5720FA. The transmission routes of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are as follows: 1...[Read More] Assessing HIV Risk: Symptoms and Concerns After Multiple Encounters
Could Cold Medicine Be Causing Your Sudden Limb Weakness?
Is the occasional weakness in the limbs related to cold medication? Hello, doctor: I have been coughing and my throat has been very itchy lately, so I went to a small clinic for a consultation. The doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis and prescribed medication for three days. I to...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello: Based on your symptom description, there are two possible causes. The first is the effect of medication, particularly antihistamines found in cold medications. If this is the case, symptoms usually improve after discontinuing the medication. The second possibility is that ...[Read More] Could Cold Medicine Be Causing Your Sudden Limb Weakness?
Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
I have experienced itching and swelling in my palms five times within the past six months, and I am very concerned? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about the swelling of my palms or fingers that has occurred five times in the past six months. Is there something wrong with my b...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Based on your symptoms, it seems like you may be experiencing urticaria or angioedema, but a definitive diagnosis requires a physical examination and a detailed medical history. I recommend taking photos of the swelling and then consulting with ...[Read More] Recurring Hand Swelling and Itching: Possible Causes and Concerns
Could My Symptoms Indicate Angioedema? Understanding Allergic Reactions
Could it be a symptom of "vascular neurogenic edema"? Hello, Doctor: I have been experiencing symptoms of "rhinitis" and a "tight and itchy throat" for about a month. The nasal symptoms include a feeling of congestion and slight swelling, although I ...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, "angioedema" is indeed a type of allergic reaction and can be considered one of the most severe forms of allergies. Patients typically have a clear exposure to a specific allergen, most commonly after consuming certain foods, leading to systemic allergic reaction...[Read More] Could My Symptoms Indicate Angioedema? Understanding Allergic Reactions
Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next
Injection allergy Hello Doctor: Two days ago, I strained my neck and it became swollen and painful, so yesterday I went to a clinic to receive anti-inflammatory injections (one clear and one yellow, administered in the back of my right hand). Shortly after the first injection, I ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wang: 1. During a single intravenous injection, it is almost always possible to see some degree of blood return; generally, it is not excessive, and you can simply push the blood back into the syringe. 2. Intravenous injections circulate throughout the body quickly und...[Read More] Understanding Injection Allergies: Symptoms and What to Do Next