Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Infection risk Hello, Doctor. During my previous visit to an acupuncture clinic, I noticed that there was blood left on the acupuncture table from the previous patient. I thoroughly cleaned the entire table with a 75% alcohol wipe, but I forgot to wash my hands before lying down ...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the vast majority of viruses die shortly after leaving the human body, and they will also die immediately upon contact with alcohol. Therefore, it is highly unlikely to contract any diseases from blood stains left by a previous patient. Additionally, touching small acupunc...[Read More] Assessing Infection Risks from Acupuncture: What You Need to Know
Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Questions about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs). I understand that STIs are primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse and mucosal contact. However, I am curious about ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be classified as either direct or indirect transmission; direct transmission occurs through close contact between individuals, particularly through sexual intercourse, as seen with diseases such as HIV and syphilis. 2. Indirect transm...[Read More] Understanding STD Transmission: Direct vs. Indirect Infection Risks
Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
HIV infection I have a cold and a sore throat. I came into contact with the saliva of an HIV-positive person. Since I have a sore throat with wounds, is there a risk of transmission?
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. Although HIV infection leads to immune dysfunction, the related symptoms are primarily various infections. Therefore, the issue of HIV should be addressed by an infectious disease specialist. Please consult with an infectious disease physician. ...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Saliva if You Have a Sore Throat?
Understanding Tetanus Risk After a Rusty Cut: What You Need to Know
Abrasion Last Thursday night, I accidentally scraped my little finger with a rusty paint scraper, causing a small cut that bled a little. I immediately disinfected it with iodine and applied antibiotic ointment. Here are the pictures from the day of the injury: [link1](https://dr...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, the symptoms of tetanus primarily present as neurological symptoms. If the tetanus vaccine is administered in a timely manner, the chances of contracting tetanus are very low. Overall, it appears that the wound and symptoms have improved, so there should be no cause for co...[Read More] Understanding Tetanus Risk After a Rusty Cut: What You Need to Know
Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot? Yesterday, on June 14th, I was punctured on the inner side of my foot by a rusty metal object while outside my home. At the time, it didn't penetrate completely; I felt something poke my foot and immediately moved away. There was a smal...
Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your inquiry. According to the literature, even if the wound is clean or very minor, if you have never received a tetanus vaccine before or if it has been more than 10 years since your last vaccination, it is advisable to get vaccinated. There is no data avai...[Read More] Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Rusty Nail Injury?
Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Is there a risk of HIV infection? Hello doctor, I previously went to a gay nightclub where a partner possibly ejaculated on my calf. There is a small area on my calf that seems to have a minor wound that is about to scab over. Is this a concern? Additionally, I licked the partner...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there is generally little risk associated with saliva coming into contact with the skin, but if semen comes into contact with an open wound, there is theoretically a slight risk of transmission (though it is low). I can only tell you that contact with bodily fluids carries...[Read More] Understanding HIV Risks: Potential Exposure Scenarios Explained
Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Urinary tract infection (UTI) issues? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions. I recently visited the obstetrics and gynecology department, and due to urgency, I went to the restroom first. After urinating, I accidentally dripped some urine on the toilet and the fl...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. The likelihood of transmission through general contact is low because the environmental differences between a toilet and the human body are significant. In terms of bacteria or viruses, the time required for adaptation greatly reduces their survival rate. 2. However, wounds ...[Read More] Understanding Urinary Tract Infection Risks and Hygiene Practices
Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor. I have two questions I'd like to ask. The first one is that a few days ago, the outer side of my thigh felt itchy and looked like it was bitten by an insect, with a little swelling. I didn't pay much attention to it and didn'...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, it's difficult to determine the exact condition just from the pictures, but insect bites combined with scratching can indeed lead to similar wounds. Lyme disease is almost non-existent in Taiwan, and most cases are contracted while traveling to Europe or America. The ...[Read More] Understanding Skin Reactions and Infection Risks: Common Concerns
Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Infection issues Hello, I apologize for the previous question. I would like to ask again: on March 24, I got a haircut and was accidentally cut on the neck, causing a small piece of skin to bleed. There is dried black blood around it. Am I at risk of contracting HIV? If the perso...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
It can be said yes, but it can also be said no; to transmit bloodborne diseases (including HIV and hepatitis B/C), aside from direct contact like sharing needles among drug users, the risk of transmission through other wound exposure is relatively low. If you are concerned, you m...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks After a Haircut: HIV and Other Concerns
Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Regarding contact with another person's blood? Hello Dr. Lin, my family member needs to check their blood sugar, but they cannot operate the device and cannot see, so I assist them. Today, my family member bled more than usual, and when I was about to discard the test strip,...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, there are many diseases that can be transmitted through exposure to blood and bodily fluids. The ones that are usually of particular concern are HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. It would be advisable to first check if any of your family members have a history o...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Contact with Family Member's Blood?
Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Infection issues Hello Dr. Lin, I would like to ask about an incident that happened while I was at a hotel in Taiwan with my family. I adjusted the showerhead and pressed on the area where the water sprays out. At that moment, I felt a sharp pain, but later I checked my finger an...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if there is no obvious bleeding or wound on the finger, there is basically little chance of transmitting any infectious disease. Please don't worry.[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Hotel Showerheads in Taiwan
Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Blood draw infection issues? Hello, doctor: (1) Last month, I went to a private laboratory for a blood test. Normally, the procedure is to draw blood first and then pay, but that day I paid first before the blood draw. The technician counted out change for me using seven one-hund...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
First, it is important to note that the HIV virus can only survive outside the human body for about 10 minutes. Therefore, unless the other person is covered in fresh blood and is in direct contact with your open wound, the risk of infection is very low. If you still have concern...[Read More] Blood Draw Infection Risks: Understanding Safety Protocols in Clinics
Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?
Animal bite injury About a week ago, I was bitten by some kind of creature while at the beach near Kenting Street. I saw a bat at that time. The next day, I noticed two close red spots on my foot, but since there was no pain, I didn't seek medical attention. Today, I realize...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
It is advised not to proceed, as it is difficult to confirm whether it is an inappropriate bite or if it was a bat bite. Currently, there have been no reported cases of rabies virus found in bats in the country. Alternatively, you can visit a healthcare facility that provides rab...[Read More] Should You Get Rabies Vaccination After an Animal Bite in Taiwan?
Can Wearing Contaminated Underwear Lead to HIV Infection?
Transmission route (wound) If underwear contaminated with HIV-infected bodily fluids is worn unknowingly, and there is an open wound on the male genitalia, there is a potential risk of HIV transmission if the contaminated underwear comes into contact with the wound.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
If exposed for more than 10 minutes, the HIV virus will die, so it is important to take good care of wounds and maintain personal hygiene to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.[Read More] Can Wearing Contaminated Underwear Lead to HIV Infection?
Can You Get HIV from Using a Thermometer After an Infected Patient?
Transmission routes of HIV (ear thermometer) If the previous patient was an HIV-positive individual and used an ear thermometer that came into contact with a wound or blood, and then I subsequently used the same ear thermometer on myself while having a wound in the same area, wou...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. Theoretically, it should not be transmitted; the transmission routes for HIV include unprotected sexual intercourse, improper blood transfusions, and transmission from an HIV-positive mother during regular prenatal check-ups. 2. Generally, routine physical examinations and c...[Read More] Can You Get HIV from Using a Thermometer After an Infected Patient?
Understanding Infection Risks from Contaminated Solutions
Concerns about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) transmission? 1. If infected blood drips into a solution and someone then uses that solution on a wound, is there a risk of infection? 2. If a person applies povidone-iodine (and allows it to dry) before coming into contact ...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
1. First, it depends on what type of solution it is. If it is plain water, the HIV virus can survive for about ten minutes before it dies; if it is a disinfectant, it is unlikely to survive at all. Therefore, transmission of HIV is not possible. 2. Similarly, it is not possible t...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Contaminated Solutions
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Regarding healthcare? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask three questions. 1. If there is a wound in the mouth (such as on the lips or inside the mouth), can I get infected if I eat something that has HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids? 2. Similarly, if I have a wound in my m...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
1. If bodily fluids contain live HIV, there is indeed a risk of infection. 2. All diseases transmitted through bodily fluids or droplets have the potential for infection. 3. Viruses typically die within minutes outside the human body, and public restrooms are unlikely to have bod...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks: Oral and Anal Concerns
Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Spaces: Key Insights
I forgot to ask for additional information? Hello, doctor! I apologize for my question. If someone with anal fissures or hemorrhoids sits on a public chair and comes into contact with HIV-infected blood or bodily fluids, could they be at risk of infection? I also forgot to ask, i...
Dr. Lin Wufu Reply:
Hello, if an open wound comes into contact with body fluids containing the HIV virus, there is indeed a risk of infection. However, the HIV virus dies within minutes once it leaves the human body, so the likelihood of encountering live HIV in a public place is very low. It is adv...[Read More] Understanding HIV Transmission Risks in Public Spaces: Key Insights
Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Used Gaming Consoles
Risk of HIV Infection If I buy a second-hand gaming console and touch my mouth without cleaning my hands, can I get infected with HIV (especially if there are small wounds in my mouth and on my hands)? The console does not have any visible fluids, but I am concerned that the prev...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are three main routes of HIV transmission: 1. Sexual transmission: Engaging in oral, anal, or vaginal sex without a condom with an HIV-infected individual poses a risk of infection through the exchange of...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks from Used Gaming Consoles
Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms
I would like to inquire about unexplained swelling on the back of the hand? Hello Doctor: I would like to inquire about my father (in his 60s). He previously went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with cellulitis. His symptoms included swelling and pain in his hand without ...
Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If your hand is swollen and you are unable to exert strength, you can consult either an orthopedic specialist or a neurologist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Unexplained Hand Swelling: Seeking Answers for Persistent Symptoms