Recent Advice

Hi. (1) I\'d like to know if there are any documented cases whereby there was HIV infected blood on a glass and someone got accidentally cut by the glass and got infected with HIV? What other diseases can be possibly spread by this? (2) What about knives? If someone gets cut by a knife with HIV blood on it will the person get HIV? Are there any documented cases of this happening? What other diseases can be possibly spread by this? (3) If lets say someone on the street accidentally fell down and is bleeding profusely, and i help the person and my hands are covered with his blood, will i get diseases from his blood (assuming that in case 1 i have an open wound on my hand, and case 2 i do not have open wound on my hand)? what are the chances of catching diseases from case 1 and 2? are there any documented cases of this incidents whereby the passerby got infected with diseases? Thank you very much for your reply.

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Chancroid Hepatitis B Pubic Lice
Genital Herpes HIV & AIDS Scabies
Genital Warts Molluscum Contagiosum Syphilis
Gonorrhoea NGU Vaginal Discharges
 
Neonatal GC affecting eyes
Gonorrhoea penile discharge

WHAT IS GONORRHOEA?
It is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae.


HOW DOES ONE GET GONORRHOEA?

  • Sexual intercourse with an infected person (vaginal, anal or oral sex)
  • Mother-to-child (during normal child birth)
  • Casual social contact and toilet seats are not recognised modes of transmission

INCUBATION PERIOD

  • Symptoms appear 2 to 7 days after infection


WHAT ARE THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS?

As with other sexually transmitted infections, there may be different presentations. An infected person may have no complaints or present with the following symptoms:

Males

  • Urethral discharge: white or yellow (urethra = urinary canal)
  • Burning pain or irritation when urinating (dysuria)

Females

  • Vaginal discharge: yellowish or greenish (vagina = birth canal)
  • Dysuria

Males And Females

Gonorrhoea of the throat and rectum may not cause any symptoms, or may cause a sore throat and rectal discharge.

Babies

  • Conjuctivitis (infection of the eyes) may lead to blindness


WHAT ARE THE LONG TERM COMPLICATIONS?

Males

  • Spread of infection to the testis, seminal vesicles and prostate may lead to acute or chronic infection of these organs

Females

  • Infertility
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

Males And Females

  • Generalised spread of infection may involve the joints, skin and heart

HOW IS GONORRHOEA DIAGNOSED?

  • Smear test and culture from secretions of the infected parts (urethra, throat, rectum and cervix)
  • Blood tests do not help in diagnosis


WHAT IS RESISTANT GONORRHOEA?

  • It is an infection caused by strains of bacteria which are able to resist conventional doses of antibiotics
  • Some strains produce an enzyme called penicillinase that is capable of completely neutralising penicillin


CAN GONORRHOEA BE CURED?

  • Yes, if it is detected and treated in the early stages with appropriate antibiotics


WHAT SHOULD I DO?

  • Seek treatment immediately from your doctor who will administer the appropriate antibiotics
  • Refrain from sexual intercourse until your doctor has confirmed that you are cured
  • Do not self medicate as this will suppress the signs of infection and lead to complications due to incomplete treatment
  • Inform your doctor of any drug allergy
  • Ensure that your sexual partner(s) come for a check-up so that he/she can be treated early if found to be infected
  • Repeated infections can occur as there is no permanent immunity

WHAT IS SAFER SEX?

  • This is sex without the exchange of body fluids, e.g. vaginal secretions or semen, during sex
  • Use condoms correctly and every time you have sex
  • Do not consume alcohol before or during sex, this may impair your judgement
  Call the AIDS/STI hotlines at 6295 2944 for more information
  HOW DO I GET HELP