What does it mean when a medical test for infectious agents like Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Treponema pallidum, and HIV-1 antigen(s) with HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies is marked as 'Active'?

August 27th, 2024

I work in an office setting and was exposed to someone with walking pneumonia who started antibiotics two days ago. They did not sneeze, cough, or touch anything while near me, and the doctor said they are no longer contagious after 48 hours on antibiotics. I used hand sanitizer and disinfected the room. What are the chances of me contracting pneumonia, and is there anything else I can do to lower my risk?

October 29th, 2024

I'm on a prescribed daily pill for heartburn relief. Is it possible that I'm still having acid reflux? I've had some chest pains, a sore throat, and severe heartburn after drinking cocktails. My doctor thinks it's related to acid reflux.

November 9th, 2024

I took misoprostol 400 mg before a surgical abortion at 14 weeks gestation, but I became distressed and couldn't go through with the surgery. I am now concerned about the potential effects of the drug on the fetus. The doctors say it won't affect the fetus because it's already formed, but I can't find any online evidence to support this. What are the risks of fetal malformations, particularly to the central nervous system and eyes, after taking misoprostol at this stage of pregnancy?

August 13th, 2023

I have tested negative for HIV using an oral swab at 3 months, and twice with ELISA tests at 6 and 12 months. Could I be a rare case that didn’t produce antibodies? Why does the American Red Cross use a DNA test to catch every case, while CDC and others recommend ELISA? Why take a chance for a false negative?

September 13th, 2024