Cat Bite Without Proper Wound Care: Risks and Vaccination Concerns
A bite from a feral cat without rinsing the wound? Hello doctor, today I was bitten by a stray cat (it bled) and I have one larger wound on my left hand along with several smaller spots. I only rinsed the larger wound briefly with saline (just for a moment) and didn't clean ...
Dr. Ke Zhengqin reply Influenza
Hello: Dr. Ke has retired, and I am Dr. Lin Wu-Fu from the Infectious Diseases Department responding on his behalf: 1. Vaccination does not guarantee 100% prevention of rabies, but according to the literature, the probability is quite low, and the prevalence of rabies among feral...[Read More] Cat Bite Without Proper Wound Care: Risks and Vaccination Concerns
Flu Symptoms or STD Concerns: Understanding Your Health Questions
Inquiry about sexually transmitted diseases and flu symptoms? Hello Doctor, I had unprotected oral sex on May 26, and then on May 29, I developed a high fever (39.6 degrees Celsius). After visiting my family doctor, I was told it was likely influenza and not related to a sexually...
Dr. Ke Zhengqin reply Influenza
Hello! Dr. Ke has retired, and I am Dr. Lin Wufu from the Infectious Disease Department here to respond: 1. Influenza often presents with muscle aches, typically manifesting as generalized body aches or particularly in the back. It is uncommon for the pain to be localized to one...[Read More] Flu Symptoms or STD Concerns: Understanding Your Health Questions
Understanding Normal Body Temperature Across Different Measurement Sites
Body Temperature of Different Parts of the Human Body There are many types of thermometers available on the market for measuring body temperature, including ear thermometers, forehead thermometers, and axillary thermometers. If we assume that an ear temperature of 37 degrees Cels...
Dr. Ke Zhengqin reply Influenza
The normal temperature for forehead, axillary, wrist, and oral measurements is also 37 degrees Celsius, while the normal rectal temperature is 37.6 degrees Celsius.[Read More] Understanding Normal Body Temperature Across Different Measurement Sites
Understanding the Risks of Nasal Irrigation and Amoebic Infections
Amoeba protozoa I used to catch colds frequently, and due to my work, I live in a colder area in the northern part of Taiwan, where I work in crowded places and cannot wear a mask all the time, making it hard to avoid infections. Each time I caught a cold, it was quite severe, wi...
Dr. Ke Zhengqin reply Influenza
It is not recommended to rinse your nose with water using your nostrils. To prevent more severe colds, it is advisable to receive an annual influenza vaccine. When someone exhibits symptoms of a cold, such as coughing, they must wear a mask to prevent cross-infection. Generally, ...[Read More] Understanding the Risks of Nasal Irrigation and Amoebic Infections
Understanding the Differences Between Avian Influenza and H1N1
Avian Influenza Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask about avian influenza. What is the difference between avian influenza and the recent H1N1?
Dr. Ke Zhengqin reply Influenza
Avian Influenza – The influenza that infects birds is known as avian influenza. This disease is caused by a virus, and patients may exhibit respiratory symptoms, including cough, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Additionally, symptoms outside the respiratory system may occur, su...[Read More] Understanding the Differences Between Avian Influenza and H1N1
Understanding SARS Isolation Bed Requirements in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Regarding SARS You can find the regulations regarding the minimum number of SARS isolation beds required in general hospitals that are eligible for National Health Insurance reimbursement in Taiwan by checking the official website of the Ministry of Health and Welfare or the Nati...
Dr. Ke Zhengqin reply Influenza
SARS is classified as a Category I notifiable infectious disease, and hospitalization costs are fully covered by the National Health Insurance, meaning patients do not have to pay. As for the number of isolation beds for SARS in hospitals, there are currently 22 hospitals in Taiw...[Read More] Understanding SARS Isolation Bed Requirements in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Understanding RT-PCR: Key Insights on Flu and SARS Testing
A professional question? I saw in newspapers and magazines about the method for testing SARS, RT-PCR. What is that? What is the principle behind it?
Dr. Ke Zhengqin reply Influenza
RT-PCR is an abbreviation for Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction, a technique developed by foreign researchers, hence its English name. This technology was created to address the following challenge: how can we determine whether a specific virus is present in the blo...[Read More] Understanding RT-PCR: Key Insights on Flu and SARS Testing