How Long Should You Wait Between Tetanus and COVID Vaccines?
How long should vaccines be spaced apart? Hello doctor, I would like to ask about the interval between receiving the tetanus vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. I've seen information online suggesting a 7-day interval as well as a 14-day interval, which has caused me some conc...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The latest information on COVID-19 vaccines announced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare is as follows: COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines in different arms, or they can be given at any interval. Therefore, you can receive the COVID...[Read More] How Long Should You Wait Between Tetanus and COVID Vaccines?
Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
The possibility of Vibrio species in shrimp fishing ponds? Hello Doctor, I apologize for the lengthy question. I would like to ask about an incident that occurred yesterday when I went to a shrimp fishing venue for the first time. I accidentally got pricked by a fish hook on my h...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium commonly found in marine environments, and there are two main routes of infection. The first is through the consumption of contaminated seafood, such as oysters, clams, and raw fish. The second route is through direct infection via the skin,...[Read More] Concerns About Vibrio Infection After Fishing: What You Need to Know
How to Access Your Vaccination Records in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Where can I check my vaccination records? Hello, doctor. A few years ago, I received vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis B, and some other vaccines, but today when I used the health passbook feature in the National Health Insurance app, I only found records of the vaccines admini...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The following information is provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare: Individuals or medical institutions can inquire about vaccination records through the following three channels: 1. Since 2014, contracted medical institutions can connect to the "National Imm...[Read More] How to Access Your Vaccination Records in Taiwan's Healthcare System
Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
What is the likelihood of a false positive result for the TPHA test? In January, I donated blood and tested negative. However, in August, I was informed that my TPHA was positive and RPR was negative. In November, I went to the infectious disease department for testing, and the r...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! Syphilis infection typically enters the body through skin and mucosal lesions, but it is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse; sharing bathroom facilities, kissing, hugging, and similar activities in daily life do not pose a risk. According to the self-reported...[Read More] Understanding the Likelihood of False Positive TPHA Results in Blood Tests
Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Infection issues 1. If I have a wound on my hand and the other person also has a bleeding wound, and their blood comes into contact with coins or paper bills, can I get infected if my wound touches the wet blood or if I directly touch their bleeding wound? 2. If I haven't ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, the hypothetical situation mentioned has a very low chance of causing infection. You may consider wearing gloves, and if you have concerns, you can go to a designated facility for anonymous testing. General contact is unlikely to cause transmission, and regular handwashing...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks in Daily Life: A Guide for Family Medicine
Persistent Discomfort After Wasp Sting: When to Seek Medical Attention
It has been a week since the bee sting, and I still feel uncomfortable? Hello Doctor, I was stung by a wasp (I didn't see it clearly, but I'm sure it wasn't a bee) a week ago (on July 14) on the area just behind my left ear at the hairline. At that time, I received...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If possible, I recommend returning to the original clinic where you received treatment for the bee sting, or consulting a dermatologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Persistent Discomfort After Wasp Sting: When to Seek Medical Attention
Managing Minor Wound Care After a Car Accident: Tetanus Concerns
Wound issues after a car accident? Hello, Doctor: A few days ago, I had an accident and fell, resulting in a localized abrasion on my lower leg (about 2-3 cm). About half an hour later, I went to the pharmacy to purchase antiseptic products, and the next day I visited the hospita...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil and animal feces, and it invades the human body through broken skin. It can also be contracted after burns or animal bites. Since tetanus bacteria are anaerobic, the likelihood of infection from ...[Read More] Managing Minor Wound Care After a Car Accident: Tetanus Concerns
Understanding the Connection Between Constipation, Urinary Issues, and Buttock Pain
Inquiring about the relationship between constipation, urgency of urination, frequency of urination, and perineal pain? Hello, doctor. I am 28 years old and have a habit of sitting for long periods. Recently, I visited a gastroenterologist due to constipation issues. After an abd...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended that you consult a gastroenterologist to assess your intestinal condition, or you may consider arranging a self-paid health check to clarify any abnormalities. For the persistent pain in your buttocks, you can seek a professiona...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Constipation, Urinary Issues, and Buttock Pain
Rabies and Tetanus Vaccination After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Rabies scratch Hello doctor, on July 12th, I was playing with a stray cat being fed by someone on the roadside in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung, and accidentally got scratched by its claw, resulting in a cut about 1 centimeter long on my hand. It was similar to a paper cut; at the ...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
The risk of rabies in Taiwan is currently limited to wild animals in the central, southern, and eastern mountainous regions, with the main infected species being the ferret badger, along with a few cases involving the white-nosed coati. If you experience any discomfort, please vi...[Read More] Rabies and Tetanus Vaccination After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Understanding Rectal Bleeding in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Help
Rectal bleeding? You should consult a gastroenterologist or a colorectal surgeon for your mother's condition. They specialize in disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate management for the bleeding and any potential hemorr...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Chen, You mentioned that your mother is 90 years old and has recently been experiencing recurrent blood clots from the anus. It is recommended that she visit a colorectal specialist for an examination, and to assess whether further investigation is necessary.[Read More] Understanding Rectal Bleeding in Elderly Patients: When to Seek Help
Swollen and Painful Perineal Area Near Anus: Causes and Remedies
The tissue near the anus in the perineal area feels red and swollen? Recently, I have been experiencing redness and swelling in the area of the perineal raphe near the anus. It doesn't hurt when I walk, but it does hurt when I touch it while cleaning myself. It feels like in...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is advisable to seek medical attention for an in-person consultation with a physician to confirm the cause. Online consultations are not equivalent to an in-person visit and cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hos...[Read More] Swollen and Painful Perineal Area Near Anus: Causes and Remedies
Managing Infected Wounds: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
The wound has pus? Last Thursday, I was bitten by a dog and received a tetanus shot and antibiotics. Yesterday, Tuesday, there was still some red and yellow fluid oozing from the wound. I went to see a surgeon, who applied medication and prescribed a three-day course of antibioti...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your wound appears to have some necrotic tissue and pus in the center, with surrounding redness and swelling, which raises concerns about a possible infection. If the redness and swelling do not improve after completing three days of antibiotics and ointment, I recommend t...[Read More] Managing Infected Wounds: When to Seek Further Medical Attention
Cat Scratch Concerns: Do You Need Tetanus or Rabies Vaccines?
Cat scratch from a feral cat - rabies? Hello doctor, on July 12th, I was playing with a stray cat that someone was feeding on the roadside in Zuoying District, Kaohsiung. I accidentally got scratched by its claw, resulting in a cut about 1 centimeter long on my hand, similar to a...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the association between animal bites and rabies, please refer to the following article: https://www.tma.tw/EpidemicPre/index-Rabies001.asp. If you have any concerns, please seek medical evaluation from a physician. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-pe...[Read More] Cat Scratch Concerns: Do You Need Tetanus or Rabies Vaccines?
Understanding Anal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Anal issues I have been experiencing some constipation recently, and for the past few days, I've noticed that the skin at the junction of my buttocks is painful when pressed or touched, almost like it's chafed. What could this be? Do I need to see a doctor? Thank you.
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Your condition may be an acute anal fissure caused by constipation, primarily due to hard stools passing through the anus, which can injure the anal sphincter due to straining. Typically, conservative treatment is the main approach, and surgery is usually not required. It ...[Read More] Understanding Anal Discomfort: When to Seek Medical Advice
Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After Cat Bite? Expert Advice
Is there still a concern about rabies infection, and should a vaccine be administered? About three years ago, on a Sunday afternoon, I encountered my neighbor's cat in the stairwell of our apartment building. The cat often roamed around the building. That afternoon, as I was...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello: I'm not very clear about this, so I'm asking in the infectious disease outpatient clinic.[Read More] Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After Cat Bite? Expert Advice
Do I Need a Tetanus Shot for a Minor Scrape from a Bike Accident?
Regarding minor abrasions from a car accident? A few days ago, I had a motorcycle accident. At the time, I didn't pay much attention to it, but when I got home in the evening, I noticed a small, shallow abrasion. I was wearing long pants, and they didn't tear. Doctor, i...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If you have not received a vaccination in over 10 years, you may consider getting vaccinated.[Read More] Do I Need a Tetanus Shot for a Minor Scrape from a Bike Accident?
Risk of Rabies Infection from Cat Bites: What You Need to Know
The likelihood of contracting rabies from a bite by a kitten is very low. Rabies is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically wild animals such as bats, raccoons, and foxes. Domestic cats can carry rabies, but the incidence is rare, especially A few ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Currently, the epidemic in Taiwan is limited to wild animals such as badgers and raccoon dogs. In the past six months, positive cases of badgers have been monitored in areas such as Shizi Township in Pingtung County, Zhushan Township in Nantou County, Heping District in Ta...[Read More] Risk of Rabies Infection from Cat Bites: What You Need to Know
Do I Need Rabies and Tetanus Shots After a Stray Cat Scratch?
Questions related to rabies? Today, while feeding a stray cat, I accidentally got scratched by the cat on my right leg. However, upon examining my leg, I found no wounds, or the wounds are very small, and there was no bleeding. I would like to ask the doctor if I need to go to th...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, if there are no obvious wounds, there should generally be no issues. However, if you are still concerned, it is advisable to seek a personal consultation as soon as possible to assess the subsequent treatment plan. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visit...[Read More] Do I Need Rabies and Tetanus Shots After a Stray Cat Scratch?
Understanding Mold in Water Bottles: Health Risks and Precautions
Mold-related issues? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I recently discovered a significant amount of mold at the bottom of the water bottle that my family has been using for years (I had never noticed it before). I don't know how long it has been there, so I hurried to clean it. I would like...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. JAM: 1. Fungi are ubiquitous in our subtropical and tropical climate; fungi, also known as mycetes, are diverse, but only a few species can cause diseases in humans. Diseases caused by these pathogens are collectively referred to as fungal infections, mycotic infections...[Read More] Understanding Mold in Water Bottles: Health Risks and Precautions
Risk of Rabies from Wild Dog Bites: What You Need to Know
Can you get rabies from a wild dog bite? Recently, two stray dogs came to my home. I was playing with one of them when I accidentally got bitten by the other. The wound has two puncture marks but is not deep. Since it was too late to go out, I only disinfected it with iodine. I w...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you go to a medical facility to receive a tetanus vaccine and have your wound treated. According to the Centers for Disease Control data, "Taiwan is currently considered a rabies-endemic area, with the primary infected animals being wild ferrets...[Read More] Risk of Rabies from Wild Dog Bites: What You Need to Know