Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Rabies incubation period Hello doctor, about six years ago I was scratched by a wild cat. At that time, I was unsure if I received the rabies vaccine (because I heard that the rabies vaccine requires multiple doses; I remember I only received two shots, one for tetanus and I forg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiang: 1. The rabies virus is a rod-shaped virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus. All viruses in this genus share similar antigens, but monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid sequencing can distinguish viruses from different regions or animal sources. Animals infected ...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Rabies incubation period Hello, doctor. About six years ago, I was scratched by a wild cat. At that time, I wasn't sure if I received the rabies vaccine (because I heard that the rabies vaccine requires multiple doses; I remember getting two shots, one for tetanus and I forg...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Jiang: 1. The rabies virus is a rod-shaped virus belonging to the Lyssavirus genus. All viruses in this genus share similar antigens, but monoclonal antibodies or nucleic acid sequencing can differentiate viruses from different regions or animal sources. Animals infecte...[Read More] Understanding Rabies Latency: Risks After Cat Scratch Injury
Understanding Anal Bumps: Hemorrhoids or Fissures?
A small lump has developed at the anal opening? Hello, doctor. I noticed a small raised bump near my anus while taking a shower. It was fine the first day, but over the next few days, I experienced a slight stinging pain when I touched it or when it was pressed against (for examp...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello DITH! Please visit the colorectal surgery clinic.[Read More] Understanding Anal Bumps: Hemorrhoids or Fissures?
Managing Emotional Stress and Its Impact on Anal Skin Irritation
Emotional stress leading to anal friction and skin abrasion issues? Hello Doctor, I usually do not have issues with constipation, but I recently noticed that whenever I have important work and feel more anxious that day, after finishing the work, I feel like the area around my an...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Lemon: 1. Based on your description, it is possible that the skin around the anal area is ulcerated due to moisture and friction; sometimes this can also be caused by tight or ill-fitting clothing. If there are internal or external hemorrhoids or other anal conditions,...[Read More] Managing Emotional Stress and Its Impact on Anal Skin Irritation
Understanding Blood Infection Risks After Needle Stick Injuries
Blood infection Hello, doctor. While I was giving injections and drawing blood from a stray dog, I accidentally pricked my own finger and it bled. I have previously received a tetanus shot and completed the rabies vaccination series. What else should I be aware of? Is there a ris...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Currently, there are no reported cases of HIV or hepatitis B and C viruses being transmitted through blood from dogs in clinical settings. If there are any concerns, it is advisable to consult with an infectious disease specialist.[Read More] Understanding Blood Infection Risks After Needle Stick Injuries
Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Watch For After a Minor Injury
Cat scratch on the lip? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a cat scratch on the inside of my lip. There is no obvious bleeding, but the skin is broken. I received a tetanus shot within the last five years. Is there anything else I need to pay special attention to? Thank you...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kai: 1. Your issue pertains to a cat scratch. It is recommended to observe or confine the cat for 10 days. If the cat becomes ill or dies, you should consider receiving the rabies vaccine. However, if you are very concerned, you may consider self-paying for the rabies v...[Read More] Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Watch For After a Minor Injury
Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Do and When to Worry
Cat scratch on the lip? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a cat scratch on the inside of my lip. There is no obvious bleeding, but the skin is broken. I received a tetanus shot within the last five years. Is there anything else I need to pay special attention to? Thank you...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Kai: 1. Your issue pertains to a cat scratch; it is recommended to observe or confine the cat for 10 days. If the cat becomes ill or dies, you should consider receiving a rabies vaccination. Of course, if you are very concerned, you may consider paying out of pocket for...[Read More] Cat Scratch on Lip: What to Do and When to Worry
Understanding Anal Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Anal issues Recently, I noticed a round lump near my anus and I'm not sure which medical specialty I should consult.
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, please note that an online consultation with a colorectal specialist is not equivalent to an in-person visit, and it cannot provide a diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Anal Issues: When to See a Family Medicine Specialist
Rabies Concerns After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Rabies Consultation Hello Doctor: About a week ago, while I was feeding stray cats near my home (in the Taoyuan District), I was scratched on the back of my hand near the webbing between my thumb and index finger. At the time, there were only superficial scratch marks and no blee...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wang: 1. 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. According to the rabies ...[Read More] Rabies Concerns After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know
Rabies Vaccination: Do You Need to Complete Your D&T Shots?
Rabies vaccine for humans Hello, doctor. I would like to ask a question. About six months ago, I was bitten by a stray dog in Thailand. At that time, I went to the hospital for treatment, and the doctor administered HRIG and two types of vaccines: Verorab and diphtheria and tetan...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the diphtheria and tetanus combination vaccine is generally recommended for adults as a preventive measure or booster shot, typically administered every ten years. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or ...[Read More] Rabies Vaccination: Do You Need to Complete Your D&T Shots?
Should You Get Rabies and Tetanus Shots After Cat Scratches?
Scratched by a feral cat? If your daughter was scratched by a stray cat, it is important to consider rabies and tetanus vaccinations. Since she was scratched three times by different cats, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. For rabies, the risk depends on the...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello! The initial symptoms of rabies are nonspecific, such as fever, sore throat, chills, malaise, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficulty breathing, cough, weakness, anxiety, and headache, or specific symptoms related to the site of a bite or scratch. After several days, symptom...[Read More] Should You Get Rabies and Tetanus Shots After Cat Scratches?
Unexplained Skin Itching: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Unexplained skin itching? Hello doctor, at the beginning of May, one morning I woke up and suddenly my knees were itchy, but it stopped after about an hour. About a week ago, the back of my right hand suddenly became itchy for no apparent reason, which lasted intermittently for a...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Guang: Itching due to skin disorders is commonly associated with the following conditions: 1. Infections: fungal infections, bacterial infections, scabies, and lice infestations. 2. Inflammatory responses: psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, xerotic de...[Read More] Unexplained Skin Itching: Causes and When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Infection Risks from Animal Handling and Wound Care
Infection issues Hello Doctor: Last week, I handled a certain type of wild mammal that had been hunted in Hualien. During the process of cutting the animal's carcass, I accidentally cut my hand with a knife. The top layer of skin was lifted, but there was no significant woun...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the Centers for Disease Control provides educational content on rabies. The main transmission route is through bites from animals infected with rabies, as the virus is present in their saliva and can enter the human body through scratches, bites, or through skin wounds and...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Animal Handling and Wound Care
Concerns About Infection Risks from Handling Wild Animal Carcasses
Infection issues Hello Doctor: I handled a certain non-protected wild mammal that had been hunted. During the process of cutting the animal's carcass, I accidentally cut my hand with the knife. The top layer of skin was lifted, but there was no obvious wound (no bleeding). H...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! It is recommended that you first seek treatment at a medical facility for the laceration. In addition to pathogens from the animal itself, the instruments used may also carry pathogens. You may need to receive a tetanus vaccine and have the wound assessed to determine if f...[Read More] Concerns About Infection Risks from Handling Wild Animal Carcasses
Do I Need a Tetanus Shot for a Minor Scratch? Expert Advice
Scratching Issues Hello, Doctor. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve been washing my hands and using alcohol frequently lately, but my skin feels fragile. I accidentally scratched my hand on a wooden board, and now there’s a red mark. I would like to know if I need to go get a teta...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The tetanus vaccine is effective for 5 to 10 years after administration, so there is no need for a booster shot during that period. Regarding wound care, based on your description, it appears to be a superficial wound, so hydrogen peroxide is not necessary. You can clean i...[Read More] Do I Need a Tetanus Shot for a Minor Scratch? Expert Advice
Concerns About Eating Food Possibly Contaminated by Rodents
Unsure if I have eaten something that has been bitten by a mouse? As the title suggests, I found that an apple without refrigeration had a large bite taken out of it, and I suspect it was a mouse. I had some fried chicken that I didn't finish and left out for a day without r...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your concerns, it is difficult to have direct evidence to confirm or exclude food contamination. However, it is important to follow proper food storage methods to prevent the growth of bacteria or other pathogens that can cause foodborne illness or spoilage. If y...[Read More] Concerns About Eating Food Possibly Contaminated by Rodents
Do I Need Tetanus Shots After Stepping on Glass? Common Concerns
Possible inquiries regarding skin infections? Hello, today when I got out of the car, I didn't notice a brown glass bottle on the ground and stepped on it. Although I was wearing shoes, I quickly took off my shoes after getting in the car and it seems like I wasn't pier...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsu: 1. Tetanus is primarily caused by the spores of Clostridium tetani infecting through skin or mucosal wounds. The neurotoxin released by the bacteria binds to the synapses of nerve cells, leading to tonic muscle spasms. Common symptoms include fever, headache, cons...[Read More] Do I Need Tetanus Shots After Stepping on Glass? Common Concerns
Do I Need Tetanus Shots After Stepping on Glass? Common Concerns
Possible inquiries regarding skin infections? Hello, today when I got out of the car, I didn't pay attention and stepped on a brown glass bottle. Although I was wearing shoes, I quickly took them off after getting back in the car and it looks like I wasn't cut or bleedi...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Hsu: 1. Tetanus is primarily caused by the spores of Clostridium tetani infecting through skin or mucosal wounds. The neurotoxin released by the bacteria binds to the synapses of nerve cells, leading to tonic muscle spasms. Common symptoms include fever, headache, cons...[Read More] Do I Need Tetanus Shots After Stepping on Glass? Common Concerns
Concerns About Mebendazole and Metronidazole Drug Interactions
The interaction issues between Mebendazole and Metronidazole? Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing itching around the anus, which is particularly bothersome at night. Since I had Mebendazole, a common antiparasitic medication, at home, I took it for about two weeks, at a dosage...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Ellie: 1. Mebendazole is a synthetic benzimidazole compound that is widely effective against nematodes. This medication is the first-line treatment for whipworm (Trichuris trichiura), pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis), hookworms (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duode...[Read More] Concerns About Mebendazole and Metronidazole Drug Interactions
Concerns About Rabies Vaccination After Cat Scratch Abroad
Concerns about receiving rabies vaccination abroad? Hello, Doctor. The patient was scratched by a wild cat in the Philippines on 10/13 (no bite wound), with slight surface bleeding. They received a rabies vaccine locally on 10/14. They will return to the hospital to receive equin...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. VV: 1. Currently, there are two known rabies vaccines: a. Verorab® (Sanofi Pasteur), which is cultured in African green monkey kidney cells. b. Rabipur® (Novartis), which is a purified chick embryo cell vaccine. 2. Clinically, it is preferable to use the same ...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies Vaccination After Cat Scratch Abroad