Should I Worry About Rabies After a Minor Dog Scratch?
Should I be concerned about rabies in this situation? Around March 16, I accidentally got a minor scratch from my neighbor's dog, which slightly broke the skin but did not bleed, leaving a small red mark. At that moment, I had to rush to work and did not treat it immediately...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello Mr. Chang: Currently, there is no rabies outbreak among stray and domestic dogs in Taiwan! Even in areas with rabies outbreaks, the risk of virus transmission from a bite by a dog or other animals only exists if there is bleeding. Based on your description, there is no need...[Read More] Should I Worry About Rabies After a Minor Dog Scratch?
Understanding the Contagiousness of Chickenpox and Blister Infections
The contagiousness of blisters? Hello, doctor. Recently, our school has switched to remote learning due to confirmed cases. Just the day before yesterday, a friend in the dormitory showed me that there was a chickenpox infection on their floor, so they started disinfecting again....
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Gina: 1. Chickenpox (Varicella) refers to the disease caused by the initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is most commonly seen in children under the age of 10, although it can occasionally occur in young adults. The early symptoms resemble thos...[Read More] Understanding the Contagiousness of Chickenpox and Blister Infections
Hand Hygiene and Disease Risks: Alcohol Disinfection in Public Spaces
Hygiene practices: hand sanitization? Hi Doctor, if I touch products in a public place without washing my hands but use 75% alcohol to sanitize my hands before eating, what diseases could I potentially be at risk of contracting? Thank you. The recent virus outbreak has been quite...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
It is recommended that you wash your hands frequently.[Read More] Hand Hygiene and Disease Risks: Alcohol Disinfection in Public Spaces
Is Drinking Water Treated with Copper Safe? Health Risks Explained
Is drinking water that has been soaked in copper or copper rust toxic? Hello Doctor, several years ago I used the "Kappa Water Purifier" for about four months. It claims to utilize 30-micron copper fibers soaked in water to achieve chlorine removal and disinfection. I r...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Anonymous: 1. Is water that has been in contact with copper toxic? It is important to consider the type of "copper" in the product, what compounds it is in, its oxidation state, whether it is alloyed with other metals, and if any additional elements have been...[Read More] Is Drinking Water Treated with Copper Safe? Health Risks Explained
Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After a Monkey Scratch?
Is it necessary to receive the rabies vaccine? Hello Doctor: On February 6, I was scratched on my right calf by a wild monkey at Batu Caves, a tourist spot in the northern suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. At the time, I was wearing long pants, and there was no bleeding or obvio...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
For information regarding rabies education, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/diseaseinfo.aspx?treeid=8D54C504E820735B&nowtreeid=265391389B8B2287&tid=9D2E1B3A862F06FB. If you have medical needs, it is advisable to consult an ...[Read More] Do I Need Rabies Vaccination After a Monkey Scratch?
Understanding Enterovirus: Transmission Risks and Prevention Tips
Enterovirus issues Hello, doctor. I would like to ask, I have contracted enterovirus and have blisters on my palms that haven't burst. I want to know if any part of my body that touches something has the potential to spread the virus, or if only the blisters on my palms are ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Please refer to the information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.tw/Professional/DiseasePrologue.aspx?did=667&lid=7D9CA4F25ED455B9&treeid=17C966DDE3C666A3&nowtreeid=17C966DDE3C666A3. Reminder: Online consultations do not equate t...[Read More] Understanding Enterovirus: Transmission Risks and Prevention Tips
Concerns About Blood Test Procedures and Infection Risks in Family Medicine
Questions about the blood draw process? Hello, Doctor: Today I went to the hospital for a blood draw, and the lab technician crumpled the order form and threw it into the trash can (the alcohol swabs used for disinfection were also discarded there). Later, it seems they retrieved...
Dr. Chen Taicheng Reply:
●Will not transmit any diseases. Wishing you good health, Dr. Chen Tai-Cheng from the Family Medicine Department of Taoyuan Hospital cares about you~[Read More] Concerns About Blood Test Procedures and Infection Risks in Family Medicine
Potential Risks of Dog Saliva on Minor Wounds: What You Should Know
The wound came into contact with dog saliva? Hello, doctor. On my way home, I almost got bitten by a dog and came into contact with its teeth and mouth. There was a little saliva, but no obvious wounds. Ten minutes later, I touched the area again, but I have a small wound on my h...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, if the wound has not come into direct contact, you can rinse it thoroughly with plenty of clean water. If you are still concerned, you may visit a clinic for wound disinfection and evaluation.[Read More] Potential Risks of Dog Saliva on Minor Wounds: What You Should Know
Understanding Insulin Injections: Side Effects Beyond Hypoglycemia
Insulin Questions Hello Dr. Liao, what are the potential side effects of insulin injection, excluding hypoglycemia?
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello: Besides hypoglycemia, insulin injections have fewer side effects. Additionally, please remember to pay attention to local disinfection of the injection site! Thank you for your concern from Changhua Hospital.[Read More] Understanding Insulin Injections: Side Effects Beyond Hypoglycemia
Addressing Concerns About Colonoscopy: Expert Insights for Family Health Checks
Issues regarding colonoscopy (forwarded from the Director's mailbox) I have just reached out to various hospitals and health check-up centers, including MeiX, to inquire about the following questions. I would appreciate it if your esteemed experts could provide clarification...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello: I will respond to your questions in order. 1. If there is a severe intestinal perforation, surgery is required; if it is mild, observation may be sufficient. Compensation will be determined based on the extent of the damage. 2. Generally, the procedure is performed by an a...[Read More] Addressing Concerns About Colonoscopy: Expert Insights for Family Health Checks
Understanding Infection Risks from Sports Injuries: A Doctor's Insight
Bacterial or viral infection (if you have further questions, please consult a physician)? Hello, doctor. I apologize for the confusion in my previous inquiry. I would like to clarify my situation and ask additional questions: My wound was caused by an insect bite that resulted in...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello: Let me clarify this a bit more! The transmission of viruses and bacteria follows specific pathways. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are transmitted through sexual intercourse, while Hepatitis B and C are transmitted through blood. The wound on your palm from a bug b...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks from Sports Injuries: A Doctor's Insight
Can You Get Infected from Playing Volleyball with an Open Wound?
Infection by viruses or bacteria? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you a question. I have a wound on my palm, and because I had to attend physical education class, I played volleyball outdoors (during which I was bleeding and there was a clear fluid). The volleyball was quite d...
Dr. Cai Ruiyuan Reply:
Hello: The transmission of viruses and bacteria follows specific pathways. For example, sexually transmitted infections are transmitted through sexual intercourse, while hepatitis B or C is transmitted through blood. The superficial and minor wound on your palm caused by playing ...[Read More] Can You Get Infected from Playing Volleyball with an Open Wound?
Understanding Injection Site Reactions: Causes and Concerns
Injection site wound Hello doctor, my mother went to the hospital for an injection, and she mentioned that it was an intramuscular injection. However, the injection site on her arm has a wound with a diameter of about 0.4 cm, and the surrounding area is red, swollen, and inflamed...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: Redness and swelling around the injection site are generally caused by inflammation. Possible reasons include incomplete disinfection, unclean needles, or post-injection wound infections, commonly referred to as cellulitis. If the condition is severe, hospitalization may b...[Read More] Understanding Injection Site Reactions: Causes and Concerns
Toilet Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Infection and Disease Transmission
Regarding toilet hygiene? I have a very nervous obsession with cleanliness, so the hygiene issues related to using the restroom have troubled me for a long time. I would like to consult a doctor about this. Before using the toilet, I always wipe the toilet seat with toilet paper....
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello: It is normal for water in the toilet to occasionally splash up. If you want to avoid this, you can throw in two pieces of used toilet paper before using the toilet; this will reduce the chances of splashing. Most of the bacteria found in toilet water are Escherichia coli, ...[Read More] Toilet Hygiene Concerns: Risks of Infection and Disease Transmission
Understanding the Safety of Blood Tests: Addressing Patient Concerns
What is the safety of blood draw testing? Dear Doctor: I am not questioning the hard work and dedication of the nursing staff. However, I previously went to a sexually transmitted disease prevention clinic to get tested for HIV. At that time, it seemed that the nurse did not chan...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Hello, under normal circumstances, the action of drawing blood or administering an injection is preceded by disinfection with alcohol swabs before the needle is inserted. It is not only the general public who is concerned about the risk of infection; healthcare professionals, due...[Read More] Understanding the Safety of Blood Tests: Addressing Patient Concerns
Are Contact Lens Trials Safe? Risks of Infection and Hygiene Concerns
Please ask your question? Hello, doctor: Today I went to an optical store to try on contact lenses. After trying them on, I noticed that the staff put the trial lenses back into the container and only soaked them in saline solution before storing them away, which felt very unsani...
Dr. Xu Li'an Reply:
The risk of transmitting bloodborne infectious diseases through trying on contact lenses is very low; however, the likelihood of contracting acute conjunctivitis and influenza is comparatively higher. Typically, individuals with ruptured microcapillaries in their eyes do not wear...[Read More] Are Contact Lens Trials Safe? Risks of Infection and Hygiene Concerns