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
Understanding Elevated Ear Temperature: Is It a Sign of Fever?
Elevated ear temperature? Hello, doctor. Recently, I have been measuring my ear temperature, which consistently falls within the range of 37.7 to 38.2 degrees Celsius (this result has been consistent across different ear thermometers) and has persisted for several days. I have me...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello, body temperature is one of the symptoms of an immune response. The range you measured indicates a low-grade fever. Generally, infections may cause fever for 3-5 days. Please continue to monitor your symptoms, and if you experience any discomfort or persistent fever, please...[Read More] Understanding Elevated Ear Temperature: Is It a Sign of Fever?
Persistent Fever for a Week: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Fever has been frequent over the past week? Hello doctor, since last Wednesday, I have been experiencing fever every evening, ranging between 38-39 degrees Celsius. During the afternoons, I do not have this symptom, and I do not have a runny nose or cough. Right before the fever ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the most common cause of fever is still due to infections. If the cause is not determined and the fever persists, further investigation is recommended. It is advisable to consult an infectious disease specialist for evaluation. Please note that online consultations are not...[Read More] Persistent Fever for a Week: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Understanding Your HIV Screening Test Results: What a Negative Value Means
I am very anxious about HIV? I checked the following item: HIV Ag/Ab Combo - for screening test. The test result is Negative with a reference value interpretation: Negative: S/CO < 1.00; Positive: S/CO ≥ 1.00. The result shows 0.33. What does this mean? Why is it not 0? Is the...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The serological testing methods for HIV primarily involve initial screening through the particle agglutination method. The principle of the particle agglutination method utilizes artificial latex particles as carriers, which are coated with viral antigens. If antibodies of...[Read More] Understanding Your HIV Screening Test Results: What a Negative Value Means
Concerns About Rabies and Plague: Should You Worry After a Mouse Encounter?
Are you concerned about the possibility of rabies and plague infections, or are you overthinking it? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you about a situation. There have been mice in my workplace, and about two weeks ago, while I was eating my lunch, I had to leave suddenly due to...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding plague and rabies infections, you can refer to the information provided by the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control: Plague [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/iCortfmEfVKqcZMeDdEuDA] and Rabies [https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/Page/iHUOIaLSAbQowJjnNGH2uQ]. If yo...[Read More] Concerns About Rabies and Plague: Should You Worry After a Mouse Encounter?
Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist
Lower abdominal pain? Hello Doctor: For the past three years, I have been experiencing a vague stabbing and burning sensation in the area just above the genital region, as well as a tight feeling in both groins. I have undergone a gynecological examination, hysterosalpingography,...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Emily: Issues related to the perineum and lower abdomen should indeed consider gynecological or urological problems. Common concerns include infections, tumors, endometriosis, urinary tract stones, and inflammation of the bladder or urethra, among others; of course, ther...[Read More] Understanding Lower Abdominal Pain: Seeking the Right Specialist
Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Shared Blood Glucose Testing
HIV infection On January 5th, I went to buy a blood glucose meter. The pharmacist tested it first using his own hand and said there was no needle inside. He used it without drawing blood! When it was my turn to test, I pressed the button and ended up drawing blood; I was shocked ...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your questions: 1. Is there a risk? --> Regardless, avoid sharing needles. Theoretically, used needles must be disposed of properly; however, I am not entirely clear about the situation you described. 2. How do I protect my family? If I have itchy skin and...[Read More] Understanding HIV Infection Risks in Shared Blood Glucose Testing
Unexplained Skin Redness and Localized Headaches: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Unexplained skin redness and swelling, along with localized headache? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I apologize for the interruption. I am a chronic urticaria patient and have been taking antihistamines (Xyzal) for a long time. Recently, I have experienced the following symptoms on my skin fo...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Feng Yang, 1. I have detected that the links https://ppt.cc/fbcZdx, https://ppt.cc/fjozKx, and https://ppt.cc/fTFQ1x involve network security and personal privacy issues; therefore, I refuse to open them. I apologize for any inconvenience! 2. Based on your description,...[Read More] Unexplained Skin Redness and Localized Headaches: Possible Causes and Next Steps
Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Frozen Pork Ribs? Parasite Risks Explained
Eating undercooked frozen processed pork ribs can pose a risk of parasitic infection? I bought a pack of frozen processed pork ribs and cooked them in an air fryer, thinking they were pre-cooked and just needed reheating. I didn't realize that the meat wasn't fully cook...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The typical method for preparing crispy pork ribs involves "coating in batter and deep-frying at high temperatures, followed by rapid freezing at low temperatures to maintain freshness." Therefore, the red portion in the middle may not necessarily be undercooked;...[Read More] Is It Safe to Eat Undercooked Frozen Pork Ribs? Parasite Risks Explained
Disinfecting Utensils When Dining Out: Safety Tips and Concerns
Disinfection of utensils when dining out? I would like to ask, recently I went to a restaurant with my family, and my chopsticks fell on the floor. My family member got me another pair of chopsticks. At that moment, I used alcohol to spray on a tissue and wiped the chopsticks twi...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! First, regarding whether there are virus residues on the chopsticks used, alcohol disinfection can reduce most viruses, but there are still some viruses that cannot be eliminated by alcohol disinfection. However, not every contact with a virus will necessarily lead to infe...[Read More] Disinfecting Utensils When Dining Out: Safety Tips and Concerns
Fever and Headache After Vaccination: When to Seek Medical Help?
Fever and headache after receiving the varicella vaccine, MMR vaccine, influenza vaccine, and adult Tdap vaccine? Hello: About 15 days ago, I received the varicella vaccine, MMR vaccine, influenza vaccine, and adult Tdap vaccine. Two days ago, I started experiencing fever and hea...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! After vaccination, the timing of fever for the varicella vaccine and the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine typically occurs about 5 to 12 days post-vaccination, while for other vaccines, it usually occurs around 8 to 12 hours after administration. Vaccine-related f...[Read More] Fever and Headache After Vaccination: When to Seek Medical Help?
Do Pregnant Women Need Rabies Vaccination After Dog Bite?
I would like to inquire whether I need to receive the rabies vaccine? Hello doctor, I am currently five months pregnant. On December 8th, I accidentally got scratched on my hand by my pet dachshund, which caused a cut and bleeding. I cleaned the wound immediately. I would like to...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wei: 1. Rabies is an acute viral encephalomyelitis caused by the rabies virus; once symptoms appear, the mortality rate approaches 100%. Since 1959, there have been no human cases in our country. There were two imported cases from outside China in 2002 and 2012, and on...[Read More] Do Pregnant Women Need Rabies Vaccination After Dog Bite?
Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
Recently, there has been an elevated body temperature for the past month? Hello Doctor: I discovered that I had recurrent low-grade fevers at the end of October, and subsequently visited a large hospital for evaluation. Blood and urine tests revealed a urinary tract infection. I ...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Body temperature can also be influenced by the environment, clothing, and diet. Some viral infections may not show changes in blood tests. Please avoid spicy or warming foods and supplements that may increase body temperature or promote blood circulation. Additionally, be ...[Read More] Understanding Persistent Low-Grade Fever: Causes and Next Steps
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
Understanding High Neutrophils and Low Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Elevated neutrophil count and decreased lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor. Since I am currently abroad and unable to return to Taiwan for timely examinations, I would like to inquire about my blood test results. I had a test on September 12, where my neutrophils were at 44% (slight...
Dr. Hou Angting Reply:
Hello, internet user: Since the test report is only one of the bases for assessing infection, it must be combined with clinical symptoms and physical examination. Therefore, it is not easy to determine whether there is an infection. I recommend that you visit a family medicine sp...[Read More] Understanding High Neutrophils and Low Lymphocytes in Blood Tests
Understanding Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Lumbar issues Hello doctor, I suddenly experienced pain in my left lower back at 11 AM. It hurts when I sit up straight or stand, and later my back also started to hurt, followed by pain on the right side as well. There is a specific point on my left lower back that is painful wh...
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello, Wang: It is likely that you have a muscle or ligament injury in your lower back, which should recover quickly. However, if the pain radiates to the lower abdomen, be cautious of potential issues with the urinary system (such as stones or infection). It would be advisable t...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention
Is My Phone Disinfection Routine Too Excessive During COVID-19?
Disinfection of the coronavirus? Recently, due to the pandemic, I often clean my phone before going to bed. However, this has led to arguments with my family, who say that I am being overly excessive. I want to ask the doctor if I am really over-cleaning. Currently, I disinfect m...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! Since I did not see your disinfection practices, I recommend a reasonable disinfection method: areas that are frequently exposed to the outside should be cleaned and disinfected upon returning home. For instance, hand sanitization should be done frequently, and you should ...[Read More] Is My Phone Disinfection Routine Too Excessive During COVID-19?
Understanding Low Lymphocyte Count: Causes and When to Seek Help
Low lymphocyte count? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my recent health issues. I have been experiencing discomfort and fever, and upon visiting the hospital, my blood tests showed lymphocytes at 3.7, neutrophils at 91.5, and a total white blood cell count of 12. Monocyte...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Candy: The average white blood cell count ranges from 4,000 to 11,000/mm³, and most white blood cells can only survive for a few days; during an infection, their lifespan may be reduced to just a few hours. White blood cells can be classified into two categories based o...[Read More] Understanding Low Lymphocyte Count: Causes and When to Seek Help
Understanding Red Flags in Health Check Reports: What to Do Next
Red text in health check reports can be quite alarming? What should I do if my health check report has these red flags? Is it serious? Please advise, thank you! I thought I was healthy~~ Pulse rate 110, urine occult blood 3+, GOT 39, GPT 91.
Dr. Cai Dongqi Reply:
Hello! A urine test showing 3+ hematuria may indicate the possibility of urinary stones (symptoms include back pain, lower abdominal pain, nausea, and abnormal urination) or a urinary tract infection (symptoms include fever, nausea, and loss of appetite). Other causes may exist, ...[Read More] Understanding Red Flags in Health Check Reports: What to Do Next
Can Toilet Splashing Lead to Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions
Toilet-associated infections Hello Doctor: When I use the toilet, water splashes from the bowl onto my genital area (vulva). Even though I'm at home, I'm still very concerned about the risk of infection and ended up taking another shower. Is there a risk of bacterial in...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, the situation you described may not guarantee a 100% absence of impact, and it cannot be confirmed that it will definitely occur. Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits, and we cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations. Changhua Hos...[Read More] Can Toilet Splashing Lead to Infections? Understanding Risks and Precautions