Can Alcohol Disinfecting Prevent Disease Transmission from Stray Cats?
Infection issues Hello, doctor. If a stray cat sits on a motorcycle seat and I subsequently disinfect it with alcohol, is there still a concern about the transmission of infectious diseases or infections? (I am worried about the possibility of indirect transmission.) Thank you!
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The most common issues related to animal contact are skin allergies and problems caused by fleas. If you have any concerns or symptoms, please seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.[Read More] Can Alcohol Disinfecting Prevent Disease Transmission from Stray Cats?
Preventing Indirect Infections from Children's Water Bottles in Public Spaces
Infection issues Hello, Doctor: The children's water bottles often get misplaced or fall on the ground. I would like to ask if placing them on the classroom floor or in other public environments, and then drinking from them or touching other things afterward, could lead to i...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If the water bottle is properly sealed and the drinking spout does not come into contact with unclean environments, the likelihood of the water inside the bottle being contaminated by bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens is lower, thus reducing the risk of infection. ...[Read More] Preventing Indirect Infections from Children's Water Bottles in Public Spaces
Can Applying Ointment on Vaccine Injection Site Affect Efficacy?
After receiving a rabies vaccine or a tetanus vaccine, should I apply ointment to the injection site? Hello, doctor. Last time I asked you whether it is okay to apply anti-inflammatory ointment on the injection site after receiving the rabies or tetanus vaccine, and you said it w...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The injection site of a vaccine needle is usually very small, so it heals in a short period of time. Therefore, applying an anti-inflammatory ointment on it will not affect the efficacy of the vaccine, and the risk of infections such as cellulitis is minimal.[Read More] Can Applying Ointment on Vaccine Injection Site Affect Efficacy?
Concerns About Shrimp Stings: Infection Risks and Precautions
Concerns about being stung by a familiar shrimp? Hello, doctor. Today, I accidentally got pricked in the abdomen by the head spike of a fried shrimp (while carrying a bag of purchased items). I didn't expect the spike to pierce through the bag, and the shrimp was already fri...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: If the shrimp has already been cooked, the chances of getting infected with Vibrio parahaemolyticus from being pricked by the shrimp's head should be very low. It is recommended that you continue using the topical antibiotic ointment and monitor the wound for any chan...[Read More] Concerns About Shrimp Stings: Infection Risks and Precautions
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It Related to Kidney Issues?
Inquiry Consultation Dear Dr. Lin, Hello. Today (April 26), I visited a clinic due to headaches and bloating. At the time, I did not notice that my number had been called. When the nurse suddenly called my name, I quickly stood up and entered the examination room. During the con...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Since your dull pain in the lower right back occurred after a sudden movement, it is more likely to be caused by a muscle strain in the back. If it were a kidney infection, common symptoms would include lower back pain and painful urination. In the case of kidney stones...[Read More] Understanding Lower Back Pain: Is It Related to Kidney Issues?
Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Medical Attention
Shortness of breath? Last Wednesday, I went to see a doctor due to chest pain. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed, and the doctor said there were no significant issues, just that my heart rate was a bit elevated, so he prescribed me New Kangle. However, I went back to see t...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Regarding your discomfort in the chest and difficulty breathing, if both the electrocardiogram and chest X-ray show no significant abnormalities, it is less likely to be a serious heart or lung condition. Given your mother's history of thyroid-related issues and your ...[Read More] Understanding Shortness of Breath: When to Seek Medical Attention
Understanding Infection Risks in Public Restrooms: A Guide for Patients
Infection issues Hello, Doctor: I would like to ask you the following questions: 1. If I touch the soles of my shoes or the floor in a public environment and then wash my hands with soap, is there a risk of infection in the genital area or other parts of my body when using the re...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. If you wash your hands with soap after being in a relatively unclean environment, the likelihood of contracting an illness from hand contact during toilet use is very low. 2. Generally, the amount of toilet water or urine that splashes onto the genital area during toile...[Read More] Understanding Infection Risks in Public Restrooms: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Monthly Illness in Mothers: Causes and Solutions
The mother falls ill every month for no apparent reason? My mother is fifty years old, 162 cm tall, and weighs 41 kg. About a year ago, she started getting sick once or twice a month, and in recent months, this has become more frequent. Her weight has decreased from approximately...
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to make a comprehensive assessment based solely on the text description. It is recommended to take the elderly to a regional hospital or higher-level family medicine clinic for evaluation. After the doctor assesses the patient's condition, they will ar...[Read More] Understanding Monthly Illness in Mothers: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Itchy Bottoms: Causes and Solutions for Children
Itchy buttocks? Hello, Dr. Yeh! I have a question. Recently, I've noticed that my daughter sometimes moves around in her sleep and touches her bottom and genital area during the night when I get up to use the restroom. A neighbor mentioned that this could be due to a pinworm...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! The situations you mentioned are all possible. Since I cannot provide a personal examination, I suggest you rule them out one by one. If you are unable to confirm the issue, please visit a pediatrician for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Itchy Bottoms: Causes and Solutions for Children
Risk of Infection from Used Hair Removal Tools: What You Need to Know
Infection issues Hello, doctor. Today, I used a newly purchased hair removal razor to remove hair from my intimate area, but I found that the blade was already dull after use. I suspect it might be a returned item, as the packaging was only a simple adhesive type that does not co...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! If there is no visible blood on the razor, the risk of viral infection is extremely low and can be considered equivalent to environmental factors. However, if you are still concerned, you can undergo anonymous screening (for more information, please refer to the CDC websit...[Read More] Risk of Infection from Used Hair Removal Tools: What You Need to Know
Dog Bite Concerns: Rabies, Tetanus, and Wound Care Explained
Bitten on the hand by my own dog? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask four questions: 1. I was bitten on my finger by my dog around midnight on April 13. The bite site is shown in the photos linked here. There was no bleeding, and I'm not sure if there are other bite marks....
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Currently, rabies in Taiwan only occurs in wild animals such as badgers and civets, and there is no transmission among domestic dogs and cats. Additionally, your pet dog has been vaccinated against rabies, so the likelihood of contracting rabies from being bitten by you...[Read More] Dog Bite Concerns: Rabies, Tetanus, and Wound Care Explained
Risks of Eating Undercooked Sausages: What You Need to Know
Eating raw sausage? I bought small sausages from a convenience store but didn't heat them long enough before eating. Is there a risk of infection?
Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, it is advisable to monitor the situation, and if you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention. Thank you.[Read More] Risks of Eating Undercooked Sausages: What You Need to Know
Essential Tips for Preventing Infections During Military Service
Questions about self-protection during service? Hello Doctor, I will soon be serving mandatory military duty. While I have some concerns about physical training and fitness, my main worry is the possibility of inadvertently contracting certain infectious diseases (especially sexu...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. JAM: 1. Condyloma acuminata (genital warts) and syphilis are primarily transmitted through intimate sexual contact. The pathogen for the former is the Human papillomavirus (HPV). If you are concerned, you can consider receiving the three-dose vaccine series (each dose c...[Read More] Essential Tips for Preventing Infections During Military Service
Risk of Bloodborne Infections for Nurses: What You Need to Know
Bloodborne transmission I'm sorry, but I cannot provide medical advice or information regarding potential infections. It's important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and support.
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, damaged skin may pose a potential risk for contact infections. It is important to ensure proper protection when engaging in any medical procedures, even in the absence of any wounds. Please note that online consultations are not equivalent to in-person visits and cannot pr...[Read More] Risk of Bloodborne Infections for Nurses: What You Need to Know
Should You See a Doctor for Needle Injury? Which Specialist to Choose?
Which department should I see? On April 3rd (Monday), I accidentally punctured the area above my index finger with a used needle that had been exposed to anesthetic. It has now been 8 days, and the punctured area is red, swollen, and painful when pressed or bent. The surface feel...
Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it is advisable to seek medical attention for an in-person evaluation. It is also important to rule out any potential infection issues, so please consider consulting an infectious disease specialist. Please note that online consultations are not ...[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Needle Injury? Which Specialist to Choose?
Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Squirrel Bite? Expert Advice
Do you need to get a rabies vaccine if bitten by a wild squirrel? Hello doctor, my 4-year-old son was bitten on his thumb by a wild squirrel in the park. The small wound bled a little, but we cleaned it, and it stopped bleeding afterward. We did not go to the hospital at that tim...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: Currently, rabies in Taiwan occurs primarily in wild animals such as ferrets and the Formosan ferret badger, particularly in the central, southern, and eastern regions. Therefore, in the case of your son being bitten by a wild squirrel, there is no need for rabies vaccinat...[Read More] Do You Need Rabies Vaccination After a Squirrel Bite? Expert Advice
Understanding Common Health Issues: Dizziness, Cholesterol, and Home Blood Sugar Testing
Dizziness, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, abnormal white blood cell count, home blood glucose monitoring, painless hematuria? 1. **[Adult Health Check, Results Indicated in Red, What Does It Mean?]** Examination Date: 10/19/2022 Test Code: 09015C Creati...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: 1. Creatinine is typically a concern when elevated, as high levels indicate declining kidney function, while low levels are often due to lower body weight or muscle mass. The TC/HDL ratio reflects whether there is sufficient good cholesterol (HDL), which has a protective...[Read More] Understanding Common Health Issues: Dizziness, Cholesterol, and Home Blood Sugar Testing
Understanding Urine Changes After Eating Pineapple: What You Need to Know
About urine? Hello, doctor. After eating pineapple yesterday, I had to use the restroom, and afterward, I noticed a faint, pungent smell of pineapple in the bathroom. Three years ago, I had blood tests for liver, kidney, and blood sugar levels, and my doctor said everything was n...
Dr. Lin Zhebin Reply:
Hello: The pineapple-like odor in your urine may be caused by ammonia present in the urine, which is commonly associated with factors such as holding in urine, dehydration, or urinary tract infections, among others. Additionally, dietary factors could also be a concern, such as g...[Read More] Understanding Urine Changes After Eating Pineapple: What You Need to Know
Fever Mimicking Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Fever resembling a cold? Measure palm temperature every 1 to 3 hours, which ranges from 39.3 to 39.5 degrees Celsius; forehead temperature is between 37.3 and 37.9 degrees Celsius; temple temperature ranges from 37.2 to 38.4 degrees Celsius. Rapid test for COVID-19 is negative. R...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yun: If you are experiencing persistent fever, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and cough, it is important to consider the possibility of infections from pathogens other than COVID-19 and influenza, as well as rare causes. Additionally, rapid testing for COVID-19 can y...[Read More] Fever Mimicking Cold Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Advice
Understanding Monkeypox: Transmission, Prevention, and Relationship Concerns
What is monkeypox? Hello, doctor. I have a few questions: 1. The information online states that monkeypox is primarily transmitted through skin contact. Does this mean that people should avoid touching each other altogether? What about couples, spouses, or caregivers of young c...
Dr. Ye Qianyu Reply:
Hello! For detailed information, please refer to the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Category/MPage/Qb-Lfz8PNcjdNvrAVNCVtQ. "5. Mode of Transmission (1) Human-to-Human: Monkeypox can be transmitted between individuals through close contact with the lesions, scabs, o...[Read More] Understanding Monkeypox: Transmission, Prevention, and Relationship Concerns