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
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
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
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?
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?
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
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 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
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?