Tetanus, Family Medicine FAQ

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

Rabies Vaccine Concerns After Monkey Bite: What to Do Next?

Rabies vaccine Hello, doctor: I was bitten by a wild macaque while visiting the Dengxian Bridge in Donghe Township, Taitung County. I received a tetanus vaccine at a clinic right after the incident. After returning to Taipei, I discovered that the area is a rabies-endemic zone, a...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, regarding rabies vaccine education, you may refer to the health education information provided by the Centers for Disease Control at this link: https://www.cdc.gov.tw/Uploads/archives/%E7%96%91%E4%BC%BC%E7%8B%82%E7%8A%AC%E7%97%85%E6%9A%B4%E9%9C%B2%E5%BE%8C%E5%85%8D%E7%96%A...

Is It Safe to Delay the Final Rabies Vaccine Dose While Traveling?

Does missing the last rabies vaccine dose make a difference? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I was bitten by a dog while traveling in India, and I have already received four doses of the rabies vaccine. However, the final dose is scheduled for two weeks from now, and I will be in Sri Lanka at t...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Xiao Guo: 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 va...

Understanding Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccination for Adults

Questions related to vaccination? Hello, doctor. I heard that the Tdap vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria loses its effectiveness at my age. I am considering getting a booster shot. Could you please help me with the following questions: 1. Is it easy to get infected with tetanus?...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. JKL: 1. General surgical wounds can potentially become infected with Clostridium tetani, the bacteria that causes tetanus. The risk is higher for wounds caused by rusty nails, those resulting from car accidents, dirty wounds, or deeper injuries. Therefore, in many hospi...

Rabies Vaccine Considerations After Cat Scratch: What You Need to Know

2019 Stray Cat Rabies Vaccination Campaign Hello, I am a resident near National Chung Cheng University in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County. About 1 to 2 weeks ago (on January 24), I was scratched by a stray cat in this area. The cat initially allowed me to pet it, but after a min...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Ms. Yeh Hsueh, In your letter, you mentioned that you were scratched by a feral cat near National Chung Cheng University in Minxiong Township, Chiayi County, at the end of January. The wound consists of four shallow and short punctures, which have healed. Currently, rabies ...

Understanding Shoulder, Neck, and Chest Pain After a Car Accident

Shoulder, neck, and chest issues? After a car accident, I initially didn't feel any symptoms and didn't get an X-ray at that time. During the accident, my shoulder and face hit the ground, and the doctor at the hospital only gave me a tetanus shot and disinfected my fac...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Dear Mr. Wesley, Regarding the long-term discomfort you mentioned in your shoulders and neck, if it is caused by spinal misalignment, it can indeed persist for a long time and affect the surrounding soft tissues, potentially leading to nerve root compression. I recommend that yo...

Cat Scratch Concerns: Do I Need Rabies and Tetanus Shots?

Questions about rabies vaccination after being scratched by a stray cat? Hello, Doctor. About 10 days ago, I encountered a stray cat near the Tamsui MRT Station in New Taipei City. The cat showed no signs of aggression, and I was not licked by it. While I was petting it, it sudde...

Dr. Wu Fangcan Reply:
According to your statement: There have been no reported rabies outbreaks in New Taipei City recently, so the risk of infection is low. Therefore, rabies vaccination is not necessary. As for tetanus, if you have not received a booster shot in the past 5 years, you may need to get...

Can Tetanus Vaccine Interact with Medications Like Cymbalta and Seroquel?

Will the tetanus vaccine and medications interact? Hello, doctor. I received a tetanus vaccine today, and I am currently taking Cymbalta and Seroquel. I would like to know if I should avoid taking these medications for the next few days after the injection.

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Based on experience, there should not be any significant interactions; however, if there are concerns, it is advisable to discuss them with the prescribing physician. Please note that online consultations do not equate to in-person visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment...

Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Mouse Bite?

Bitten by a rat? If bitten by a rat, is there a risk of tetanus? The wound is only a small puncture, and I wiped away the blood with a tissue and disinfected it with alcohol. Do I still need to get a tetanus vaccine?

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding the above situation, first, the wound should be properly treated, and a prophylactic tetanus injection is still recommended. Additionally, attention should be paid to the risk of rabies infection; you may consult an infectious disease specialist for assistance an...

Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine After a Cat Bite?

Do I need to receive a rabies vaccine? Hello Doctor, last evening I was bitten on the ankle by a stray cat near my home in Changhua. The cat was initially by my feet but seemed startled by a dog and then bit me. The wound has three small marks with slight bleeding. I went to a cl...

Dr. Gao Qingyun Reply:
Hello, if there are no special discomforts or if the wound is healing well, it is recommended to receive a tetanus vaccine injection. If there are still wounds or systemic symptoms, please go directly to the infectious disease outpatient clinic for evaluation by a specialist. Wis...

Cat Bite Injury: Should You Get a Rabies Vaccine?

Bitten by a stray cat, experiencing arm soreness the next day? Hello Doctor, I am a volunteer working with stray animals and I have already received a tetanus vaccine. Yesterday, I was bitten on my right hand finger by a cat, and it felt like the entire tooth penetrated (I felt a...

Dr. Chen Bozhang Reply:
Hello, You mentioned that you were bitten by a stray cat and are experiencing slight pain in your right forearm. Currently, there is no rabies outbreak among stray dogs and cats in the country; however, as a precaution, it is still recommended that you visit a contracted hospit...

Should You Seek Medical Attention After a Stray Dog Encounter?

Bitten by a stray dog? Hello doctor, I would like to ask if I need to go to the emergency room for a shot after being pricked by a stray dog's mouth while at a park near my home yesterday. A stray dog lifted its head and sniffed my thigh, and I immediately felt a slight stin...

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, based on your description, there should not have been any wounds at that time, which significantly reduces the risk of infection. Initial cleaning is still very important, and I believe you have done a great job. If you are uncertain about whether your condition is stable,...

Can Laundry Detergent Kill Rabies Virus? A Medical Perspective

Regarding the rabies virus? Can laundry detergent kill the rabies virus?

Dr. Liao Yaopan Reply:
Hello, regarding your question, here is an excerpt from the Centers for Disease Control website for your reference. In the event of an animal bite, please follow these steps: 1. Record: Stay calm and remember the characteristics of the animal. 2. Wash: Rinse the wound with plenty...

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