Question 1

Is there a vaccine for Ebola?

Accepted Answer

Ervebo, the first FDA-approved vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus disease (EVD), caused by Zaire ebolavirus in individuals 18 years of age and older.

Question 2

I recently got bitten by a street dog, which left a scratch without any bleeding. I quickly rinsed it with tap water for about 10 or 30 seconds and then got the intradermal antirabies vaccine around 45 minutes later. I'm a bit concerned about a few things. Could I still be at risk for rabies since I didn't wash the bite with soap for a full 15 minutes? Also, is there a chance my family could catch rabies just from washing dishes in the same spot where I cleaned my leg? I'm worried because I noticed the hospital might not have kept the vaccine cold the entire time I mean, they took it out in the morning and used it throughout the day, and I got my first dose around 4:30. For the second dose, they did get it right from storage, but the cool box was always open. Is there a possibility that this could affect how well the vaccine works and my chances of getting rabies?

Accepted Answer

For a scratch without bleeding from a street dog bite, washing the site with running tap water for 10-30 seconds is a good first aid measure. The risk of rabies transmission through such a scratch is very low. However, to be safe, you received the intradermal antirabies vaccine, which is the appropriate course of action to prevent rabies infection. Rabies is not transmitted through objects like utensils. The virus is primarily transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Washing utensils where you washed the bitten site does not pose a risk of rabies transmission to your family members. The rabies vaccine is sensitive to temperature and must be stored properly to maintain its effectiveness. If the vaccine was not stored correctly, there is a risk that its potency may have been compromised. However, receiving the vaccine doses as you described (45 minutes after the bite and on the fourth day) is still beneficial in preventing rabies infection. It is important to complete the full course of the vaccine as prescribed by your healthcare provider to ensure protection against rabies.

Question 3

I'm really worried about my uncle who's 56 and has been dealing with tubercular infection in his lymph nodes. Hes already been on anti-tubercular medication for 19 months, but it hasn't improved his condition at all. I'm wondering if there are any top doctors or hospitals in India, especially around Delhi, that you could recommend for this situation. Is surgery something we should be considering as our next step?

Accepted Answer

consult pulmonologist thoracic surgeon for the same

I'm trying to understand the differences between the Tri-dot test and the ELISA method for HIV screening. Which one is more accurate, and is there a reason why youd choose one over the other? I'm a bit worried and want to make sure I get the right test.

Both Tri-Dot and ELISA are used for HIV screening. ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) is more sensitive and specific, detecting HIV antibodies or antigens in blood. Tri-Dot is a rapid test, easier for quick results but less reliable than ELISA, especially in early infection.

More Infectious Disease Health Queries

Is there a vaccine for Ebola?

Health Articles for you

Guide to How Protect Yourself Swine Flu

Swine Flu: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options

What Leads To Signs Of Lymphatic Filariasis Disease

Common Symptoms of Flu

Guide to Know All About Hpv Vaccines