Do I need to receive injections after being scratched by a cat and bleeding?
Disease description:
My daughter, who is 12 years old, was scratched by a stray cat outside our residential community after school, resulting in bleeding from the wound. We immediately performed disinfection and first-aid measures upon returning home. Do we still need to take her to the hospital for vaccination?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Min
Hello! Being scratched by a cat—especially if the wound is bleeding—indicates a relatively deep injury, which requires medical intervention, including vaccination. After properly disinfecting the wound, you should promptly visit a hospital to receive a tetanus vaccine or rabies vaccine. If the scratch is severe and involves significant bleeding, you may also require tetanus immune globulin (TIG).
Correct wound disinfection procedure:
1. Examine the wound to assess its depth and length.
2. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 minutes.
3. Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water afterward.
4. Disinfect the wound using iodine tincture, then wipe off the iodine with alcohol.
Recommendation: Seek medical attention as soon as possible to receive the tetanus or rabies vaccine.
I hope this information is helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!
