If bitten by a cat and bled, the first step is to wash the wound with running water and disinfect it, then go to the hospital to receive rabies vaccination as soon as possible.
1. Washing the wound: Immediately wash the wound with running water for at least 15 minutes after being bitten by a cat. This step is crucial as it helps remove bacteria and viruses from the wound, reducing the risk of infection. Using lukewarm water is more effective, and avoid using water that is too hot or too cold.
2. Disinfection: After washing the wound, disinfect it with iodophor or 75% alcohol solution. These disinfectants can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, further reducing the possibility of infection. Note that alcohol may cause a stinging sensation, but its disinfecting effect is very reliable.
3. Covering the wound: After disinfection, cover the wound appropriately with clean gauze or dressing. This not only protects the wound from secondary contamination but also prevents external bacteria from entering the wound, promoting healing.
4. Rabies vaccination: After completing the initial treatment, go to the hospital or CDC department as soon as possible to receive rabies vaccination. Rabies is a fatal viral infection. Although the probability of cats being infected with rabies is low, for safety reasons, timely vaccination is very necessary. Rabies vaccination usually requires completion according to a schedule, and the doctor will arrange subsequent injection times based on specific circumstances. Be sure to complete it on time.
5. Observing wound changes: After treating the wound and receiving vaccination, closely observe the changes in the wound. If redness, swelling, increased pain, pus, or other signs of infection appear, immediately go to the hospital for a re-examination. These symptoms may indicate that the wound has become infected and requires further medical treatment.
6. Preventive measures: To avoid being bitten by a cat, pay attention to how you interact with it. Do not suddenly frighten the cat or touch areas it does not like, such as its tail or belly. If you have cats at home, take them to the vet regularly for health checks to ensure they do not carry infectious diseases.
7. Psychological adjustment: After being bitten by a cat, you may experience some psychological fear or anxiety. Share your feelings with family and friends or seek help from a psychologist to relieve psychological pressure. Maintaining a good mindset aids physical recovery.
By following these steps, you can effectively handle being bitten by a cat, reduce the risk of infection, and ensure good health. I hope these suggestions are helpful to you and wish you a speedy recovery.
