May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Infections Confusion and Anxiety Regarding Rabies Vaccination
Confusion and Anxiety Regarding Rabies Vaccination |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear Doctor, A few days back, while strolling around in the gallery of my house at night, I stumbled- or stepped on a rat or mongoose (the initial impression was that of a rat, but I am just taking in a possibility as we have a garden and mongoose are often spotted. Though they are not usually active in the night and are seen at day time only). Anyway, I came inside and checked my foot, there was no visible cut or wound. No blood for sure. There was also a white, little bigger than pin-head sized dot on my toe which disappeared when I rubbed it a little. I did not feel any bite or pain at any point of time. Now the deal is, that I had received a 3 shot anti-rabies vaccination (on 0, 3 and 7 days) for a minor exposure to a pet dog in August 2011. The vaccine was Rabipur. I also had a tetnus shot in 2010 december. The present incident that I am talking about happened around 5 days back. There is no mark, no inflation or irritation or any sensation in my foot. Are rabies vaccine given for exposure to dog and other animals the same kind? I mean, would the vaccination that I received in august for an exposure to a pet dog, cover me for an exposure to any other animal? Given the recent incident that I described, would you recommend a booster dose? My only concern is that theoretically, the white dots on my foot, probably could have been scratch marks, which I did not realise probably. Thats what freaking me out. However, I am from India, its winter time here and skin dryness is common, so even that can't be ruled out. But there was no blood, or cut for sure. Your help will be greatly appreciated. Would be extremely grateful if you could help me calm my anxieties down. Dear VK: I do understand your concern for a possible infection. Post exposure treatment with rabies vaccination is indicated when there is nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding, licks on broken skin or single or multiple bites or scratches with bleeding or exposure to saliva of the animal and contamination of mucous membranes. However, you have mentioned that you had your vaccination done in August 2011. Most people after vaccination produce enough antibodies against rabies that keep them protected for a period of 2 to 5 years. Therefore it is not necessary for you to receive booster injections at the moment. |
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 January 2012 ) |
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