Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Rabies and vaccination
I got a street dog bite. It was a scratch without bleeding. I washed the bitten site (leg) under running tap water for 10-30 seconds. And got intradermal antirabies vaccine after 45 minutes. My questions are as follows. Will I get rabies as I did not wash the bitten site with soap for 15 min ?. Can my family members catch rabies because, they wash utensils where I washed the bitten site (leg) ?. I don't think the hospital people maintained proper cold chain vaccine storage method (I am not sure but I think they take out the vaccine out of cold storage at around 10 am and use it till 4.30 pm, in between they may not cold store it) and I got the first dose of vaccine at around 4.30 ( 45 min after being bitten) so, the vaccine might not had cold stored. But, I got the second dose ( 4 th day after being bitten ) immediately after the vaccine removed from cold storage but, they keep the cold storage box always open. Can I get rabies because of this. Kindly clarify me.
Answers (2)
Hello there.
I can understand your concern.
Rabies spread due to bite of rabies dogs not any dog.
Skin was just scratched, and you washed it, that was good but make sure if anything like this happens in life, you need to use soap.
Complete the course of vaccination and it will provide you protection for future.
Best regards.
Dr. Anil Kumar Jain.
Bangalore.
Answered
1/2 people found this helpful
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
You need not worry for the following reasons: 1. It was a scratch without blood coming.
2. Using soap to wash is advised but since no bleeding, not so important.
3. Taking the vaccine out of cold chain does not immediately make it ineffective. Keeping it out 8 hours a day may reduce the shelf life from say 2 years to 1 year or 6 months.
4. Rabies spreads only by rabid dog bite, not by any direct or indirect contact.
5. Completing the schedule will further guarantee protection.
Answered
4/5 people found this helpful
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.