Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Regarding rabies vaccine
Yesterday around 10o clock some chased me and one of them came in close proximity with my right leg, i felt piercing pain though there are no bite or scratch marks should I go ahead and take the rabies vaccine
Answers (10)
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
No — you do not need to take rabies vaccine or booster for this incident.
There is no rabies exposure here based on what you described:
• No bite
• No scratch
• No visible wound, puncture, abrasion, or broken skin
• Only felt “piercing pain” when a dog came very close to your right leg
Rabies virus is transmitted only when infected saliva enters through broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth).
A close chase, brushing, or even a very light touch without breaking the skin does not transmit rabies — even if the dog was rabid (which is not known here).
The piercing pain you felt is almost certainly:
• Sudden muscle tension/fear response
• Minor blunt impact or pressure from the dog’s body/muzzle
• Or even referred sensation from panic
This kind of “near-miss” event causes many people to worry about rabies, but medically it is classified as no exposure / negligible risk.
Next Steps
• No vaccine or immunoglobulin is required for this event.
• You do not need to go to any hospital or clinic for rabies PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) based on this description.
• Clean the area gently with soap and water once (just for general hygiene) — no need for any special treatment.
• Watch the skin for 2–3 days: if any redness, swelling, bruising, or small mark appears that you didn’t notice initially, show it to a general doctor (unlikely to be rabies-related).
Health Tips
• Try to stay calm — rabies anxiety after “close calls” is extremely common and normal, but the virus simply cannot enter intact skin.
• Avoid running in areas with many stray dogs, especially at night or in low-light — carry a stick/light or run in groups if possible.
• If in future you ever have a real bite or scratch (even tiny bleeding), wash immediately with soap/water for 15 minutes and go straight to hospital for assessment — but that is not the case here.
You are completely safe from rabies from this incident — no vaccine needed
.
If new marks appear, pain increases, or anxiety remains high, feel free to consult online or see a doctor for reassurance.
Take care and stay safe while running
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Get the area of the injury examined properly.
Even incase of minor scratches without bleeding you would need the vaccine.
If no scratch mark/injury marks you can just wash the area with soap under running water.
Don’t apply any cream/oint.
Next Steps
You can connect with me for further help and details.
Answered
Let others know if this answer was 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.