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Rabies related
How to be safe from indirect rabies transmission like stepped on dog saliva and cracks are in foot
Unknowingly eat cat eaten food at home
Touch by scratched hand any surface where dog licked
Can previous vaccination helps
Answers (5)
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Get yourself prevaccinated before keeping a pet. If you are already vaccinated, test yourself for antibody titres after 1 year of vaccination, if the titres are low you have to repeat the course. Any scratching leading to skin abrasion, licking on mouth or open wound or a complete bite is a risk, hence keep yourself vaccinated. Whenever in doubt consult a nearby doctor.
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Sachin Pariskar
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Pune
Kindly consult once for discussion
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Dr. Khatri Mohhmed Azaruddin
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Delhi
Indirect contact such as touching surfaces licked by a dog, stepping on saliva, or eating food that a cat may have eaten at home does not transmit rabies. The rabies virus cannot survive long outside the body—it becomes inactive quickly when exposed to air, sunlight, or dryness.
Rabies transmission requires direct contact of fresh saliva or brain tissue from an infected animal with broken skin or mucous membranes (eyes, mouth, nose).
If you have only stepped on saliva or touched a possibly contaminated surface and there was no direct bite, lick on open wound, or mucosal exposure, the risk is negligible.
If you had completed a full course of rabies vaccination earlier, you already have a degree of protection. In case of any future doubtful exposure, only two booster doses (day 0 and 3) are required, not the full 5-dose course.
Next Steps
Wash any potentially exposed area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes immediately.
Apply an antiseptic (like povidone iodine).
Observe the animal (if it’s a pet or visible stray) for 10 days—if it remains healthy, rabies is ruled out.
If still anxious or unsure about vaccination history or type of exposure, consult a nearby doctor or anti-rabies clinic for personalized advice and possible booster vaccination
Health Tips
Rabies spreads only through direct contact with infectious saliva or nervous tissue.
Indirect or environmental contact (floor, utensils, clothes, etc.) does not cause infection.
Keep pet dogs and cats vaccinated regularly.
Maintain good wound hygiene and avoid panic in indirect contact scenarios.
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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.