Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Rabies vaccine inquiry
I had asked a question recently and that question was "If a person had dog saliva on their clothes or skin from a dog barking about 1 minute earlier, and that saliva somehow got transferred from that person into my eyes or a cut on my face, would this be considered an exposure?"
Many doctors said that this counts as an exposure and that vaccination would be needed. But if that were really true, then I would have to keep taking rabies vaccines continuously because I keep encountering situations like this all the time. And in that case, rabies could happen to anyone in the world just like the flu.
Answers (23)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
If exposed vaccination is a must...for better health
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+168
In this type of indirect or environmental contact, rabies transmission is considered extremely rare or negligible because the rabies virus does not survive for long outside the body, especially in a dry environment.
Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Avoid repeated reassurance seeking and overchecking.
If there was no direct bite or scratch, there is usually no need to panic.
If the anxiety is becoming excessive, consultation with a physician or mental health counsellor may be helpful.
Rabies vaccination is usually considered in cases of:
Direct animal bite
Bleeding scratch
Saliva from a suspected rabid animal directly entering the eyes, mouth, or an open wound.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Yes you can take vaccine
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Free online consultations for age 50 years and older.
Best wishes
www.jgsr-health-education.in
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
That isn't considered as an exposure but if still having further doubts please do consult so that I could solve your queries.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed discussion
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Indirect contect not consider as exposure.
But its your mind set it is exposure so try to change.
If more anxious go to
DEPARTMENT OF PREVENTIONN SOCIAL MEDICINE A PART UNDER MEDICINE N TALK TO HOD. HE WILL CLEARIFY.
OR NO HARM IF U GO FOR VACCINE ON BASIS OF DOUBT, NO HARM NO GAIN.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Unless there is a dog bite or saliva falling on cuts, the risk is low. Moreover after completing vaccine, for re exposure within 6 months, you just need 2 boosters ,on day 0 and 3.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Kindly do connect and consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Vaccine needed
Next Steps
consult me on practo. i will explain in details about all your query.
you can also consult on whats app (eight five zero seven six six eight eight three seven )
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If you’re looking for proper diagnosis and clear treatment—not confusing or incomplete advice—you can consult me directly.
Available on Practo or via WhatsApp:
Eight Seven Six Two Seven Four Nine Nine Seven Four
This is a paid consultation. I provide structured, step-by-step treatment plans with simple explanations, focused management, and follow-up until recovery.
Avoid delays and self-medication—get the right treatment from the start.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If dog licking on your face , eyes or skin you must put rabbies vaccine compulsory and if you are diabetic patient or taking any medicine also you put rabbies vaccine
At last treat yourself clean hygiene
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Your reasoning is scientifically sound. The Rabies virus is extremely labile (fragile); it cannot survive outside the host's body once the saliva dries or is exposed to the environment (sunlight, air, temperature changes). For Rabies to transmit, fresh, wet saliva must be 'injected' into the body via a bite or deep scratch, or have direct, immediate contact with a mucous membrane. Indirect transmission—such as saliva landing on clothes, waiting a minute, and then touching an eye or a cut—has never been documented in medical history. If Rabies were that easily transmissible, the global health protocol would be entirely different."
Next Steps
No Medical Intervention Needed: Based on the scenario of 'indirect transfer from clothes after a time gap,' there is absolutely no clinical indication for a Rabies vaccination or a booster.
Stop the Vaccination Cycle: Repeatedly taking vaccines for non-exposures does not provide 'extra' safety; it only reinforces the anxiety loop. Your previous vaccinations (if any) already provide a strong baseline of protection for actual risks.
Rationalize the Risk: Whenever you encounter such a situation, ask yourself: 'Was there a direct bite or a wet lick on an open wound?' If the answer is no, the risk is zero.
Health Tips
For a personalized treatment plan, detailed prescription, or further medical queries,
book a private consultation so we can discuss your case in depth and ensure a speedy recovery to optimal health.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
This is not Rabies exposure,it needs active transmission through bite or direct contact of animal on any cut or wound. For further details kindly consult me in practo.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
No, this is not considered a rabies exposure in routine practical terms 👍 rabies transmission requires direct fresh saliva contact from a rabid animal into a bite open wound mucosa, not indirect transfer through another person’s clothes or skin.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ashita Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 yrs exp
Kolkata
U can take the vaccine
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Srushti Gopani
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Surat
The described event represents an extremely low-risk to negligible-risk rabies exposure because it involves indirect/environmental transfer rather than direct contact with fresh saliva from a suspected rabid animal into a wound or mucous membrane. Such scenarios are not considered common modes of rabies transmission in routine clinical practice.
Next Steps
No immediate action is typically required for this type of indirect exposure. Monitor for actual high-risk exposures such as direct bites, scratches, or direct saliva contact from a suspected rabid animal, and consult a physician promptly if those occur.
Health Tips
Repeated fear about unlikely rabies transmission scenarios can sometimes be driven by health anxiety and may lead to unnecessary stress or repeated vaccination concerns. Avoid excessive internet searching or reassurance-seeking for very low-risk exposures, and seek professional mental health support if these fears become persistent or distressing.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Vaccination needed
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Do consult
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Shreya Pradip Gudka
General Physician
9 yrs exp
Mumbai
Generally not an exposure but also consider if it’s a street dog or a pet .. vaccinated vs not vaccinated
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
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.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
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.