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Should someone with rat bites need to take the rabies vaccine?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

When I got up from sleep today, I found two scratches and small wounds on my right hand. I am not sure, but I may have scratched myself in my sleep. I suspect a rat had bit or scratched me while I was asleep. I have attached two images of my hand. Please see them and let me know if it is a rat bite or scratches. I have no pain, no swelling, itching, or fever. Do I need to take any rabies vaccine?

Please answer.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern.

I looked at the images you attached (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). And they are not rat bites. No need to worry about it. You do not need to take any vaccine.

I hope this has helped you out.

Thanks and regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your quick response.

I just saw another scratch in another place on my upper arm, and I wanted to know if this was a rat bite. I have attached an image of it, there is a white circle around it, and it looks old. And also i wanted to know if a rat bite is painful and can be felt while sleeping.

Kindly give me an answer.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern and have gone through the attached image.

Yes, the scratch in the image is an older one. Rat bites are painful and can be felt while sleeping. There will also be swelling and bleeding after a rat bite. You do not need to worry about this.

I hope this has helped you out.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At December 31, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 31, 2023

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar
Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

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