Q. Should I take rabies vaccine now, as a dog bit me 24 years back?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. Unless you have bitten, scratched, or bruised by a dog, rabies-unvaccinated, or your wound and bleeding has occurred recently, you need to worry and take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of anti-rabies vaccination and immunoglobulins injections, as per approved dosage regimens. The incidents you have narrated are ancient and have no relevance today or present you with any risk of rabies. However, if you had any incident off late, it's best to start this PEP immediately. If so, let me know so that I can advise. However, in such a situation, it is best strategy to get this PEP at a local clinic or hospital immediately.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I hope you have gotten the clarification. There is no risk with bites 20 years ago. However, you need to be careful and follow the treatment protocol by WHO and local government.

Basic including,

1. Extensive washing and local treatment of the bite wound or scratch as soon as possible after a suspected exposure;

2. Potent and effective rabies vaccine that meets WHO standards; and

3. Administration of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), if indicated.

There are three categories

Category I - touching or feeding animals, animal licks on intact skin (no exposure) Intervention- Washing exposed skin surfaces, no PEP.

Category II - nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches, or abrasions without bleeding (exposure).

Category III - single or multiple transdermal bites or scratches, contamination of mucous membrane or broken skin with saliva from animal licks, exposures due to direct contact with bats (severe exposure).

Intervention- Wound washing, immediate vaccination, and administration of rabies immunoglobulin.

Essential is that not to delay the interventions mentioned above. Always get immediate medical attention physically, locally.

Also, please vaccinate your pet dog or cat, etc. from rabies, as well. This minimizes the incidence of rabies and its complication.

Thank you.

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Experience: 27 + Yrs

Infectious Diseases

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