HomeAnswersInternal Medicinerabies vaccineShould I get vaccinated now as I was licked by a dog 5 years back?

I was licked by a dog five years ago. Shall I get vaccinated now?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At April 29, 2016
Reviewed AtJune 28, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Five years ago, I was licked by a domestic dog on my foot. There were cracks below my foot. But, I did not know whether the dog touched those cracks or not. The dog lived for another four years and died. Is there any use if I take rabies vaccine now?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. No, there is no use of taking rabies vaccine now. Rest assured and you are not infected. The rabies virus has incubation period between 20 and 90 days, beyond which there is no chance to have rabies in host. Also the dog lived for four years, so it was not infected. If the dog is infected with rabies then it dies within ten days. So, you do not worry and there is no need to take vaccination.

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

Dr. Srivastava, Sumit
Dr. Srivastava, Sumit

Internal Medicine

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