Is rabies vaccine needed for a superficial dog bite, and is it safe post-heart stent?

Question

Hello doctor,

I was bitten by a stray dog, and I am uncertain whether the dog was rabid. The bite was superficial, caused by only one of the dog's teeth or possibly a sharp surface on my bike. There was minimal bleeding, and I got first aid, including a tetanus shot on the same day. Should I also receive the rabies vaccine? I underwent a heart stent procedure three years ago. Is it safe for me to take the rabies shot? Please provide information on the number of shots required.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Regarding your symptoms of mild bleeding following a presumed dog scratch or bite, it is important to address the possibility of rabies. To ensure your well-being, I suggest you follow the recommended course of action:

Commence with a one-gram injection of Ceftriaxone.
Initiate a 0.5 ml dose of Tetanus toxoid.
Administer one milliliter of the human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) intramuscularly (IM) for a total of five doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.

I hope this helps.

Revert in case of other queries.

Thank you.