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Can rabies spread by sharing a drink?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My roommate was scratched very lightly by a stray cat the other day. Then a couple of days later, I shared a drink with her. Could I get rabies?

Answered by Dr. Srivastava Sumit

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • Rabies does not get transmitted by drinking. It is transmitted by a direct bite or scratch from an infected animal.

Rest assured that eating or drinking does not transmit rabies.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

So, it cannot be transmitted even if we shared the same drink. Am I correct?

Answered by Dr. Srivastava Sumit

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Yes, it cannot be transmitted even if you shared the same drink.
  • Actually, the route of transmission of the rabies virus is by nerves at the site of bite or scratch from where it is carried to the brain. It is not transmitted by eating or sharing drinks.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online.
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Published At September 17, 2017
Reviewed AtApril 17, 2025

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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