Dr. Sugreev Singh
Internal Medicine
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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Patient's Query
Hello, doctor.
If you answer my questions completely, I will reach mental peace. Please answer all my questions.
For the past six months, I have been suffering from a severe phobia of the rabies virus. I have been under the supervision of a therapist, and I am also experiencing depression. I have received the rabies vaccine and multiple boosters for my own protection. However, this phobia has increased my concern for the health of my family members. Now, I have a few questions that I would appreciate if you could answer them.
According to the health centers in my country, when you complete a full course of rabies vaccination (either the main vaccine or booster doses), your body is considered 100 % protected for up to three months. During this three-month period, if you are bitten or scratched, you do not need a booster dose, and washing the wound with soap is sufficient. What are your thoughts on this? What do scientific books say about it?
Secondly, my wife was scratched by a cat's paw on her way to university nine months ago. The cat appeared normal for seven days after the incident. Does she need to undergo rabies vaccination? The health centers do not provide vaccines after nine months, considering it a long time, but I am concerned about my wife's health. I am very afraid, and I love my wife deeply. This leads me to my final question. My mother was scratched by a street cat's paw two months ago. Does she also need to receive the vaccine? I am extremely worried about the well-being of my family. I understand that I may be obsessed, but your answers will help calm me down. Kindly give me an answer.
Thank you.
Hi there,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Thank you for reaching out, and I understand your concern.
According to the books, no further action is required if there is no bleeding from the scratch or bite. Since you have already taken the full dose of the vaccine, you are considered 100 % protected for up to six months, not just three months. Boosters are usually given in cases of deep bites with heavy bleeding.
Regarding your wife, since it has been nine months since the cat scratched her, she is not needed to receive the rabies vaccine. The vaccine is typically given within two to four days after a dog or cat bite, so it is not necessary after this period. The same applies to your mother. If it has been two months since she was scratched by a street cat's paw, there is no need for her to receive the vaccine. For minor scratches, washing with tap water and soap for 10 to 30 minutes is sufficient.
Please let me know if there was any bleeding after the cat scratched any of you. It would help me provide more accurate information.
Thank you.
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Internal Medicine
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