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I fear contracting rabies from rat bites. Please help.
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 25 year old male. I went to a party and slept at an unhygienic place. There were a few rats around and now I am scared if any of them had bitten me. I am worried that I may get rabies. I cannot see any bite marks, though but I cannot shake the feeling off. Should I get rabies vacci... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Regarding your first question, there is no documented case of rabies caused by a rat or mice. So, I will not suggest you take shots and moreover, you are not sure whether you are bitten or not. Regarding your second question the rabies vaccine will be effective even aft... Read Full »
I stroked a stray cat. Will I get rabies?
Query: Hello doctor, Is it possible to get rabies from patting a stray cat and then eating without washing hands? The cat's fur was not moist or wet nor was the cat being aggressive. Please advice. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.No. Rabies does not spread that way. There is absolutely no chance to get rabies that way. Generally, it is the bite from a rabid dog or a cat that causes rabies since rabies virus is present in saliva. Read Full »
Should I get vaccinated now as I was licked by a dog 5 years back?
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? Read Full »
Answer: 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... Read Full »
Can I acquire rabies by sharing a drink?
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? Read Full »
Answer: 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 --> https://icliniq... Read Full »