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Could A Scratch From A Stray Dog Show The Presence Of Rabies 10 Years Later?
Question: Hai sir I had a small scratch by a stray puppy dog 10 years ago and I was not vaccinated is there any possibility of rabies now?
Brief Answer:
Rabies
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As far as your clinical history is concerned, there is no chance of rabies now as you have already passed the incubation period, and it is 10 years ago.
Do follow few preventive steps like this for the future:
1) Try to vaccinate your pets like cats, dogs. Ask your veterinarian how often your pets should be vaccinated.
2) Try to keep your pets confined. Keep your pets inside and supervise them when outside. This will help keep your pets from coming in contact with wild animals. Protect small pets from predators.
3) Report stray animals to local authorities and if you are bitten by any strayed animal and that animal died within 10 days then you need a full course of vaccination with a booster.
4) Don't approach wild animals. Wild animals with rabies may seem unafraid of people. Stay away from any animal that seems unafraid.
5) Consider the rabies vaccine for prevention and discuss with your Doctor about [Pre-exposure vaccination-3 doses] and in the future, if you are exposed to the virus then you will need only 2.
I hope that helps.
Regards,
Dr. Uday Nath Sahoo
General & Family Physician
Rabies
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
As far as your clinical history is concerned, there is no chance of rabies now as you have already passed the incubation period, and it is 10 years ago.
Do follow few preventive steps like this for the future:
1) Try to vaccinate your pets like cats, dogs. Ask your veterinarian how often your pets should be vaccinated.
2) Try to keep your pets confined. Keep your pets inside and supervise them when outside. This will help keep your pets from coming in contact with wild animals. Protect small pets from predators.
3) Report stray animals to local authorities and if you are bitten by any strayed animal and that animal died within 10 days then you need a full course of vaccination with a booster.
4) Don't approach wild animals. Wild animals with rabies may seem unafraid of people. Stay away from any animal that seems unafraid.
5) Consider the rabies vaccine for prevention and discuss with your Doctor about [Pre-exposure vaccination-3 doses] and in the future, if you are exposed to the virus then you will need only 2.
I hope that helps.
Regards,
Dr. Uday Nath Sahoo
General & Family Physician
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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