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Hello, I Was Playing With A Cat But Got Suspicious

Posted on Thu, 16 Apr 2020

Question: Hello,
I was playing with a cat but got suspicious about lick. Did not find any scratch or bite. But to take precaution I started with ARV 5 shots and completed on time. But I started ARV 6 days late. I read too much onto internet. I have following queries:
1. What is Rabies incubation period? When it lives in muscle or it also consists of nerve travel?
2. Whether Vaccine effectively tackles muscle virus or it also tackles virus in nerves(peripheral and CNS)
3. How much time does virus take from peripheral nerve to break out in brain?
4. Is it safe to assume that after 5 ARVs I have no reason to worry?
5. Does virus incubate in nerves or will it always flourish and travel to brain?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
need not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Firstly for a suspicious lick on an intact skin, there was no need for vaccination.

1. The incubation period ranges from 40 to 100 days in humans. The incubation is unrelated to the tissue of invasion.

2. Vaccine does not kill the virus. It jus potentiates our immune system to fight against the virus.

3. It depends on the viral load. If the viral load is enough it might take less than 10 days to reach the brain via the peripheral nerves.

4. Yes, it is safe

5. It can incubate in the nerve cells.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (4 hours later)

Hello Doctor, Thank you for your response. With respect to second point you said our immune system has the potential the kill the virus when we take ARV.
1.Can we say that body can kill the virus at any stage of its travel? Muscles, peripheral nerves , CNS or brain?

2. Can I be sure after taking 5 ARVs , virus has zero possibility of breaking out in brain or incubating as I started the dose 6 days later?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Answers

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

1, Yes,

2. I would say negligible possibility. Zero is an unguarded claim.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (9 hours later)

Hello Doctor, Thanks. One final question.
I want to ask you how can I conquer the anxiety I have with respect to rabies. Though I have taken all the precaution I still fear it. I always think I might have virus incubating in my body. Can you please guide me?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stop reading about it

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Not everything online is applicable to practical life.

Its only theory in books and online literature. A doctor's work experience says many things about any fact the theory doesn't cover.

Need not worry, I wound count your case as an exposure at al.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (7 hours later)

Do you mean to say
I would not count your case as an exposure at all

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (3 days later)

Brief Answer:
Not needing vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

A lick on intact skin is not eligible for vaccination.

regards,

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T