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How Long Does Tetanus Vaccine Work In The Body And Provide Protection?
Question: Hi,
I was bitten by a dog on 17 June 2018. On 18 June I took Equirab, the rabies immunoglobulin, and the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine. But, unfortunately, due to a shortage of vaccine, I wasn't able to take the remaining four dosage of anti-rabies vaccination.
Now, I have bought the vaccine. So, I have three questions and they're as follows:
1) Do I need to take Equirab again? I have read that if given after more than 7 days of the first dose, it might suppress making of antibody (As per WHO). But, this theory applies only if I continued with my 2nd, 3rd, and the subsequent dosage, which I didn't. Hence, if I take Equirab again, will it harm my body's ability to make antibody to fight the rabies virus?
2) Do I need to start taking anti-rabies vaccination from the beginning?
3) I took tetanus injection on 25 June 2018. For how long does tetanus vaccine work in the body and provide protection?
Please answer my questions as I am very scared and can't sleep because of fear of rabies.
Regards
I was bitten by a dog on 17 June 2018. On 18 June I took Equirab, the rabies immunoglobulin, and the first dose of anti-rabies vaccine. But, unfortunately, due to a shortage of vaccine, I wasn't able to take the remaining four dosage of anti-rabies vaccination.
Now, I have bought the vaccine. So, I have three questions and they're as follows:
1) Do I need to take Equirab again? I have read that if given after more than 7 days of the first dose, it might suppress making of antibody (As per WHO). But, this theory applies only if I continued with my 2nd, 3rd, and the subsequent dosage, which I didn't. Hence, if I take Equirab again, will it harm my body's ability to make antibody to fight the rabies virus?
2) Do I need to start taking anti-rabies vaccination from the beginning?
3) I took tetanus injection on 25 June 2018. For how long does tetanus vaccine work in the body and provide protection?
Please answer my questions as I am very scared and can't sleep because of fear of rabies.
Regards
Brief Answer:
You seem to be too concerned about rabies
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
To help you I will state my own example. I have had pet dogs in my house since my childhood and i also take care of stray dogs. and they have bitten me with bleeding on many occasions. I have not gotten Rabies till date. This same story is true for all dog owners.
Please come out of the idea that dogs and bats will harm you with rabies. They will not. RABIES IS RARE.
Please be assured that Rabies cannot harm you and your loved ones.
If the dog who bit you can be observed and is healthy, and you didnt bleed, then you do not need rabies vaccine now.
THAT IS MY ANSWER. '
You seem to have phobia of contracting rabies. Please do not expose yourself and your loved ones to unnecessary medicines. If you keep continuing like this, you might need psychiatric help soon. Indulge in healthy lifestyle. Play sports, do yoga, etc.
Hope you understood my point. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
You seem to be too concerned about rabies
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
To help you I will state my own example. I have had pet dogs in my house since my childhood and i also take care of stray dogs. and they have bitten me with bleeding on many occasions. I have not gotten Rabies till date. This same story is true for all dog owners.
Please come out of the idea that dogs and bats will harm you with rabies. They will not. RABIES IS RARE.
Please be assured that Rabies cannot harm you and your loved ones.
If the dog who bit you can be observed and is healthy, and you didnt bleed, then you do not need rabies vaccine now.
THAT IS MY ANSWER. '
You seem to have phobia of contracting rabies. Please do not expose yourself and your loved ones to unnecessary medicines. If you keep continuing like this, you might need psychiatric help soon. Indulge in healthy lifestyle. Play sports, do yoga, etc.
Hope you understood my point. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hi Doctor,
Yes, you are right that I am too concerned about rabies. And to help me overcome this issue, I am also consulting a psychiatric. But, I have a small favor to ask for. Since what I mentioned in my previous message is true and the disease in question is fatal, I cannot take chances. So, it would be very kind of you if you could please answer my questions.
Believe me, I don't enjoy being in this state of mind. So, I would be obliged to you, if you could advise me on my queries.
Regards
Yes, you are right that I am too concerned about rabies. And to help me overcome this issue, I am also consulting a psychiatric. But, I have a small favor to ask for. Since what I mentioned in my previous message is true and the disease in question is fatal, I cannot take chances. So, it would be very kind of you if you could please answer my questions.
Believe me, I don't enjoy being in this state of mind. So, I would be obliged to you, if you could advise me on my queries.
Regards
Brief Answer:
If animal is healthy then rabies vaccine can be discontinued
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Its not that I dont want to give medical advice. According to WHO recommendations if the dog is healthy after 10 days of bsrevation, then you can discontinue rabies vaccine or immunoglobulin.
"9. PEP should be administered even if the suspect animal is not
available for testing or observation. However, vaccine and
immunoglobulin administration may be discontinued if the animal
involved: is a vaccinated dog (cat or ferret) that following observation
for 10 days, remains healthy or is humanely killed and declared
negative for rabies by a WHO prescribed laboratory test "
Regarding tetanus, the immunity lasts more than 10 yrs in most cases.
Regarding your state of mind, its repeated thought process that makes you fearful of death from rabies. Kindly do some meditations to clear the repeated thoughts. You can do Art of living meditations once or twice a day available on youtube. I am sure you will like it and benefit from it.
Dr Vaishalee
If animal is healthy then rabies vaccine can be discontinued
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Its not that I dont want to give medical advice. According to WHO recommendations if the dog is healthy after 10 days of bsrevation, then you can discontinue rabies vaccine or immunoglobulin.
"9. PEP should be administered even if the suspect animal is not
available for testing or observation. However, vaccine and
immunoglobulin administration may be discontinued if the animal
involved: is a vaccinated dog (cat or ferret) that following observation
for 10 days, remains healthy or is humanely killed and declared
negative for rabies by a WHO prescribed laboratory test "
Regarding tetanus, the immunity lasts more than 10 yrs in most cases.
Regarding your state of mind, its repeated thought process that makes you fearful of death from rabies. Kindly do some meditations to clear the repeated thoughts. You can do Art of living meditations once or twice a day available on youtube. I am sure you will like it and benefit from it.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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