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Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Being Exposed To An Infected Animal?

Posted on Wed, 9 Nov 2016

Question: hi,,,,i got a bite (down shoulder) from small mouse in the night 3 am; although there was no bleeding or scratch, when i observed it. Same day in evening, i went to doc and he observed and said although no bleeding or wound there, but he gave me shot of xprab (sunpharma) made in china. the next shot was due on 16th oct, i took a shot in afternoon of rebipur...and now next is due on 20th oct....my question is,,,is my treatment going fine...are there both (xprab and rebipur) are fine to use as interchangeably. do i need to get 5 shots or 3 shots.....If i take 5 shots would it create some health problem....3 doctors said 3 different things....as one said no need in case of mouse bite,,,other said...take 3 shots...and 3rd one said take 5 shots...so i m highly confused.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX Relax! Rat bites especially domestic ones

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX Relax! Rat bites especially domestic ones are extremely unlikely to transmit rabies.Having said that----once the vaccines are started, let us discuss your situation.
I do not know how standard the Chinese company is. So I cannot authenticate its efficacy.
Normally three shots of Rabipur are enough if you do not get any symptoms (0--3--7) This too is just preventive because we do not know whether the animal is infected.
Incidentally, you should take a tetanus shot also. Hope this answers your query. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (27 minutes later)

Dear Dr. thanks for answer, XPRAB is brand of ranbaxy now owned by Sunpharma. and it get manufactured in china..But my query was,,,i got first shot of Xprab in first 18 hours from bite....but for 2nd shot,,,i was out station and there rebipur was available...and doctor said both can be used interchangeably. I m just cross checking your opinion on same...and as now i will continue with rebipur only. My worry is the doctor said go for 5 shots...so shall i move with 5 shots,,,after injections i get little bit unwell feeling. is there any chance of rat bite fever....what are the chances of same...and its symptoms....how long 3 shots of rebis will protect....or do i need to repeat after some interval....

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX 3 shots will do.

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX 3 shots will do. And since XPRAB is manufactured by Ranbaxy it should be fine.
Do take a tetanus shot.
Yes rat bite fever is of concern. Discuss with your doctor whether he would like to put you on a preventive course of Doxycycline. All the best. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Geeta Sundar (1 hour later)

Thanks doctor...i had tetnus shot last month only due to cut from knife...hope i need not to repeat it....if as precaution i take 5 shots to complete the course will it be fine ???? Or any complication arise with extra vaccination. Also plz suggest how loge side affects of vaccination remain...like some feverish type...thanks for your kind answer.

Answered by Dr. Geeta Sundar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX if you feel so go ahead and take five shots,

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX if you feel so go ahead and take five shots, but we normally stop with 3 even with unidentified dog bites.We give full course only with known rabid animals. Rabies vaccine can have some side effects like feeling a little unwell, flu like symptoms. These are temporary and will pass off. Rarely neurological symptoms like paralysis ( Guillain Barre syndrome) are known to occur. Wish you the best. Regards

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