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Is Running Advisable While On Rabies Vaccination?

Posted on Mon, 1 Aug 2016

Question: Doctor,

I am bit by a stray dog( not sure whether it is infected) 3 days back while on my running schedule. Have taken the first dose on day 0 and second one today. Wanted to understand few things:
01. Can i continue my running schedule as there is no pain in the place of bite and do not want to miss the schedule
02. I have had three doses 23 years back when i was 18 as it was a pet dog that time and was vaccinated. So am i protected against a possible infection even if i do not continue the next 3 shots
03. I am regular smoker and drink unto 6- 8 pegs of whiskey on every weekend and is it okay for me to the same while on vaccination
04. Having non vegetarian or spicy or oily food

regards

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashwini Kolur (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
find the answer below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Welcome.
I'll answer your questions.
1. It depends how severe is the wound, we usually advice to take rest so that affected area heals faster. If you ask.me I would suggest you to avoid for few days.
2. It is required to complete the course, as we are not aware of the stray dog status. It is highly unlikely that it is vaccinated. So take remaining shots.
3. We always advice people to avoid smoking and drinking while taking any medicines that includes vaccination. So better avoid it.
4. You can take the desired food, it won't be a problem.

Hope this helps
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Ashwini Kolur (2 hours later)

Thanks for your reply doctor. 01. Do the running or exercises pose any issues like if the dog is infected the virus travel faster to the nervous system because the body I ore active because of the running I do .. Like run avg 35 kms a week ... 02. But how long do a course taken earlier work? And how long a 5 shot course useful for future risk 03. If the dog is alive for more than 15 days is it considered safe? Will the dog die 100% in 7 days as per what the Internet says, if it's infected dog? 04. On the drink and smoke part of it .. Once the vaccine is over there is no issues right? The reason I asking is because u know the way elders treat a dog bite and it's really difficult to say anything to them ...thx and regds XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashwini Kolur (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
find the answers below, take care

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX.
Welcome back.

1. As said earlier, when you make the part work, there will be contraction and relaxation of the muscle which will affect the healing. So wait till it heals.

2. Usually pre exposure prophylaxis is given yearly. But post exposure may be needed and it depends on the severity of the bite.

3. It is advised to look for any signs and symptoms in the dog for 10 days. But this is not that wasy.

4. At least three days post completion of the last shot.

Hope this helps.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ashwini Kolur (16 hours later)

Doctor, a little more clear explanation requested : on point no 1, will the running make the virus travel faster to the nervous system if the person is infected before the effect of medicine takeover. Not worried about the bite injury as it is almost dry.. on point no.3 if u could please elaborate. I will be able to track the dog as it lives on the closeby street and have history biting many including children on the street. Will the dog 100% die in 7-10 days as internet suggests, if it is infected with rabies virus? Or is there any exemptions like in few other virus cases that the dog is only a carrier of the virus and may not affect them immediately...regds XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashwini Kolur (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
find the answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome.
If the wound is dry and healed, you can do your routine activity. Viruses are neutralised by the vaccine.

The virus is relatively slow moving and the average time of incubation from exposure to brain involvement is between 3 to 8 weeks in dogs. After the virus reaches the brain the animal will show one, two, or all of the three different phases. After reaching the brain it may take anywhere between 10 to 15 days for animal to die of mostly respiratory arrest

Take care

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj