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Should Anti Rabies Vaccine Be Taken After Touching Dog Saliva?

Posted on Mon, 2 Mar 2015

Question: I touch the cloth which was lick by dog... I touch it after 8 hour dog lick it... Should i take anti rabies vaccine??? It was stray dog

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is no need of anti rabies vaccine

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM,

As you have touched the cloth which was contaminated with the saliva of the stray dog 8 hours after the contact.

There is no need of anti rabies vaccine because rabies virus is highly sensitive to air it will be destroyed with in few minutes after exposure to air.

So there is no need of any anti rabies vaccine.

I hope you are satisfied with the answer. If you any further query feel free to post them.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Praveen G (10 hours later)

sir i want to consult doctor. so which doctor should i meet?? md medicine or ms general surgery??

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult General Surgeon

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,

You can consult MS general Surgeon to discuss your problem.
Thankyou

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Praveen G (3 hours later)

Sir i have little cut on finger but there is no bleeding at all. I touch the cloth 8 hour after dog lick it... Will it transmit the rabies??? Rabies virus survive in wet cloth lick by dog to transmit the disease??? Should I worry about it??! Will i get rabies....???

Answered by Dr. Praveen G (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I can understand your concern, but there is nothing to worry even if you have cut in your finger and touched the possible saliva contaminated cloth.

This is because the virus will not survive even it is a wet cloth for 8 hour duration. As soon as it come in contact with the atmospheric air it will be destroyed.

You are 100% safe as you have taken full course of anti rabies vaccine for previous dog bite. You will be having protective antibody titres in your blood which will neutralizes if any virus enters your body.

So there is nothing to worry you will not get rabies it is 100% fact.
Thank you.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari