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What Are The Risks Of Contracting Rabies Through Dog Saliva?

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Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015
Question: Hello, there was a stray dog at my house for a couple of weeks. I have been feeding the dog, which was thin . Always ate fine. A couple days ago it was unable to eat and appeared to not be able to swallow. Put my fingers inside the mouth to look for anything lodged in the mouth of the dog which involved salvia of the dog on my hands. Decided to take dog to vet not thinking anything about Rabies and vet suggested having dog put to sleep and checking for Rabies virus. I am waiting for results of testing but freaking out wondering if I may have touched my eyes or nose with the salvia on my hands. Not sure. How long before you have to start Rabies vaccines for humans and should I even be worried about possibly touching my face. To my knowledge there are no open sores on my hands.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There are really no fear here!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for using HCM.

I am so sorry to hear about these disturbing thoughts. Without any sores on your hands, there is very little risk of contracting rabies. There is really no reasons to be very much afraid at this point.

I will suggest that you stay calm. If you have never been vaccinated against rabies, consider doing so. This would require 3 doses for complete vaccination. But you are at almost no risk of having rabies right now.

I hope this helps. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to ask more questions and we would gladly address them.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (6 minutes later)
If a person would be at risk how long can you go without starting the vaccines?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is no latest date. The earlier the better!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Starting the vaccination as soon as possible is best. This vaccine is not to protect you from this episode as Ii have no reasons to think you could get infected but fro preventive purposes in future.

I hope this helps. I wish you well.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Are The Risks Of Contracting Rabies Through Dog Saliva?

Brief Answer: There are really no fear here! Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for using HCM. I am so sorry to hear about these disturbing thoughts. Without any sores on your hands, there is very little risk of contracting rabies. There is really no reasons to be very much afraid at this point. I will suggest that you stay calm. If you have never been vaccinated against rabies, consider doing so. This would require 3 doses for complete vaccination. But you are at almost no risk of having rabies right now. I hope this helps. If you need more information, please do not hesitate to ask more questions and we would gladly address them.