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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Should Be Done After A Dog Bite?

I was bitten by a dog when I was 5 or 6, now I'm 14. I was bitten in my right leg. I was bought to a traditional healer, instead of a medical doctor. The dog that bit me wasn't vaccinated before it bit me, it was alive for 3 months, and then it was sold. I am okay now, but what I'm worrying about is it wasn't washed with water and soap when I had the wound. This is my question, is it okay if it wasn't washed? will I be alright?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Wed, 30 Apr 2014 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 30 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on
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Infectious Diseases Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,
Welcome to HCM,

Rabies is a 100 fatal but it is 100% preventable with proper and adequate treatment. As you were bit by a unvaccinated dog when you were 5-6 years old and know your are 14 year old.

For any dog bite the wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for 15 mins under the running water, which will wash off the virus if any at the bite site.

As you have not washed the wound when it had bit you 8 years, it is not a good practice. As 8 years has elapsed following your episode of dog bit and as you have not developed any symptoms of rabies till now nothing to worry. But it is not a good practice. 99 5 of the treatment lies in proper wound toileting.

Thank you.
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What Should Be Done After A Dog Bite?

Hello, Welcome to HCM, Rabies is a 100 fatal but it is 100% preventable with proper and adequate treatment. As you were bit by a unvaccinated dog when you were 5-6 years old and know your are 14 year old. For any dog bite the wound should be thoroughly washed with soap and water for 15 mins under the running water, which will wash off the virus if any at the bite site. As you have not washed the wound when it had bit you 8 years, it is not a good practice. As 8 years has elapsed following your episode of dog bit and as you have not developed any symptoms of rabies till now nothing to worry. But it is not a good practice. 99 5 of the treatment lies in proper wound toileting. Thank you.