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Is Repetition Of Anti-rabies Vaccination Required For A Dog Bite After 21 Days?

Posted on Fri, 7 Oct 2016

Question: Hi,
I was in a picnic had a very superficial bite 21 days before from a stray dog by accidentally provoking it, there was no bleeding and it bit me over the pant which is not torned three teeth(fang) marks where there which is completely healed now. I have already taken 4 shots 0,3,7 and 14 th day. My question is I cleaned the wound with normal water no antibiotics for a few minute and after 2 hr or so I washed it with a neem antibacterial face wash the only anti bacterial I had for 2 minutes after 4 hours When I reached home I again washed the wound with hot salt water. I am now worried because I read some where that neem is an irritant and I can let any rabies bacteria deep in to the skin. Please let me know if any risk as after 4th shot I had excess sweating and breathlessness,sleepless when contacted to doctors they said I am just worried its anxiety and not the symptoms of rabies.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to Worry..

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX, Welcome to HCM,
I've gone through your query in details and understand your concern..

Please don't worry, I totally agree with your doctor's.. you've already taken Rabipur as per the post-exposure prophylaxis, however you should take the last dose also i.e. at Day 28 (from the Day O of vaccination)..

The more you read about all these, more and more confusing data will make you unnecessary stressed out..

Just forget about the incidence and move on happily..

My Best wishes

Take Care
Kind Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (49 minutes later)

Hi,
Thanks for you reply my other concern because of which I did extra research is that the first three injection were given in gluteal region and not on deltoid on insisting they gave the 4th on deltoid region please let me know if there is any risk should do any precautions.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to Worry..

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXX,
Thanks for following up,

What has already been done can't be undone, so from next time on wards just be vigilant and Continue taking the remaining doses in the deltoid region only, always consult a Doctor in details prior to get any interventions of any kind..

If there's no symptoms, no active rash over the area, no progressive swelling, progressive itching, respiratory discomfort etc. then you should not be concerned..

Don't stress yourself with these extra researches, clinical practice is something else, and it doesn't necessarily follow this all the time as the target is to maintain the rational behind.. just complete the last dose at day 28..if still in any doubt, later on(after finishing the complete vaccination schedule), you can go for antibody testing, please discuss this with your doctor, he/she'll guide you in this further..

Take Care
Kind Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Arnab (27 minutes later)

I believe the area u are referring to is bite area or the wound area. Please confirm..

Answered by Dr. Dr.Arnab (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it's the injection site

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back XXXX,

It's the injection site and it's surrounding area only..

Wish you Good health

Take Care
Kind Regards

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

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