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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Rabbies Be Contracted In Saliva?

My dog might have picked a possum up in his mouth. I didn t know where the smell was coming from so I smelled her forehead/face and may have gotten something on my face. Could I have contracted rabies. I also have a really low fever 99.5F. Should I be concerned?
Fri, 21 Feb 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Dear Friend.
Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern.
Rabies is contracted when saliva of the rabid dogs enters your blood stream though any mucous membrane , broken skin , direct bite causing wound.
You need to assess yourself , if the exposure was on any exposed area , you are at risk , based on vaccination status of your dog.
If your dog has been vaccinated completely , you are safe.
Otherwise , if you had any exposure to any broken skin , mucous membrane , you come under low risk category , but yes you are at risk.
Consult your doctor , discuss , if require get vaccinated.
This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me.
Stay Healthy.
Dr Anshul Varshney , MD
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Can Rabbies Be Contracted In Saliva?

Dear Friend. Hi , I am Dr Anshul Varshney , I have read your query in detail , I understand your concern. Rabies is contracted when saliva of the rabid dogs enters your blood stream though any mucous membrane , broken skin , direct bite causing wound. You need to assess yourself , if the exposure was on any exposed area , you are at risk , based on vaccination status of your dog. If your dog has been vaccinated completely , you are safe. Otherwise , if you had any exposure to any broken skin , mucous membrane , you come under low risk category , but yes you are at risk. Consult your doctor , discuss , if require get vaccinated. This is my personal opinion based on details available here. If you still have any query you may please ask me. Stay Healthy. Dr Anshul Varshney , MD