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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment After Being Scratched By A Cat

Hi, I received a rabies vaccination 48 hours after being scratched by a stray cat in Romania. The doctors also gave me a tetanus shot and said that there was a minimal chance of exposure. They said, however, that if I was worried enough to get the first injection of Verorab for rabies, that I needed to follow through two more times,at 7 days, and then on the 21st day. The U.S. medical sites however recommend a series of five injections, although the instructions on the verorab document itself recommend three. What is the best course? The cat seemed perfectly healthy. I simply wish to be on the safe side.
Tue, 26 Apr 2016
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for being with Health care magic.
I understand your concern.

- As per the information given.. the cat has scratched you.. there is no mention of licking the scratched area. The rabies infection is transffered by direct contact of the affected animal's saliva in an open skin.
If you are sure that there was no touch of the cat's tongue to the wound.. there is no need of anti rabies vaccination.
- But if you are not sure/ are afraid to contact rabies.. it's better to take a full vaccination regime ( 0,3,7,14 & 30th day )
Thanks.
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Suggest Treatment After Being Scratched By A Cat

Hi, Thanks for being with Health care magic. I understand your concern. - As per the information given.. the cat has scratched you.. there is no mention of licking the scratched area. The rabies infection is transffered by direct contact of the affected animal s saliva in an open skin. If you are sure that there was no touch of the cat s tongue to the wound.. there is no need of anti rabies vaccination. - But if you are not sure/ are afraid to contact rabies.. it s better to take a full vaccination regime ( 0,3,7,14 & 30th day ) Thanks.