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Rabies related issues for vaccination
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Question #12628
45 days ago
211

Rabies related issues for vaccination - #12628

Anshu Kumar

Yesterday day a home dog's lips touch my lip & a minor scratch(no bleeding) on my skin from dog nails occurs. I had taken post exposure rabies vaccine( 1st dose) in 13hrs. After vaccination I am feeling like fever but my body temperature is normal.... Am I safe or not ?

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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
45 days ago
5

Hello dear See after careful evaluation of your query,you are safe since dog is fully vaccinated and you also have taken rabies vaccine You are safe and these symptoms are typically side-effects of vaccine which is immuno modulator in nature I suggest you to please complete full course of vaccine to be 100 percent safer in future Hopefully no complications could occur in future Regards

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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
45 days ago
5

Hello, They are side effects of vaccine. Just observe your dog for 10 days. Make sure that you complete full course of vaccination. Since you took vaccine within 24 hour,you are safe.

Thank you

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The situation you describe seems to have been initially addressed correctly by getting the first dose of the post-exposure rabies vaccine. Such a precaution is good when there’s any potential exposure. The touch of the dog’s lips to yours carries an extremely low risk for rabies transmission, particularly if the dog is healthy and regularly vaccinated. Minor scratches also present minimal risk, especially with no bleeding involved. In terms of vaccine-related symptoms, feeling feverish can be a common response to vaccinations as the body’s immune system starts to react. This doesn’t indicate a failure of the vaccine or an exposure to rabies, simply a normal response in some individuals. Make sure to continue the entire course of the post-exposure prophylaxis schedule as the effectiveness of the rabies vaccine relies on completing all doses. If you haven’t already, ensure the dog in question is current on rabies vaccinations; knowledge of the animal’s health status can further reassure you. As general advice, monitor for any more significant symptoms like actual fever or a rash around the vaccination site or anywhere on your body, and consult a healthcare provider if they occur. If you feel particularly unwell or if there’s swelling, redness, warmth, or discharge from the scratch site, seek medical evaluation. It’s also wise to make sure your vaccination is done under proper medical supervision. Continue to monitor your symptoms, and if anything concerning arises, reach back out to your healthcare provider for further advice.

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Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
45 days ago
5

Keep taking your anti-rabies vaccine on time: Standard 5-dose schedule: Day 0 → (Already taken)

Day 3

Day 7

Day 14

Day 28

If your local doctor or center follows the 4-dose schedule (0, 3, 7, 14) that’s also acceptable. Just don’t miss a dose. Keep your dog under observation for 10 days: If the dog stays normal, playful, eating, and active during this period → it confirms there’s no rabies risk. In that case, you can even discuss with your doctor if all vaccine doses are needed, though completing the full course is safest.

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
45 days ago
5

Hello Anshu Yes its totally safe as your dog is vaccinated but … Just make sure to complete the full vaccine schedule (usually on Day 0, 3, 7, and 14). No need of Rabies immunoglobulin in your case because the scratch was minor, and the dog is healthy and vaccinated…

Thank you

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Dr. Bheruram Netar
I am working in general medicine opd from 3 years now and that gave me wide exposure to all kind of patients walking in with different complain, sometimes mild, sometimes really serious. Most common I handle are seasonal allergies, gestational issues during pregnancy, diabetes and hypertension, but I also see cases of infections like dengue or malaria that need quick attention. In OPD you never know what the next case will be, one moment its a child with fever and next a adult with uncontrolled blood sugar, and I learnt to switch fast and think clear. I focus on proper diagnosis first, using detailed history and examination rather than rushing, cause many conditions overlap and can confuse. For example a viral fever might look like dengue in early days, or hypertension can stay hidden till it shows as headache or dizziness. I try to explain to patients in simple words what is happening with their health, as many come with fear and half information. Making them comfortable and giving them trust matters more than only prescribing medicines. Over these years I also developed a flexible approach in management, not every patient need same treatment plan. Like gestational diabetes require a very diff care compared to a young person with type 1 diabetes. Lifestyle counselling became important part of my practice, talking about diet, exercise, sleep routine and follow-up. Even with allergies or seasonal flu, guiding them on prevention and hygiene reduce re-occurence a lot. In opd practice volume is high and decision making has to be quick but safe. Sometimes you only have a few minutes, still I try to balance efficiency with personal care. Seeing patients recover and come back with gratitude motivate me everyday. Working across such diverse case made me more confident, but also humble because medicine is never fully predictable. There are times I doubt, recheck, ask for labs before final call, and I think that caution is also strength.
44 days ago
5

Hello dear It’s ok if no bleed from wound If u had taken. Previously vaccinations If not take then take full course day 0,3,7,28 of days Wash infected area with running water And you can use betadine For fever you take acetaminophen 500mg bd Tab pantos dsr 1bedore breakfast Keep hydrated Thanks

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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
43 days ago
5

Hello Anshu, I understand this might be worrisome. As you started the course of vaccination, there is very less risk of you getting the disease. Your fever is probably due to the vaccine. It’s is very common for fever to occur after vaccination. Just take “Tablet Paracetamol 500mg” of you have more fever. Continue your vaccines as advised by the doctor.

Still if you have doubts, kindly consult an Infectious Disease Specialist or a Physician. He/She will clear all your doubts.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med

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