What should I do after getting scratched by an animal if my sister was bitten and we didn't get vaccinated?

When it comes to animal scratches or bites, especially from unknown or wild animals, the primary concern is the potential transmission of rabies, a serious viral infection. Rabies can develop from even minor scratches or bites if the animal is infected. The fact that the animal is still alive after 10 days can be reassuring, since infected animals usually die within that time frame if they had rabies. However, this isn’t a guaranteed indicator, and without observing the animal for a complete quarantine period of 10 days under veterinary supervision, there’s residual risk. Just because others didn’t get vaccinated and are okay doesn’t mean the risk was absent; they were likely just fortunate. Protocols advise considering post-exposure prophylaxis, especially if complete certainty about the animal’s rabies status is unavailable. Since you were scratched 2 days ago and your sister bitten 10 days ago, it’s important to assess your risk promptly. I’d recommend both of you consult a healthcare professional immediately to evaluate your specific situations and decide if rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. Timely intervention is crucial as PEP is highly effective in preventing rabies if started before symptoms begin. Waiting could reduce treatment efficacy and increase risk if the animal was rabid. Self-care such as cleaning the wound with soap and water is beneficial as a first step but cannot substitute professional evaluation and treatment, particularly in rabies-susceptible incidents.