Is it okay not to get serum after being bitten by a cat?
Mar 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
If a cat bite is not particularly severe and only causes minor damage to the skin or mucous membranes, without breaks, bleeding, or abrasions, it is generally acceptable not to receive purified anti-rabies serum. However, if scratched by a rabid cat and the injury is serious—such as multiple bites or scratches on the face, head, or neck—prophylactic administration of purified anti-rabies serum is usually necessary to prevent the onset of rabies.
Serum usually refers to purified anti-rabies serum. Whether one can skip the injection after being bitten by a cat depends on the specific circumstances.
1. Can skip
If the bite from the cat is not severe and only causes minor damage to the skin or mucous membrane, without wounds, bleeding, or abrasions, the risk of rabies virus infection is generally low, so it may be acceptable to forgo the purified anti-rabies serum.
2. Cannot skip
If scratched or bitten by a rabid cat, especially in serious cases such as multiple injuries to the face, head, or neck, prophylactic administration of purified anti-rabies serum is generally necessary to prevent rabies onset and avoid irreversible harm caused by rabies virus infection.
After receiving the purified anti-rabies serum, patients are advised to stay for observation for about 30 minutes. If no adverse reactions occur, they may leave.
