Do I need a rabies vaccine if bitten by a cat?

Oct 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

Cats are one of the common hosts of the rabies virus. When a cat bites a person, the virus in its saliva may enter the human body through the wound, leading to rabies. Rabies is a fatal disease with an extremely high mortality rate once symptoms appear. Currently, there is no effective treatment capable of completely curing rabies; therefore, prevention is the most important measure.

Rabies vaccine generally refers to the vaccine against rabies. Usually, a rabies vaccine is needed after being bitten by a cat. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Specific analysis is as follows:

Cats are among the common hosts of the rabies virus. When a cat bites a person, the virus in its saliva may enter the body through the wound, leading to rabies infection. Rabies is a fatal disease; once symptoms develop, the mortality rate is extremely high. Currently, there is no effective treatment capable of completely curing rabies, so active prevention is essential. Administering the rabies vaccine stimulates the human body to produce immunity against the rabies virus, thereby preventing viral infection and disease onset. Additionally, timely vaccination can reduce the virus's incubation period within the body and lower transmission risks. If the vaccine is not administered promptly after a bite, the virus may remain latent in the body for an extended period and even spread via the bloodstream and nervous system to other areas, increasing treatment difficulty and the risk of death.

After being bitten by a cat, promptly cleaning the wound by thoroughly rinsing it with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, followed by disinfection, is also one of the crucial steps in preventing rabies.

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What should I do if I'm bitten by a cat and it causes bleeding?

In general, if you are bitten by a cat and bleeding occurs, the wound should be promptly flushed and disinfected. Then, go to a正规 hospital to receive a rabies vaccine. Note that cat bites causing bleeding must be taken seriously. If you are unsure how to handle it, it is recommended to directly consult a professional doctor at a正规 medical facility for accurate guidance.

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Will there be any problem if I immediately disinfect a cat bite with alcohol?

In general, disinfecting immediately with alcohol after being bitten by a cat may prevent complications, but problems could still occur depending on the specific circumstances. It is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly if they experience any discomfort and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance, which can facilitate recovery. If the cat has received all necessary vaccinations and shows no signs of infectious diseases, and the bite only causes a minor skin injury,

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Is it still helpful to get a shot 7 days after being bitten by a cat?

Whether a rabies vaccine is needed seven days after being bitten by a cat depends on the size of the wound and whether the cat has been vaccinated. If the skin is unbroken and the cat has received the rabies vaccine, getting the vaccine seven days later will not have significant consequences. However, if the wound is severe with substantial bleeding, and the cat shows symptoms such as unusual barking or other signs of illness, waiting seven days to receive the vaccine after the bite may greatly increase the risk.

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After being bitten by a cat and having received the rabies vaccine, if bitten again, is it necessary to get another injection?

Whether a rabies vaccine is needed after being bitten again by a cat following a previous vaccination depends on the time interval between the bites. To prevent rabies, it is important to avoid contact with animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies, thereby reducing the risk of bites. Maintaining good personal hygiene and promptly treating wounds are also crucial measures in preventing rabies.

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After being bitten by a cat and having received the rabies vaccine, if bitten again, is it necessary to get another injection?

If the time interval between the bite and the rabies vaccination is short, generally no additional shots are needed after being bitten again by a cat following previous vaccination; otherwise, a booster shot is required. The rabies vaccine is a preventive vaccine that, once administered, stimulates the body's immune system to produce specific antibodies, thereby providing protection against the rabies virus.

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How to treat a wound after being bitten by a cat or dog

The steps for treating a wound after being bitten by a cat or dog include immediately washing the wound, squeezing out blood from the wound, disinfecting the wound, stopping the bleeding and dressing the wound, seeking medical attention promptly, and receiving vaccinations. After being bitten, one should immediately rinse the wound thoroughly with a large amount of running water to rapidly reduce the number of pathogens at the wound site. The washing should continue for at least 15 minutes to ensure adequate cleaning both inside and outside the wound.

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Bitten by a cat, but the skin was not broken; swelling occurred.

After being bitten by a cat without breaking the skin but experiencing swelling, it is recommended to clean the area with clean water, apply ice packs, and use medication as advised by a doctor. In addition, special attention should be paid to preventing infection after a cat bite. If the swelling persists, pain worsens, or other abnormal symptoms occur, prompt medical attention is advised for evaluation and treatment.

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Is it okay not to receive serum after being bitten by a cat?

Serum refers to rabies immunoglobulin. Whether or not rabies immunoglobulin is needed after being bitten by a cat depends on the actual condition of the wound. If the wound is minor, the injection may not be necessary; however, if the wound is severe and extensive, the injection is required. If any discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. Always exercise caution when interacting with pets to avoid injury.

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