Does a person need a rabies shot if scratched by a puppy that has received the rabies vaccine?

Nov 05, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, whether a person needs a rabies vaccine after being scratched by a puppy that has received the rabies vaccination depends on factors such as the puppy's vaccination history and the nature of the wound. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to keep the injection site clean and dry, avoid strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue, maintain a balanced diet, and enhance the body's immunity to promote antibody production.

In general, if a person is scratched by a puppy that has been vaccinated against rabies, they still need to receive the rabies vaccine. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Even if a puppy has received the rabies vaccine, it cannot be 100% guaranteed that it does not carry the rabies virus. This is because the effectiveness of the vaccine may be influenced by various factors, such as the storage conditions of the vaccine, the method of administration, and individual differences among puppies. Moreover, the rabies virus has an incubation period and may still be present in the puppy's body for some time after vaccination. Therefore, from a safety standpoint, individuals scratched by a vaccinated puppy should still receive the rabies vaccine. To ensure safety, after being scratched by an animal, the wound should be immediately cleaned with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by disinfection with an antiseptic. Afterward, seek medical attention promptly.

Under normal circumstances, it is important to keep the injection site clean and dry, avoid strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue, maintain a balanced diet, and strengthen the body's immunity to promote antibody production.

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How to Prevent Rabies Before Exposure

Pre-exposure preventive measures for rabies mainly include timely handling of contaminated objects, immediate wound irrigation, vaccination, avoiding contact with dogs, and regularly vaccinating pets. These measures can reduce the risk of infection; therefore, once exposure is detected, appropriate preventive measures should be promptly taken to ensure safety.

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What are the post-vaccination precautions after receiving a rabies vaccine?

In general, after receiving the rabies vaccine, it is important to follow dietary restrictions, avoid alcohol consumption, refrain from strenuous exercise, prevent wound infection, and use other medications cautiously. In daily life, it is recommended to avoid contact with stray animals as much as possible to reduce the risk of animal bites or scratches. If keeping pets at home, ensure they receive regular rabies vaccinations and maintain their overall health through proper management.

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What are the side effects of the rabies vaccine?

In general, rabies vaccine refers to the vaccine for rabies. Possible side effects of the rabies vaccine may include pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, allergic shock, nausea, and muscle aches. After vaccination, individuals should remain at the vaccination site for 30 minutes of observation to monitor for any adverse reactions. If severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, pallor, or palpitations occur, timely medical treatment can be provided.

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What should I do if a kitten bites me and breaks the skin?

In general, if bitten by a kitten and bleeding occurs, you should stop the bleeding, clean and bandage the wound, seek medical attention, receive a rabies vaccination, and follow up with proper wound care and observation. When playing with kittens, try to avoid actions that may provoke them, such as pulling their tails excessively or scratching them forcefully. Additionally, avoid feeding kittens directly by hand to prevent accidental bites.