How to Prevent Rabies After Being Scratched

Jan 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Ziqi

Introduction

In general, rabies can be prevented through immediate wound cleansing, expressing contaminated blood, applying disinfectants, administering rabies vaccine, and giving rabies immunoglobulin after being scratched. Under normal circumstances, avoid contact with wild animals that may carry the virus, such as bats, raccoons, and foxes. If contact is necessary, maintain a safe distance and avoid being bitten or coming into contact with the animal's saliva.

Generally, rabies can be prevented after being scratched by immediately washing the wound, squeezing out contaminated blood, using a disinfectant, receiving a rabies vaccine, and administering rabies immunoglobulin. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Wash the wound immediately

After being scratched by an animal, the wound should be immediately washed with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This step can remove viruses from the wound surface and reduce the risk of infection.

2. Squeeze out contaminated blood

During the process of washing the wound, contaminated blood within the wound should be squeezed out as much as possible, which helps further reduce residual viruses in the body.

3. Use a disinfectant

After washing the wound, disinfectants such as povidone-iodine or 75% alcohol can be used to disinfect the wound, killing any potentially remaining viruses.

4. Receive a rabies vaccine

Vaccination with a rabies vaccine is a safe and effective method to prevent the onset of rabies. After being scratched by an animal, one should promptly go to a regular hospital or disease control center to receive a rabies vaccine and complete the full vaccination schedule according to the prescribed protocol.

5. Receive rabies immunoglobulin

In cases of severe scratches or high-risk exposure, rabies immunoglobulin may also be required. This is a form of passive immunization that can neutralize rabies virus in the body and provide additional protection.

Ordinarily, avoid contact with wild animals that may carry the virus, such as bats, raccoons, and foxes. If contact is necessary, maintain a safe distance and avoid being bitten or coming into contact with the animal's saliva.

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Is it necessary to get a vaccine after being scratched by a puppy?

Whether vaccination is needed after being scratched by a puppy should be determined based on individual circumstances and the puppy's health status. If the puppy is healthy, has been vaccinated, and the wound is minor, immediate wound irrigation may suffice without urgent vaccination. However, if the puppy's status is unknown or the wound is severe, timely administration of rabies vaccine is recommended to reduce the risk of infection.

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Do I need to get a rabies vaccine after being scratched by a dog?

Whether rabies vaccination is required after being scratched by a dog depends on the level of wound exposure. If it is a Level I exposure, where the skin is not visibly broken, vaccination may be withheld with close observation. For Level II exposure, where there is no bleeding but there are tooth marks or scratch marks on the skin, the wound should be cleaned and disinfected, and vaccination is necessary. In the case of Level III exposure, where the wound is bleeding, prompt vaccination is required.

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When is the administration time for the rabies vaccine?

The rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible within 24 hours after being scratched or bitten by an animal suspected of being infected with the rabies virus, to stimulate the body to produce immune antibodies and prevent rabies. Subsequent doses depend on the type of vaccine used. If a five-dose regimen is used, additional injections should be given on days 3, 7, and 14. If a four-dose regimen is used, after the first injection, subsequent doses should be administered on days 7 and 21.

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Can rabies be tested for?

In general, whether rabies can be tested depends on the purpose of the examination and the stage involved. After being scratched or bitten by an animal, immediately wash the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, then disinfect it with iodine tincture. Receive rabies vaccination promptly, avoid strenuous exercise, keep the wound clean and dry, eat a light diet, and avoid alcohol and spicy foods.