Do I need to receive a rabies vaccine after being scratched by a cat?
Disease description:
Today, while playing with a stray cat in my residential community, I was scratched and started bleeding. I’d like to ask: Do I need to receive a rabies vaccine after being scratched by a cat?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Hello, you need to receive rabies vaccination after being scratched by a cat to prevent rabies infection—since rabies is extremely difficult to treat once clinical symptoms develop. Please wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water several times daily, followed by disinfection with iodophor-soaked cotton swabs. Additionally, tetanus antitoxin should be administered within 24 hours of the injury to prevent tetanus. The first dose of the rabies vaccine should also be administered within 24 hours after the injury. I hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health!
