Is it okay not to get a shot after being scratched by a cat and bleeding?
I was scratched by my cat at home today, and the wound is slightly red. The cat has been vaccinated. I would like to ask if it's okay not to receive an injection for this situation.
Doctor's answer (1)
Whether or not one should receive injections after being scratched by a cat and bleeding depends on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors.
Firstly, rabies is the most critical risk to consider. If the cat carries the rabies virus, the virus can enter the human body through the wound. Once symptoms develop, the fatality rate is nearly 100%. If the cat has not received the rabies vaccine and is in the rabid stage, the risk of infection is extremely high. In such cases, rabies vaccination should be administered as soon as possible, and rabies immunoglobulin may also be required when necessary.
If the cat has been regularly vaccinated against rabies, is confirmed healthy, or remains asymptomatic for 10 days after the incident (the "10-day observation method" recommended by the World Health Organization), the likelihood of rabies infection is low. However, cat claws may still carry other bacteria (such as Pasteurella), which can cause wound infections, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, pus formation, and fever.
Therefore, even if rabies vaccination is not required, the wound should be thoroughly flushed for at least 15 minutes with alternating soap and running water, followed by disinfection with iodophor. Medical consultation is also necessary to determine whether antibiotics or a tetanus vaccine are needed.
After being scratched by a cat and bleeding, it is advisable to promptly consult a healthcare professional to determine, based on the specific circumstances, whether vaccination is necessary. Never attempt to manage such injuries on your own without medical advice.
