Rabies: Myths, Realities, and What to Do After a Cat Scratch

It's been a year since I was scratched by my cat. My cat was not vaccinated, and neither was I. Am I going to get rabies? Could you have rabies since the cat doesn't have it, and how could you have become infected? We're well past the era of thinking that diseases are caused by “evil humors” traveling through the air! The humoral theory of disease survived until the middle of the nineteenth century when cell theory and germ theory replaced it.

Understanding Rabies and Its Prevention

Join the rest of us in the 21st century and educate yourself about your fear so you don't sound like an idiot. Are you really going to embrace hypochondria at least do a little research about your chosen illness? This will help you understand and handle any potential health risks more effectively.

Is Rabies That Concerning?

No, you're safe. If a wound from an animal bite or scratch contains bacteria and dirt, consider taking a Tetanus shot. Any bite or scratch can be potentially harmful, especially from animals that may not be vaccinated. In some cases, you may need antibiotics like amoxicillin to prevent infection. Consult your doctor (PD) for professional advice.

How Can You Know If You Have Rabies?

No in the case you just presented, you could NOT have rabies. The kitten you were scratched by was not rabid, and if it were, you would have been dead long ago. There is no need for a rabies vaccine now.

Additional Tips and Recommendations

If you need immediate help, call an ambulance. Stop drinking hard liquor and seek legal advice. But more importantly, if nothing happened in those 6 months (which seems to be the case), there is no rabies in your body. Rabies is usually fatal once symptoms appear, but there is very high survival rate if post-exposure prophylaxis is received promptly. If you are ever concerned about a potential exposure, Google or seek medical advice can help you understand the risks and take necessary steps.

Conclusion

Understanding the realities and myths about diseases like rabies can help prevent unnecessary worry and improve your health. Key points to remember include the need for immediate medical advice, the importance of vaccines, and the preventive measures that can be taken after a bite or scratch.