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Can we get disease from a cow?
I went to a sanctuary of cows and i fed a cow and it licked my hand a little. There were many other people as well. After some time I drank a little water with the same hand but my hand was dry till then. Is there any chance of getting any kind of infection?
Answers (23)
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Risk of infection from cow saliva is very low. Cows can carry bacteria but transmission through brief lick is unlikely. Your hand dried before drinking water, further reducing risk. Most cow-related infections come from unpasteurized milk or direct contact with sick animals. Monitor for symptoms but risk minimal.
Next Steps
Wash hands thoroughly with soap Monitor for fever, diarrhea, or skin issues No specific treatment needed now Risk extremely low - no panic Practice good hygiene when visiting animals
Health Tips
Healthy cows in sanctuaries are regularly checked. Your exposure was minimal. Always wash hands after animal contact before eating/drinking. Most zoonotic diseases need prolonged/intensive contact.
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Nothing to be scared as such
If you feel any symptoms than usual contact doctor immediately
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Take a glass of milk daily.
Thanks.
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No.
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No. Just wash your hands with soap and water.
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Can help you if you want can contact me on practo.
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No... There no as such chance of infection but for precaution always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating Or doing some other work in case of every animal or pet.
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No
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Consult online will guide you
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Yes... But if you washed your hand, you wouldn't affected...
Till now the chances are higher, you need not to worry much until there is some symptoms
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a free detailed discussion
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Yes definetly but depends on the time,duration,symptoms,etc
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No. Still if u have any queries, kindly consult with me on 94 two six 86 seven eight 96.
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Dr. Mohammed Salman Mohiuddin
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Very minimal risk
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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
No
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Dr. Chandra Bhushan Dubey
General Physician
Ballia
If you would have asked this question 100 years ago, my answer would have been a Yes! because of prevalence of smallpox.
But currently that disease is completely eradicated. So you shouldn’t worry about.
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Please remember to wash your hands everytime.
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Dr. Pradeep
Dietitian/Nutritionist
3 yrs exp
New Delhi
Hello, I’m Dr. Pradeep Dahiya.
There’s no reason to worry in this situation. If the cow just licked your hand and your skin was intact and dry before you drank water, the risk of any infection — including rabies or zoonotic diseases — is practically negligible.
Cows are not known rabies carriers, and transmission requires fresh saliva contact with an open wound or mucosa.
Still, if you notice any redness, cuts, or unusual symptoms, I can review it once and guide you whether any preventive step (like cleaning protocol or observation) is needed.
You can book a quick online consultation — I’ll assess it properly and ensure you’re completely safe and stress-free.”
Contact : eight nine 30 twenty seven 71 ninety two
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Dr. Amulya
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Mysore
No,
For further queries consult me on practo
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Yes
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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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