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Potential reexposure of rabies
So i have completed my intramuscular 5 dose of vaccine today ( 18 .2.26) after approx 9 days of taking day 14th vaccine I noticed a red red mark on my hand so my question is if a dog has bitten me or scratched me do i need to again start the full course or just the last day is enough I am uploading a photo of that mark kindly plss see it and tell me do i need to start the vaccine again ( I am not sured of any dog or cat has scratched me or bitten me ) kindly plss look at the picture and tell me what should I do next
Answers (9)
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Nothing to worry, if you have completed course of vaccine. If no pain, itching or irritation over this mark , nothing needs to be done. Do not scratch it. It will fade on its own.
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If:
• You did not feel a bite
• You did not feel a scratch
• There was no bleeding
• You are not sure any animal touched you
Then this is NOT considered a rabies exposure.
A random red mark appearing later is usually:
• Insect bite
• Minor skin irritation
• Folliculitis
• Allergy
Rabies scratches are:
• Painful at the time
• Usually noticeable immediately
• Associated with clear history of contact
Also important:
You have just completed full IM 5-dose vaccination.
That means you are currently fully protected.
Next Steps
✔ Do NOT restart vaccination
✔ Do NOT take RIG
✔ Observe the mark for:
• Increase in size
• Pus
• Pain
If it behaves like a simple skin lesion, treat locally.
If in future you get a definite bite or scratch:
• Only 2 booster doses (Day 0 and Day 3) are needed
• Never full 5-dose again (since you are already vaccinated)
Health Tips
✔ Rabies requires definite exposure — it does not happen silently
✔ Over-vaccination is unnecessary and not beneficial
✔ Avoid repeatedly checking your skin for random marks
✔ Health anxiety after rabies vaccination is very common
Right now medically — you are safe and protected.
If you want, you can share the photo for precise dermatological opinion. And if anxiety around rabies exposures keeps recurring, I strongly recommend booking an online consultation so we can address both the medical facts and the anxiety pattern properly and give you long-term clarity.
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No need to revaccinate again because you completed vaccination schedule recently so you have enough antibody titer .so no worry , if you still anxious, go for boosters .
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Need few more details for proper understanding of your issue.
You can consult with me online on Practo or whatsapp on eight three one eight four six nine eight eight six for proper diagnosis, conclusion and management
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Do connect and consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Kamal Kumar
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rewari
Please tell me have u completed your course or not
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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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