I was bitten by a stray cat yesterday that I've been feeding and caring for. Normally it is very friendly, but when brother's cat was around it began chasing it. When I thought it might attack my brother's cat, I picked up the animal and removed it from the situation. However, it took exception to this and bit me in four places in my hand (since treated by a visit to the urgent care, tetanus shot and amoxicillin pills, 3 times a day, for 10 days).\n\nThe animals does not show any signs of rabies, but I am wondering:\n\nWhether or not it does, should I go ahead and get the PEP anyway, despite the high cost and pain associated with the injections?\n\nI can't remember the last time I had a rabies vaccination.
131620
You can\n\n1) Not do anything\n\n2) Bring the cat in for testing for rabies - realize that this sometimes means destroying the cat, since they need a brain tissue specimen\n\n3) Just observe the cat - realize this means if the cat does develop further symptoms of rabies, then you have not had any treatment and vaccinations done for it during this time and the virus could be incubating nicely in you\n\n4) Get the prophylaxis shot and vaccination series.\n\nWith a stray cat that you don't know the rabies status of, I would recommend post-exposure prophylaxis to be on the safe side. Of course the decision is yours and you need to be aware of the risks and benefits.\n\nThe prophylaxis involves an injection of immunoglobulins (antibodies) specific for the rabies virus. Half of it is injected in those bite sites in your hand and the other half is injected in the arm on the opposite side of where you get the vaccinations.\n\nThe vaccination requires a series of 5 shots over the course of a month with the first shot being that first visit. Neither the immunoglobulins nor the vaccination series is administered by shots in the abdomen.\n\nRealize that the tetanus shot is just a booster shot. If you are not immune to tetanus already, it will help you develop immunity, but not in time to treat tetanus if you caught it from this bite.\n\nThe choice of antibiotics is a bit off. The antibiotic of choice for animal bites is Augmentin which is a combination medication of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin by itself is insufficient treatment as there are several strains of bacteria that require the additional activity conferred by the clavulanic acid part. The two together work synergistically to treat infections caused by those. However, Augmentin does tend to be a bit pricey. \n\nChances are, you probably won't get rabies or tetanus, but you should watch the wound very carefully for signs of infection. One of the bacteria involved with cat bites (cat have long sharp teeth which act to inoculate any bacteria deep within your tissue) is Pasturella multocida which can be particularly bad and can develop very quickly over the course of the day. If you start seeing increased redness, swelling or purulent discharge from any of the wounds or you develop a fever, go to the ER immediately - you will need to get a course of antibiotics intravenously and may even need to stay in the hospital to make sure it does not get worse. Definitely get that medication switched to the Augmentin to be on the safe side. While the amoxicillin will cover the Pasturella aspect of the infection, it does not cover infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and may require a second medication with the amoxicillin (like cephalexin) or switching to the Augmentin.\n\nThe reliability of doctors depends a lot on the kind of training they have. I do not feel many doctors necessarily know what is medically appropriate nor keep up with developments in medicine. Do not automatically assume they know everything including a doc-in-a-box (urgent care clinic docs).
368050
The rabies death theory was proposed by Dr. R. Michael Benitez, and is based upon the fact that Poe's symptoms before death are similar to those displayed in a classic case of rabies. Cats play a prominent part in many of his stories, and it is conjectured that he was accidentally bitten by a rabid pet.\n\nCats, dogs, ferrets, raccoons, skunks, foxes, wolves, coyotes, bears, bats, and horses can become rabid. Squirrels, chipmunks, other rodents (except beavers), and rabbits are very seldom infected. Rabies may also be present in a so-called "paralytic" form, rendering the victim abnormally quiet and withdrawn.\n\nThe virus is usually present in the saliva of a symptomatic rabid animal; the route of infection is nearly always by a bite, and causes the victim to be exceptionally aggressive[citation needed]. Transmission has occurred via an aerosol through mucous membranes; transmission in this form may have happened in people exploring caves populated by rabid bats. Transmission between humans is extremely rare, though it can happen through transplant surgery (see below for recent cases), or even more rarely through bites or kisses.\n\nAfter a typical human infection by bite, the virus directly or indirectly enters the peripheral nervous system. It then travels along the nerves towards the central nervous system. During this phase, the virus cannot be easily detected within the host, and vaccination may still confer cell-mediated immunity to preempt symptomatic rabies. Once the virus reaches the brain, it rapidly causes encephalitis and symptoms appear. It may also inflame the spinal cord producing myelitis.\n\nThe period between infection and the first flu-like symptoms is normally three to twelve weeks, but can be as long as two years. Soon after, the symptoms expand to cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, insomnia, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, progressing to delirium. The production of large quantities of saliva and tears coupled with an inability to speak or swallow are typical during the later stages of the disease; this can result in "hydrophobia". Death almost invariably results two to ten days after the first symptoms; the few humans who are known to have survived the disease were all left with severe brain damage, with the recent exception of Jeanna Giese.
653683
I recently received the shot as well after being punctured through the hand by someone. I had the same pain, like I had been punched very hard. It took about 3 days for the pain to stop. It's normal!
479917
Do you remember your last immunization shots? It's not as bad as that, although it takes a few moments longer. So, no, it doesn't hurt but you will feel it. It's not a big needle and you won't feel the blood coming out.\n\nI'm really freaked out by needles, too. The truth is that the anxiety is worse than actually getting it done. Keep in mind that it only takes a few seconds and that there are far worse things to be awake through. Getting your blood tested is a positive thing that renders important information. It's not like you are getting your teeth pulled, where you have to sit through the drilling, crunching and yanking at your jaw. \n\nJust try to keep it in perspective.
103632
Maybe, maybe not. There are alot of insects (ugh) that are crawling or flying around that could leave the same marks.  However, if it even looks like it is starting to rot (for lack of a better word), PLEASE don't delay.  Get to the ER ASAP!!!!!!!I have heard that brown recluse spider bites aren't really noticed as you usually do not know that you have been bitten.  Do a web search on brown recluse spider bites.  I ran across a site one time - wish I could remember the URL.  It had pages and pages of Pictures of people that had been bitten by a brown recluse. They rate each and every one of them.  The ratings are from a 1-5. Of course 5 being the grossest things you will ever want to see.  You can also send your picture of the place where you have been bitten and they will be able to tell if it was indeed a brown recluse.  Good Luck.....
90424
Exposure therapy works best.  Visit a humane society and look at cats, they will not be able to hurt you as they are in a cage, and you will see how vulnerable they are, and because they were domesticated by man, without an owner their quality of life will be poor.  Also they will die in a few days after you are there b/c you did not adopt one because of a silly phobia.\nJust Kidding
596760
I hate to get shots to. When I found out that I was going to have my 6th grade shots, I freaked out. When I have to get any kind of shots, I think about different things. I don't think about the needle or the shot. So, just don't think about it. It will be over with before you know it.
392884
Call your local animal shelter they can probably help you with resources for people with limited incomes to have procedures done for their cats and dogs. I used to take my dog to the animal shelter for shots because I couldnt afford the $200 tab annually for just rabies and basic vaccinations. Hope that helps.
645798
If you do not know if the bat has bitten anyone (because their teeth are so sharp, you may very well not know), all family members should be treated as if you were bitten.  Your family physician can help you with that.  The CDC recommends that.  Treatment consists of a series of shots that are given for a length of time.  This can avoid any incidents as you mentioned above.  As far as ridding the bat, some good suggestions are already mentioned.
512973
seriously a big matter, i feel this is a case of very severe food poisoning, please go see a doctor to get a jab, i remember the last time i had one of those, i was so sick i couldnt move. Hope you bring your partner there as soon as possible, Cheers
103457
I think it's true that you shouldn't have a cat in the house! I'm not sure about the rest though! Laser probably isn't such a good idea! See a doctor!
603543
You should see a doctor immediately. Also, if you know the owner of the dog, ask if the dog has received its Rabies shot. Or take the dog to a veterinarian for examination. You need to determine if the dog has had a Rabies shot. If the dog hasn't had its shot, you may need to go through a series of shots administered by your doctor, The shots are given to prevent you from experiencing the effects, possibly death, from Rabies.
187755
Any swelling or pus coming from a tick bite site could just mean that he didn't get the head out when he pulled the tick off. I really wouldn't worry right now about Lyme's disease and you DON'T need a tetanus shot like someone else said! WOW! \n\nYou do need to insist that the doctor runs a test for Lyme's though when you take him in;just as a precaution. Some doctors really don't realize the importance of catching this in the early stages. I have a friend that had 2 of her children get Lyme's. She knew all the classic symptoms to watch for and the doc said "you don't need that test!" Well she insisted and it came back positive. SO,Insist,and don't take no for an answer.\n\nHowever,I really wouldn't worry too greatly,nothing is going to change between now and tomorrow. IF he does start running a temp though I would take him to the ER. \n\nTry to give him some Motrin or any other anti-inflammatory that has ibuprofen in it. This will help with the swelling. Try warm or cold compresses on the site;whatever is more calming and comfortable for him.\n\nYou can find more info about symptoms of Lyme's and tick bites at webmd.com\n\nGood luck to you and I hope all works out well.
297252
Hi there\n\nFirst off, relax.  It sounds scary but the facts are that yes it will get here, they say it will hit the US starting with Alaska in June/July.  The virus is not contageous at this point to humans unless you eat an infected bird or work with them such as on a farm without protection. \n\nIt's recommended that you don't feed birds as large gatherings provide a risk to spread virus.  \n\nThe vaccine is not 100% effective, and honestly I wouldn't take a risk on any kids I might have to have the shot not knowing the side effects. \n\nJust practice normal hygiene such as washing your hands and don't allow your kids to touch any animal they don't know.\n\nIt could be many many years before the virus genetics mutates to affect humans and then again it may never mutate.  So don't worry too much, just read the news and stay up to date on it.
224750
yes u can get rabies with such a small cut, but if the dog is vaccinated, she should be fine, but if your still worried, go to the doctor
473317
I wouldn't wait. I would take her to the vet asap. It may only be a strain, but with our furry angels, things need to get looked at quickly: Being a dog, they have an inbred instinct to NOT show pain, as they are a pack animal. Any pack animal that is hurt, will not survive. \nThere may be the possibility of water forming around the injured area, which will cause issues if left untreated. \nPlease, take her to the vet, for both her sake and yours. \n<warm hugs>
570556
I was vaccinated as a child, but I am choosing not to vaccinate my children (I don't have any yet) because of the dangers.  Personally, I feel as though injecting a baby whose immune system hasn't even properly developed with 3, 5, or 10 bacteria/viruses (in a single injection) is neither healthy nor natural. Doctors may say that humans come into contact with numerous microorganisms all the time, but injecting potentially life threatening ones directly into a child's bloodstream all at once is not the same thing to me.  In addition to containing harmful chemicals like mercury or thimerosol, vaccinations can give a child an adverse reaction (as serious as mental retardation and death). There seems to be a correlation between autism and the DPT shot. The CDC announced that 1 in 175 children in the US has autism. That statistic has never been that high in the past, and if one were to argue that it's because of "better diagnosis," I'd ask, so where are all the autistic adults? Plus, it seems like we are putting children at risk when we vaccinate against diseases that pose no threat today (in America, at least). It's a known fact that the number one cause of polio in this country is the vaccine. And Hepatitis B is spread via blood or bodily fluid contact (like an STD or AIDS), so why would I want to put that in my child? And finally, fighting off an invading organism is the best way to guarantee immunity. A vaccine can't guarantee that. Why did all those college students get mumps when at least half of them had been vaccinated? All a vaccine does is make the individual more susceptible to the virus when a stronger strain comes around (and they always come around).\n\nBut this is only my personal opinion. Here is what is important. People should make their own decisions. They should weigh the benefits and the risks whenever it comes to doing anything to their children. They should be fully informed on the issue, on both sides of the argument. I think that is something we can at least argee on.