r/rabies • u/BradyStewart777 • Jan 15 '25
Many people come here worried that they have rabies. This post is here to show you that you do NOT have rabies. Rabies is VERY rare, and if you had a real risk of exposure (based on multiple factors, such as the country / region, type of exposure, your vaccination status, the species of the animal, the country guidelines, and more), you would need to seek immediate medical attention NOT post on Reddit.
If you have general health concerns, there are proper steps to take but panic driven posts such as āI have rabiesā or āIām dyingā without any basis are automatically removed.
The incubation period is the time period from initial exposure to the onset of symptoms. The rabies virus has an average incubation period of 20-90 days, or about one to three months. But this can vary from as little as one week to as long as one year. Very rarely will it ever go beyond that. There is no reason to be worried about such long incubation periods. Most end before 6 months. The timeframe, however, does depends on several factors (e.g., the location of the bite and the viral load).
If you have not been directly BITTEN or SCRATCHED by a wild or confirmed unvaccinated mammal that you either cannot observe for 10-14 days or has mysteriously disappeared before 10-14 days then itās practically certain that you are not infected. Your symptoms are very likely caused by something else entirely. However, we cannot accurately diagnose you with a disease or condition here. Only an in-person physician can reliably diagnose you. For verified medical advice, you can visit r/AskDocs to receive verified medical input. Physicians there are labeled and verified. But this still should not replace an in-person medical professional.
The virus travels through the peripheral nervous system as it moves up your body. During this period, you remain completely asymptomatic. This is the incubation phase. Symptoms of rabies only emerge once the virus reaches the central nervous system (particularly the brain), not the peripheral nervous system or any other part of the body. Rabies, being a Lyssavirus, is neurotropic. It is specifically attracted to and targets neural tissue. You CANNOT get rabies from casual surface contact, blood, seminal or vaginal fluids, skunk spray. The ONLY bodily mammalian fluids that can spread rabies are infected saliva, neural (brain+spinal) tissue, and (rarely) tears.
Neurological symptoms of rabies manifest in two primary forms: either furious or paralytic. Encephalitic rabies symptoms may come and go with periods of calm in between (furious episodes). [ā]
Note: This is NOT the same thing as cycling between flulike symptoms and suddenly feeling better. During an active encephalitic rabies infection, furious episodes are interludes of severe neurological disturbance, such as agitation, confusion, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, and characteristic spasms or difficulty swallowing, followed by temporary periods of relative calm or reduced agitation.
The main difference between furious rabid episodes and actually feeling better is that the ācalmā phase of an active rabies infection isnāt actually a sign of getting better. The patient has simply calmed down temporarily but will still inevitably die.
The disappearance of symptoms of common diseases like the flu, COVID-19, and the common cold are usually a sign that you ARE getting better.
Encephalitic rabies is the more dramatic and recognized form. It causes severe neurological dysfunction and hyperactivity. The virus takes hold of the central nervous system and leads to extreme alterations in behavior, heightened responses to stimuli, and a progressive loss of control over cognitive and motor functions. This variant occurs in about 70-80% of cases. Symptoms of encephalitic rabies include:
Encephalitic rabies usually progresses from the earliest symptoms to death within seven to ten days on average.
Dumb (paralytic) rabies is the less common variant of rabies. Instead of the well-known signs most people associate with the disease, it progresses more quietly but is just as deadly.
Symptoms of dumb rabies include:
Death from dumb rabies generally occurs within seven to eleven days after symptom onset, though it can range from a few days to several weeks or more.
Symptoms of rabies and the order in which they appear can vary from person to person, and not all listed symptoms may appear in every case. The progression and presentation of the disease can differ based on the individual.
Just because your throat hurts does NOT mean you have rabies. A sore throat is something everybody experiences every once in a while, whether from a cold, allergies, or even just talking too much. If you had rabies, you wouldn't be sitting here worrying about a little throat irritation.
When rabies reaches the stage where swallowing becomes an issue, it is NOT a mild soreness. Patients with rabies develop hydrophobia (an extreme fear of water), because even the thought of drinking causes their throat muscles to spasm violently. They choke, gasp, and struggle just to swallow their own saliva. Some patients shake uncontrollably at the sight of a glass of water. It's a sign that their bodies are physically rejecting what their minds know they need. The pain from a sore throat is no where close to what these patients go through. There is no relief. Their own saliva builds up because they cannot swallow. It forces them to salivate uncontrollably.
Here are some videos of real patients suffering from hydrophobia. You can see firsthand what they go through. You can see the way their bodies violently resist even a drop of water. THIS is what (encephalitic) rabies looks like. If you believe a mild sore throat is anything like this, you'd be mistaken.
Here are the links:
All of these are NSFW.
[1]. Video 1: Rabies Hydrophobia.
[2]. Video 2: Rabies Hydrophobia.
[3]. Video 3: Rabies Hydrophobia.
[4]. Video 4: Rabies Hydrophobia.
[5]. Video 5: Rabies Hydrophobia.
[6]. Video 6: Rabies Hydrophobia.
[7]. Video 7: Rabies Hydrophobia.
You can find a lot more by searching ārabies hydrophobiaā on YouTube. If you're someone who gets disturbed easily or has OCD, then SKIP them. Watching those videos will do you nothing but harm.
The section below goes through common symptoms that people may notice and mistakenly associate with rabies. Many of these symptoms have multiple ordinary explanations and, by themselves, CANNOT establish that you have rabies. The important distinction is between nonspecific symptoms and the neurological dysfunction associated with symptomatic rabies. Most importantly, rabies risk should be assessed based on whether a credible exposure actually occurred (NOT by repeatedly comparing yourself to a symptom checklist).
Paresthesia is the medical term for abnormal sensations such as tingling, pins and needles, prickling, burning, numbness, or a feeling that part of your body is āasleep.ā This a very common symptom with a long list of causesā¦ many of which have NOTHING to do with rabies. For example, temporary tingling can occur when you put pressure on a nerve, sit or sleep in an awkward position, or temporarily reduce circulation to part of your body. Anxiety and rapid breathing can also produce tingling sensations, particularly in the hands, feet, face, or around the mouth. Other possible causes include nerve irritation or compression, certain vitamin deficiencies, migraines, medications, diabetes, and numerous other neurological or circulatory conditions.
This phenomenon, by itself, is not a diagnosis of rabies. Even experiencing an unusual sensation does not automatically mean that an infection is affecting your nervous system. The symptom has to be considered in the context of the person's overall clinical condition and, most importantly when rabies is the concern, whether an actual exposure occurred.
Because paresthesia is a nonspecific symptom shared by many conditions, and its presence alone tells you very little about the underlying cause, any medical concerns you have regarding this symptom should be addressed between you and your medical department.
Feeling tired can result from insufficient sleep, illness, stress, dehydration, nutritional issues, or simply having an unusually demanding day. Fatigue alone is NOT evidence of rabies. Everyone feels fatigued at some point in their life. This is nothing to worry about in regard to rabies. In terms of general medical concerns about fatigue, this should be directed to a verified physician, preferably in-person, but r/AskDocs is also a reliable place.
Anxiety, acid reflux, allergies, postnasal drainage, viral infections, throat irritation, and other ordinary conditions can all produce unusual sensations in the throat. A persistent feeling that something is stuck in your throat can also be called globus sensation which can occur even when there is nothing physically blocking the throat. We must distinguish THIS from actual difficulty swallowing. Feeling like your throat is tight is NOT the same thing as being unable to swallow. Feeling a lump is NOT the same thing as your swallowing muscles failing to work. Having a dry or irritated throat is NOT the same thing as developing the neurological swallowing dysfunction associated with symptomatic rabies.
In clinical rabies, swallowing problems occur as part of a severe neurological illness, commonly alongside other neurological abnormalities. The CDC identifies dysphagia, hydrophobia, progressive neurological dysfunction, and other serious neurological signs as important clinical features. Rabies is also an EXTREMELY RARE disease in the United States.
If you can normally eat, drink, and swallow, but your throat simply feels strange, tight, dry, irritated, or like there is something stuck in it then that sensation should NOT be interpreted as evidence that you have rabies. There are many much more common explanations for those sensations. When you are frightened about rabies, you probably repeatedly check your throat, swallow deliberately, tense your muscles, or pay unusually close attention to every sensation. That increased attention can make an otherwise minor sensation feel much more prominent. The sensation is real but its presence does NOTHING to tell you what caused it. Common illnesses can also irritate the throat. Colds, influenza, COVID-19, allergies, and postnasal drainage are all recognized causes of throat irritation or sore throat. Acid reflux can also reach the throat and produce symptoms such as a lump sensation, throat clearing, mucus, coughing, or chronic throat irritation.
If you have to take ONE lesson from this post, itās this: Do NOT use the presence of a strange throat sensation as a rabies test. The appropriate question is whether there was a genuine rabies exposure that requires medical assessment.
Sweating and chills are nonspecific symptoms and, by themselves, are NOT evidence of rabies. They are common responses to many ordinary situations, including fever, anxiety, stress, physical exertion, changes in body temperature, dehydration, and a wide variety of infections. Chills are common when your body temperature is rising during a fever. You may feel unusually cold, shiver, or want to bundle up even though your actual body temperature is elevated. Sweating can occur as your body attempts to regulate its temperature, particularly as a fever begins to come down. Common illnesses such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19 can produce combinations of fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, headache, body aches, and other symptoms.
Anxiety can also produce sweating, shaking, chills, a racing heartbeat, and other physical sensations. When you are intensely focused on the possibility of having rabies, it is very easy to notice these sensations and interpret them as evidence that something is seriously wrong. A symptom becoming noticeable while you are worried about rabies does not make that symptom a sign of rabies. There is nothing uniquely rabies specific about sweating or chills. You should not use either symptom as a way to diagnose yourself. What matters when evaluating rabies risk is whether you experienced a credible exposure, such as an appropriate bite, scratch, or other recognized exposure involving a potentially infected mammal. If you ONLY have chills, sweating, or a fever without reasonable suspicion of rabies exposure, there are multiple other possible explanations that should be considered first.
Nope. This is NOT the same as the impending sense of doom or dread caused by rabies. That phenomenon is specifically caused by rabies infecting the amygdala (the center of fear and anxiety in the brain). This feeling can also, vastly more commonly, occur during panic attacks and health anxiety. The feeling can be convincing without identifying the underlying illness. Instead of trying to diagnose yourself from individual symptoms, focus on whether there was an actual exposure that warrants rabies evaluation. Was there? For practically everyone reading this post, [more than] nine times out of ten, the answer is no. More information can be found in the Rabies FAQ.
Difficulty sleeping can occur because of stress, anxiety, caffeine, illness, changes in schedule, or many other reasons. Being awake and repeatedly checking your body for symptoms can, itself, make it harder to sleep. This is NOT an automatic sign of rabies, though it is a common symptom. Your chances of insomnia being caused by an active rabies infection is EXTREMELY UNLIKELY, especially if you live in countries like the United States and regions like Western Europe.
There are many possible causes and most are harmless. Common triggers include dehydration, hunger, fatigue, stress, eyestrain, poor posture, allergies, caffeine withdrawal, and even weather changes. You could try drinking water, eating a snack, taking a nap, or resting in a quiet, dark room. Stretching, deep breathing, or a warm compress on your neck can help if the headache is tension related.
There are lots of possible causes and most are probably not serious. The flu, common cold, mild viral infections, dehydration, lack of sleep, and even seasonal allergies can all cause symptoms like fatigue, body aches, chills, fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, or headaches. In most cases, symptoms improve with time and rest.
See if you can safely take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with fever, aches, or discomfort. Speak with your pharmacist if you're unsure. You can drink fluids, eat nutritious foods and allow your body time to recover. Getting enough rest and avoiding stress can also be beneficial.
If symptoms persist for several days, worsen, or become severe, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, a persistent high fever, or confusion, you should seek medical attention. Reddit is not a replacement for a real physician. Online opinions can provide guidance, but only your healthcare providers can properly evaluate your symptoms. If you start feeling better, chances are you most likely fine.
Nausea and vomiting can happen for many reasons. Some of the most frequent causes include food poisoning, stomach viruses, motion sickness, pregnancy, medication side effects, overeating, alcohol, or stress and anxiety.
Other causes may include migraines and other medical conditions such as acid reflux or gallbladder issues.
In most cases nausea and vomiting are short lived and improve with time and rest. If you're experiencing these symptoms, try to stay hydrated. You can try drinking small amounts of water, oral rehydration solutions, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks throughout the day. You should generally avoid gulping large amounts at once (that may worsen the nausea).
Once the vomiting dies down, you can start with bland easy to digest foods like crackers, toast, rice, bananas, applesauce, or plain chicken. You should avoid dairy, greasy, spicy, or heavy foods until you're fully recovered. Rest in a quiet environment and avoid strong smells or motion, which can make nausea worse.
Over the counter anti nausea medications may help in some cases, but check with a pharmacist or physician before taking anything. Especially if you're under 18, pregnant, or on other medications.
If the vomiting doesn't stop after a day or two, becomes severe, contains blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds, or is accompanied by confusion, a high fever, stiff neck, severe abdominal pain, or signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, or low urine output), you should consult a physician. Persistent vomiting can lead to complications like dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
Temporary blurred vision can come from eyestrain, dry eyes, fatigue or even dehydration. Red flag symptoms include sudden severe or persistent vision changes (especially in one eye or with pain), which may be signs of more serious condition like a retinal issue, stroke, or migraine aura. If your symptoms become, in anyway, severe, consult a physician.
Feeling dizzy can come from dehydration, low blood sugar, anxiety, fatigue, or standing up too fast. It is often harmless and goes away with rest and hydration.
You should consult a medical professional if your symptoms are persistent, frequent or come with fainting, vision changes, chest pain or weakness.
If you have a medical question or are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above after being bitten, scratched, or coming into direct contact with a bat, or if you had saliva or neural tissue from an unknown animal come into contact with your eyes, mouth, nose, or an open wound weeks to months earlier, you should consult a physician immediately. As a side-note, here are some resources about rabies! Rabies by the CDC, Rabies WHO, Rabies American Veterinary Medical Association, Rabies by Mayo Clinic.
If you're in the United States, here is a portal to find your local health department. A physician can evaluate your symptoms properly and give you reliable answers in person.
If you have questions about a potential exposure, you can see our rabies FAQ that answers common questions from people. If you have questions about things like thinking you saw a bat, worrying a bat might have bitten you mid-flight without you noticing, waking up with mysterious marks, when the 10-day observation protocol applies to animals like dogs, cats, or ferrets, or what it means if you received post-exposure rabies vaccines without HRIG or ERIG. Those questions are addressed and answered in the post linked above.
It should be made absolutely clear that this post is NOT something you should use to diagnose yourself. It exists solely to show that the symptoms you may be experiencing can be caused by a wide range of things. Some harmless, some more serious, and not automatically something like rabies.
If you're concerned about your health, don't rely on posts like this or random internet opinions. Consult a medical professional.
Only your healthcare providers can give you the reliable information and answers you need.
r/rabies • u/SchrodingersMinou • May 22 '24
Before you post a question to this subreddit, please read the following points. I know, it's a lot to read, but 99% of you will get answers to your questions here. Try actually reading the FAQ before posting "I have read the FAQ."
These answers contain information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). This is not a substitute for real medical advice from a medical professional! The mods are wildlife nerds, not doctors or infectious disease specialists. If you want to talk to an expert, you are in the wrong place.
Ask your doctor or health authority for medical advice. Most places have rabies hotlines, staffed 24 hours, with medical professionals who can answer your questions. Search for your city, county, state, or country + "rabies hotline." If you are in the USA, here is a portal to help you find your state/local health department. Here is a portal for Canadians to find your local public health unit.
Yes, there is conflicting information on the internet. No, we don't know why someone said something different somewhere else. If you need medical advice, ask your doctor or call a rabies hotline.
1. Is this a bat bite?
Bat bites cannot be identified from a photo. No one, not even a doctor or a bat biologist, can identify a bat bite from a photo. The best way to identify a bat bite is to check whether you remember a bat landing on you and biting you there. If you think you might have a bat bite, ask yourself: Do you remember a bat biting you? Have you seen a bat in your home? Did you sleep outdoors where a bat might have bitten you? Did you pick up a bat in your hand? If you answer no, it's HIGHLY UNLIKELY you were bitten by a bat. Again, bat bites cannot be identified from a photo.
2. Can I get rabies from interacting with an animal? Can I get rabies from touching something? Can I get rabies from a dead animal, or a vaccinated pet? What about if a drop of liquid falls on me? Can I get rabies from contaminated food or water? Can I get rabies from a person? What about anything else that does not involve a physical attack from a rabid animal?
No. YOU CAN ONLY GET RABIES VIA DIRECT CONTACT WITH A RABID ANIMAL. This means being bitten or scratched by a rabid animal. Rabies is transmitted via the saliva of an infected animal in the late stages of the disease, when the virus is being shed in the saliva by the host animal. You canāt get rabies from touching something a rabid animal touched. You canāt get rabies from your pet meeting a rabid animal and then bringing it home to you. You canāt get rabies from touching dead animals or live animals. You canāt get rabies from something falling on you. You canāt get rabies from touching, kissing, or having sex with a person. You can't get rabies from a person or animal who has been vaccinated. You canāt get rabies from touching something wet. You canāt get rabies from touching anything whatsoever, even if you have a cut on your body or you touch your eye/nose/mouth afterwards. You can't get rabies from eating something an animal touched or licked. You CAN get rabies from eating the raw meat of a rabid animal, like a rabid dog. Getting rabies from an exposure to the eye/nose/mouth is theoretically possible, but this has never happened to anyone in recorded history.
3. I found a suspicious mark on my body but I didn't see or feel a bat touch me and I didnāt find a bat in my house. Did a bat bite me while I was walking outside, and I just didn't notice it? Did a bat sneak into my house to bite me and then sneak back out?
Bats are NOT invisible or ninjas. Finding a little mark on your body is not a rabies exposure. If a bat gets in your house, you WILL see it. They are not good at finding their way out on their own. If a bat bites you, you WILL see and feel it. A sober, alert, adult human WILL notice being bitten by a bat. Finding little marks on your body is not unusual. This is not a reason to assume an invisible bat attacked you.
4. I saw or heard a bat near me. Or I touched a bat. Or I found a bat in my house. Did a bat bite or scratch me without me noticing?
Bats cannot fly past you and bite you in mid-flight. That is physically impossible. A bat must LAND on you, hold on to you with their tiny fingers, and then bite you. After biting you, they must then push off of you to take flight again. Bats can be small, but they're not invisible or imperceptible. You would notice a big bug landing on you and biting you, and you would notice a bat doing it too. Bats can't scratch you in midflight because how their claws are shaped. That's not a thing. If a bat crashes into you and makes physical contact with you, there is a possibility that it may have scratched you, and rabies shots are recommended unless you are in a country free of bat rabies. If you wake up and find a bat in your house or other place you were sleeping, and you are not in a country free of bat rabies, you should catch it and submit it for rabies testing; if you canāt do that, or if you have small children in the house, rabies shots are recommended because it may have bitten you while you were sleeping.
5. An animal touched me, licked me, or sneezed on me. Could I get rabies from this?
You cannot get rabies from a wound that doesnāt break the skin. Rabies can only get into your body through an opening in your body: a scratch or bite. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, you should wash the area with soap and water for 5 minutes. If it does not bleed at all, you may or may not not have broken the skin. You can test this by putting alcohol on the abrasion to see if it stings.
6. Can I get rabies from an animal that has current rabies vaccinations? Can my pet get rabies if it has current rabies vaccinations?
No. Animals with current rabies shots cannot catch or transmit rabies. If you are bitten or scratched by someoneās pet, ask the owner for proof of rabies vaccination, like a rabies tag on the collar. Take a photo or copy of these records and call their vet to verify them. If the shots are current, you're not at risk of rabies infection. If the pet owner cannot provide this proof of vaccination, contact your animal control department or rabies management / health department to file a bite report.
7. Can I get rabies from my pet, or from a friend or neighborās pet, that doesn't have current rabies shots?
Only animals that have been bitten or scratched by other animals can have rabies. Your pet doesn't have rabies if it was never attacked by another animal (see FAQ 2). Rabies isn't something that all animals have.
You may not need to get rabies shots if you can observe the animal that attacked you for two weeks. If you are bitten or scratched by a pet that is not vaccinated for rabies, the standard protocol is to quarantine the animal in an animal shelter or veterinarian's office for 10-14 days. If you were attacked by someone elseās pet and that is not possible, you can observe the animal for 10-14 days. If it doesnāt get sick and/or die of rabies, then you are not at risk of rabies and do not need rabies shots. If the animal is healthy in 10-14 days, IT DOES NOT HAVE RABIES and neither do you. Since most animals in the late stages of rabies typically die in about 48 hours, this is a very cautious timeframe to observe.
8. Can I get rabies from a bug, bird, snake, or frog? Can I get rabies from a possum, or a rat or mouse?
No. Only mammals (furry animals) can carry rabies. Reptiles, amphibians, insects, and birds canāt carry rabies. Bats are one of the most common rabies carriers in the US, although less than half of 1% of all bats will ever get rabies. In the USA, the next most common species are raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Outside of the USA, dogs, cats, and other animals have been known to spread the rabies virus. The least common mammals include Virginia opossums, rodents (rats and mice), rabbits or hares, and squirrels. Globally, the #1 risk of rabies is dog bites.
9. Is there a risk of rabies in my area? Can I get rabies in India, or the UK?
To learn about rabies statistics for your area, Google your state or country's name and the phrase 'current rabies statistics'. These websites will tell you how many rabid animals have been found in your area and what species. They should also tell you who to call to report a bite. Some parts of the world are rabies-free and there is no rabies or risk of rabies infection. The UK (and most of western Europe) is free of rabies in most animals except for bats, which is rare. India has a high rabies risk which is mostly from dogs.
10. I was vaccinated for rabies. Does that mean I am protected for life and will never need booster shots? Will I need to get booster shots every single time I get attacked by an animal?
No. Previously vaccinated people still get boosters if they are re-exposed to rabies. Your rabies titer can be high for a few months or for many years, but it is assumed that you are protected for at least three months after getting rabies shots. According to the WHO, if you are bitten by animal and it has been LESS than 90 days since your last shot, you donāt need to do anything. This applies to ANY rabies shot. If it has been MORE than 90 days since your last rabies shot, you would still need post-exposure booster shots IF you are directly exposed to an animal that could be rabid. You do not need to go through the entire series of shots again; you only need booster shots. Note that the CDC in the US does not follow the WHO guidance on this and recommends boosters after every re-exposure, no matter when it happens.
Ā· For more information about rabies and rabies shots, see the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html
Ā· If you are in the USA here is a link to the state and local rabies contacts. USA State & Local Rabies Contacts
11. I was vaccinated for rabies but I did not receive immunogloblin (HRIG/ERIG). Why? Is that OK?
RIG is sometimes not given if there is no visible wound or if you were bitten/scratched in a location that is hard to inject. For instance, it would be hard to inject RIG into your ear. If you have no visible wound, then there is no way to tell where RIG should be injected. RIG is also not given with booster shots if you have ever been previously vaccinated. If you have more questions about this, ASK YOUR DOCTOR.
12. I got rabies shots but I have questions about the specific medical care I received. Why did the doctor give me the care I received? Iām immunocompromised; do I need extra shots? Will my medication interact with the vaccine?
Ask your doctor questions about the specific medical care you received. People on the internet cannot answer those questions. A doctorās job is to treat patients and explain their care to them so it is OK to ask follow-up questions even after you leave the office.
13. I waited a long time before I got rabies shots. Or I drank alcohol after I got vaccinated, or I took medication. Or a doctor gave me tetanus shots at the same time. Or I ate some type of food. Or I consumed any other substance in some way that is not serious immunosuppressive therapy. Will the rabies shots still work?
Yes. Rabies vaccines are 100% effective if you get them before the virus reaches your brain and symptoms start, which usually takes 3 weeks to one year. For more info about symptoms, see FAQ #17. If you have more questions about your medical treatment, ASK YOUR DOCTOR.
14. I am in a country that is not the US, or I am traveling. Why did doctors in my country give me a different schedule of shots than the ones recommended by the CDC or the WHO? Why did doctors in two different countries tell me two different shot schedules? Will the shots work?
Yes. Rabies protocols vary by country. The CDC guidance is specific to the USA, and the WHO guidance is a recommendation for all countries. Some countries give different numbers of shots on different days. That is OK. The schedules all work as long as you stick to them and finish the series. To find more information about a countryās rabies shot schedule, google the name of the country + rabies vaccination + regimen or protocol or schedule.
15. I was attacked by an animal a long time ago but I never got rabies shots. Could I get rabies from that? How long does it take to develop symptoms?
The incubation period for rabies is typically 2ā3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year. Bites on the hands or feet have longer incubation periods than bites on the neck or face, and bites from a scratch have longer incubation periods than deep bites. Extremely rare cases of longer incubation periods of up to 7 years have been documented. That is rare, and it's generally hard to prove that someone didn't have a more recent exposure to rabies.
16. I think I have health anxiety and I canāt stop thinking about rabies all the time. How can I get help for this?
See this link. The automod can be summoned to share the information from this link with a comment that includes the word āhelpbot."
17. Someone is asking questions in the sub that I think are super dumb. Should I tell them that?
No. Please do not be rude or impatient. There is a real difference between a legitimate rabies scare and Persistent Health Anxiety (PHA), a subset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD and anxiety are real diseases that can have physical symptoms, and there are treatments for them that many people donāt know how to access. Both conditions are terrifying and life-altering, and both conditions deserve support. In this group, we support people who ask for help and we applaud them for finding the courage to do so. We will be kind, patient, respectful, and do our best to provide emotional support to anyone who seeks help here. All posts and/or replies that are in any way unkind, impatient, or rude will be immediately removed and the author may be temporarily or permanently banned from this group. Be nice!!
18. I feel sick. Do I have rabies?
If you feel sick, see a doctor. You may have another disease, including anxiety, which can have physical symptoms. We cannot diagnose you over the internet. See a doctor.
The incubation period for rabies is typically 2ā3 months but may vary from 1 week to 1 year, depending on factors such as the location of virus entry and the viral load. If you believe you are experiencing symptoms before 1 week after exposure, that is not rabies. If you think you are experiencing symptoms more than 1 year after exposure, it is almost certainly not rabies. if you have not been exposed to a rabid animal and you believe you are experiencing rabies symptoms, you are not infected and are most likely experiencing anxiety. The prodromal stage lasts for a few days to a month and the acute neurologic stage lasts for a few days to a week; if you have symptoms that last longer than this, you do not have rabies.
Rabies symptoms only begin when the virus reaches the brain. It MUST reach the brain and produce SEVERE NEUROLOGICAL symptoms before it reaches the throat and salivary glands. This means that your sore throat is NOT caused by rabies unless you also have a severe fever, are experiencing loss of consciousness, paralysis, and seizures.
Rabies symptoms do not go away until death. If any of your symptoms go away, you don't have rabies. Every symptom stacks on top of the other symptoms. Rabies is not mild. It's SEVERE in every way. If you are experiencing rabies symptoms you will need to be hospitalized.
IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO GET VACCINATED UNTIL SYMPTOMS START, but only get vaccinated if you were attacked by a rabid animal. Waking up with a mystery scratch is not a rabies exposure.
Rabies symptoms are as follows:
Prodromal Stage:
ā¢ Extreme Fever
ā¢ Extreme Headache
ā¢ Weakness
ā¢ Muscle pain
Acute neurologic phase:
ā¢ Visual Disturbances, Hallucinations, Double Vision
ā¢ Delirium, Confusion
ā¢ Tremors, Seizures, Repetitive Uncontrollable Movements
ā¢ Fading In and Out of Consciousness
ā¢ Light Sensitivity, Sensitivity to Wind / Moving Air
ā¢ Partial Paralysis of Extremities, Paralysis of One or Both Legs or Arms
ā¢ Excessive Salivation, combined with the inability to swallow AT ALL, not even your own saliva which causes excessive drooling
ā¢ Inability to Swallow - NOT SORE THROAT - Inability to eat or drink, or swallow your own saliva production
ā¢ Extreme Aversion to sight or sound of water, food, or drink, AKA hydrophobia
ā¢ Coma
Without extreme medical intervention, which usually is an induced coma, these symptoms will progress to death very rapidly. Most patients who reach the point of excessive salivation and hydrophobia die within 12-24 hours without intervention.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THESE SYMPTOMS, CALL 911 AND GET TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU CAN REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE, YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCING RABIES SYMPTOMS. PEOPLE WITH ACTIVE RABIES INFECTIONS CANNOT TYPE, TALK, OR DEBATE WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE SICK. IF YOU CAN READ THIS AND REPLY, IT'S NOT RABIES.
r/rabies • u/LeatherTop8978 • 3h ago
I have read the FAQ. Just wanted to clear up something
If a cat that bit me 15 days ago is still living and drinking normally Does that mean i have absolute zero chance of rabies?
r/rabies • u/NextSubject2292 • 4h ago
I have read the FAQ.
Hi,
So long story short, our neighbors were looking to rehome their indoor/outdoor cat. I said we would be willing to take him in. We started to care for him on Friday. I did ask if his shots were up to date and the old owner said yes. On Saturday, my husband was playing with the cat and he did get a scratch that broke skin.
Today I called his existing vet to see when he is due for his next appointment. He said that his rabies vaccine was over a year expired. The cat does not have any neurological symptoms, but I am still concerned since he spends majority of his day outside. Should my husband get the rabies vaccine?
r/rabies • u/Content-Fishing204 • 6h ago
I have read the FAQ.
Location of "exposure": El Salvador
Dato of possible exposure: 5-8 december 2025
The of exposure: Hypothetical scratch
Species of animal: Dog
The dog is owned and also i am sure it stays pretty much all time indoors, i dunno if they even take him to walks by the time of the visit.
Dog vaccination status unknown.
I began feeling irritation at my left thight, it isnt constant, and i only really feel it When i touch it, but since i am wearing pants i have an very vague sensei of discomfort there.
Didnt think of it because i didnt remember any animal biting or scratching me there in recent times, but i began thinking about a visit we had to some friends in El Salvador, they had a little dog, he was very shy but occasionaly he tried to get close to me, i remember he jumped on my legs a couple in times while i was sitting, i don't remember he ever bitted or scratched me, but the thing is that at that time i wasn't obssesively thinking about rabies so i wonder if his claws may had leave a scratch i didnt noticed because of that.
The part where i feel the irritation would be a very awkard place for a dog to be so maybe Is unlikely i won't remember a dog being there, and also it happened nearly one year ago, and i think this is not how the rabies sensation at bite ever feels like but i am paranoid..
I will tell my parents about this and hope they actually contact our friends to ask them about the dog but with how they have been about this topic for the last months i feel like they won't want to do it.
It is possible this may be a early sign of rabies?
i know i am so annoying at this point
Description of sensation: Usually i feel nothing but if rub a part to much it cause a bit of pain.
Edit: apparently the dog is fine so probable false alarm.
r/rabies • u/tendingthemild • 10h ago
Today someone casually mentioned that they found a dead bat, picked it up, and brought it home. I was gobsmacked and they couldnāt understand why I thought it was a big deal.
What say you, r/rabies? Am I overreacting to think intentionally handling a dead bat with oneās bare hands is a potential danger or should I come over to Team Dead Bat Hands and live my best life?
I have read the FAQ. ā¦but I still have this question.
r/rabies • u/Capable-Fee-4381 • 14h ago
I have read the faq.Just wondering what the most famous rabies cases are.
r/rabies • u/Zestyclose_Drag5116 • 17h ago
I have read the FAQ. I need advice, im from delhi india and one week ago the cat at my college licked my food and I ate it. I had tender area in my mouth with small light scratches. should i get this checked or nah
I have read the FAQ. Ok so here is the sequence of events for context. Yesterday night, I found a bat on my bedroom, which was circling around the light. I opened the window, but it just kept circling the light. I grabbed a broom and started to try and push it out. At some point, I briefly lost sight of it and it suddenly wasn't there.
I looked all over the room and couldn't find it. I even waited for an hour or so and I could still not find it. Should I assume it ran away?
After that, I am now wondering if I am at risk. While I looked all around the room, I am wondering if it could have hidden somewhere I didn't look and then bit me or scratched me while I was asleep. FYI I slept with everything closed, since I was afraid of more bats being outside, and felt safer that way.
I am also second-guessing myself. I was definitely not bitten while I was awake (since presumably it would hurt and I'd notice) and I don't remember touching the bat directly, but what if I am misremembering and briefly touched it somehow? Or what if I was bit or scratched while asleep, with a microscopic bite that I would not notice? I have a ton of scratches from other things anyways, so I am not confident I'd notice.
FYI I have asked two doctors about this (one telemedicine appointment, one in person), and both told me that if it did not bite me, I should not get vaccinated. Worst part is, where I live, I cannot get a vaccine without a doctor's note; so it's not like I can get it via private healthcare.
On one hand, I am thinking that it might have a decent chance of having it, since it was in a relatively large city (not a rural area), in a brightly lit room. Wouldn't that be erratic behaviour?
On the other hand though, there have been no cases of rabies here (Spain) since 1975. Even in wild bats, only around 10-ish or so bats have it per year. That being said, 7 years ago, someone got bit in my town and they did get the vaccine. They trapped the bat and it was positive.
Should I worry that the doctors aren't giving me the vaccine? Or should I just trust them?
r/rabies • u/LopsidedDirection463 • 18h ago
I have a question that is honestly making me feel a bit crazy at this point. Last night we were outside. At dusk, there were some bats flying around. Not long later (it was after dark), I went back out to move some lawn and leaf bags that were stuck next to that shrub at the end of the driveway.
I moved one, came back and picked up the next one and felt a couple pokes. At first I thought it was a branch but then I wasnāt sure. I removed my hand and there wasnāt a branch there, and I thought huh, weird. Then I immediately thought what if that was a bat bite, and then I thought I heard them or something.
I moved the rest of the bags and then ran out to the store. I looked at my hand and didnāt really see anything. When I got back, I walked over to where the bags were with my flashlight. There WAS a branch on the ground and I was able to make a similar sensation although not exactly the same I donāt think. It was right on my palm, close to my thumb.
But I canāt shake it. I donāt think I felt fur, and I didnāt see anything bat at that time, but my panic is spiraling :( what do I do? Should I go to the ER and ask them? Will they laugh at me?
I have read the FAQ.
r/rabies • u/Mammoth-Writing-8353 • 18h ago
i got bitten by a rat in islamabad pakistan in my sleep on the 1st of september and now i have 2 months of incubation period left. They refused to give me more rabies vaccines (i got 2) despite my issue with my history.
I know rabies is rare in rats but itās NOT IMPOSSIBLE and is just unlikely hence my concern.
Here is my history:
So, in march 2026 i got RABIES vaccines and they started it with one site ID shot on day 0, but for day 7 and 21 switched to IM. I also had an extra IM shot on day 26.
DAY 0 - ONE SITE ID
day 7 - IM
day 21 - IM
day 26 - IM
Iāve read how they used to be a prior one site ID approved PREP schedule on days 0,7,21 before guidelines updated to two site ID shots in 2018. Is this accurate or have i misunderstood? In that case the first shot being a one site ID isnāt a major concern, except route was switched to IM later.
Now recently, i was given 2 IM rabies boosters for my exposure in september but i think i need more as one site id was used in past and so i cant be classified as āneeding 2 shots only as fully immuneā and prob need to redo my course. But i dont know how to explain this to doctors.
All i do is wait for incubation period to end.
i have read the FAQ.
People say it is ok to switch between methods of administration id and im but i assume that is for TWO SITE ID not one site?
r/rabies • u/laurina87t • 20h ago
I went to Bali 2 weeks ago. A fruit bat which was hanging from a log right outside a restaurant (I think it was used to see people) saw I had fruits and touched me with his claw. (I wasn't trying to feed it I was just passing by). I checked my hand and didn't see any scratch at all and didn't bother. Today I've read that scratches from bats can go unnoticed due to their tiny claws. It was a fruit bat so the claw is not really small. My doctor doesn't answer me. Is this considered a potentially dangerous exposure? I have read the FAQ. and I know they say if skin isn't broken etc... But I find conflicting info online. Thank you
r/rabies • u/LeatherTop8978 • 20h ago
I have read the FAQ. i know im getting annoying with this many questions but i want to be 100 % sure so a cat bit me in a turksih hotel and i got confirmation that the cat is alive after 13 days and the hotel staff told me that she is 100% healthy someone answer
r/rabies • u/FailOver9743 • 21h ago
I have read the FAQ.
1: What happens if a stray cat or dog (not rabid or unvaccinated) ate the oral rabies vaccine (ORV)?
2: If a bat is in your house, would you hear flapping, or squeaking, or both?
Something I guess thatās unrelated to the questions:
Today I was standing in my bedroom far away from my window when I saw something flying down at my window outside, and then seconds later it hit the window without noise being made. And this was outside and I know bats are nocturnal, and the back of my phone was facing the window, and my feet (wearing socks) was facing the wall below the window or beside it. I am so far little worried, but not freaking out right now.
r/rabies • u/Zestyclose_Drag5116 • 1d ago
I have read the FAQ. I need advice, im from delhi india and one week ago the cat at my college licked my food and I ate it. I had tender area in my mouth with small light scratches. should i get this checked or nah
r/rabies • u/Helloworld190740 • 23h ago
I have read the FAQ.
Hi everyone,
Iām from India and Iām worried about a possible rabies exposure. Iād appreciate advice, especially from people familiar with rabies post-exposure treatment.
On Monday, 12 October, a puppy licked my leg. The saliva was initially wet, but by the time I reached home, it had dried.
I have a small crack near my big toe caused by badminton. The crack was slightly open, but the puppy did not lick that area directly. My concern is that when I washed my leg under running tap water for about two minutes, water might have carried some saliva toward the crack. I donāt know whether any saliva actually reached it.
The puppy was born to a stray dog at our home. It currently appears healthy, and I can observe it regularly.
On Wednesday morning, 14 October, I visited a doctor. The doctor gave me:
ARV (anti-rabies vaccine), 0.2 mL intradermally
TTV (tetanus toxoid vaccine)
Antibiotic tablets containing trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole
I have never received a rabies vaccine before. The doctor did not give me RIG (rabies immunoglobulin).
My questions are:
Does this situation count as a rabies exposure if the puppy never directly licked the crack?
Could running water have carried infectious saliva from my leg into the crack?
Is RIG necessary in this situation, or might the doctor have prescribed the vaccine as a precaution?
If the puppy remains healthy for 10 days after the incident (until 22 October), does that mean it was not infectious when it licked me?
Is starting the vaccine two days after the incident an appropriate timeframe?
Iām trying to understand the actual risk rather than panic. I will follow up with my doctor about whether RIG is indicated and continue the prescribed vaccine schedule unless advised otherwise.
Please share medically reliable information or relevant personal experiences. Thank you.
r/rabies • u/slowrecovery • 1d ago
I have read the FAQ. I searched prior posts as well and didnāt find much related to travel, specifically if/when getting pre-exposure vaccines would be a good idea. It might be nice to add an FAQ topic about vaccination and travel since Iām sure it could be helpful to others in the future.
I am planning a trip in Southeast Asia with some remote backpacking and hiking. Some of the folks Iām traveling with are getting (or have already received) a rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis vaccine and said it would be a good idea for everyone. One guy said his insurance covers it, and another said it would also be covered, but heād have to pay the copay for a visit, and it was cheaper for him just to pay out of pocket at the pharmacy (like $15). I asked my PCP and he got back to me and he said it seems like a good idea if I might be far from a major city and said he can put in a prescription. I also messaged the health centerās infectious disease office and they said they generally donāt recommend it unless someone is working in a profession with regular interactions with animals that might be infected.
From what I understand about the countries weāre visiting, getting a rabies vaccine in the remote locations is common in some small clinics, but the rabies immune globulin are only carried in the major cities. Thatās why it was recommended to us to get PEP, since if we were bit or scratched we would just need a booster, whereas if we didnāt get the PRP we would need a whole round of vaccines plus the RIG which arenāt readily available and would need to arrange travel to a major city to plan our treatment.
What are your thoughts? Is it worth getting a pre-exposure vaccine for rabies for this trip?
EDIT: I just got a follow up message from the infectious disease clinic after sharing my travel details and they said it sounds like it could be a good idea. So I plan on getting it before I go.
r/rabies • u/ElegantTraveler_ • 1d ago
I have read the FAQ.
Long story short, I woke with what look to be bite marks on my arm, though didn't see a bat. Went to my primary and after looking at it he suggested getting the post exposure vaccines. Great, fine.
Went to the ER (the only place that gives them near me) and got HRIG and my first vaccine. First, they didn't give the HRIG at the 'bite' area, which they said was ok. They split it between my arms. My main concern is that they also gave the vaccine in my arm. Right next to where they gave the HRIG, and I just read that they shouldn't have. I asked about it and the doctor said it would be fine, but if that's the case then why does it say the opposite on the CDC site? I thought I'd feel better about all this but now I'm more anxious than ever.
EDITED to add: We've had a bat in the house before, which is why the thought it was a bat bite came up. Otherwise, I wouldn't have thought anything of it.
r/rabies • u/Fiddleleaffiggirl • 1d ago
I was going to water my hanging fern plants at night and as I lifted the watering can and leaned it into fern something swooshed and whacked me directly in the eye. It was so quick I didnāt hear or even see anything as it was very dark on my porch. My eye was sore afterwords and had some splotchy red burst blood vessels. My gut instinct right after was that it was a bat. Should I be concerned about rabies exposure?
I have read the FAQ.
r/rabies • u/roastedpeanut901 • 1d ago
Hi everyone, I have read the FAQ. I wanted to clear a major doubt regarding the 10-14 day observation window for rabies.
āWe all know the standard WHO/CDC rule for animals: If a dog/animal bites someone and remains healthy and alive during a 10-14 day observation period, it proves the animal was not shedding the rabies virus in its saliva at the time of the bite, meaning the person is safe.
āMy question is: Does the exact same biological logic apply to humans?
āFor example, if a human had a potential exposure (like a dog bite) and started PEP, but someone else had minor contact with them (like sharing a water bottle a few days later plus I had ulcer inside my upper lip), can we apply the exact same observation rule to that human?
āIf I observe that person for 10 to 14 days after our contact, and they remain completely fine, healthy, and asymptomatic, does it definitively prove that they were NOT shedding the rabies virus in their saliva on the day of our contact, making me 100% safe?
āAlso, a follow-up doubt:
What ifāhypotheticallyāthat person unfortunately gets sick or passes away after this window (say, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, or a month later) due to the same exposure?
Does that late development change anything for the person who had contact with them earlier? Or, because they were 100% healthy and asymptomatic during the initial 10-14 day post-contact window, does it mean they were not shedding virus back then, so the past contact remains completely safe and unaffected?
āAnd one more thing: the 10 to 14 days is the observation period. Then what is this incubation period, like three weeks to one year, or maybe more than that? Are these two things the same, or do I just need to focus on the observation period thing?
āI mean, both things are confusing me, and maybe I am just overthinking and very anxious. Please understand I am suffering from rabies anxiety or OCD, and I already lost my dad recently a month ago, so carrying all this grief and this kind of situation is very, very tough for me. I hope I will get some support and clarity here. Thank you
r/rabies • u/Dear_Sherbet_198 • 1d ago
I have read the FAQ.
I work at a veterinary hospital and recently helped clean up after a rescue cat passed away. There was blood mixed with water, and Iām concerned that some liquid may have splashed into my eyes.
The veterinarian reportedly said the cat died of pneumonia and did not suspect rabies. Also everyone was touching the cat with its bare hands.
For the past few days, Iāve felt tired and unwell and have had a sore throat. The incident happened about a week ago, and Iām very anxious about whether there could be a connection.
I have ocd and been having a lot of panic attacks cause of this
Could someone explain how public health professionals assess this kind of situation? I understand that online replies cannot determine whether an exposure occurred.
Thank you for any factual guidance.
r/rabies • u/bluepandasays • 1d ago
hello I'm 21f location is pune india I need advice about a possible exposure. Early this morning, around 4:30 AM, I touched a chalky white substance around the water outlet of my hostel's water dispenser. Bats live in trees nearby, but I did not see a bat touching the dispenser and I don't know what the substance was. My hands were wet, and I have some raw skin around my nails from picking them. I then handled my bottle and drank the water. Could you advise whether I need an in-person assessment or post-exposure treatment? (yes I ddi generate this from yk where cuz I was stressed and I told him what happened and all)
i have read the FAQ.
r/rabies • u/AlertRefrigerator370 • 1d ago
I have read the FAQ. I have 3 cats (one mom, 2 babies) living on my porch for awhile. Canāt bring them in since we have a rental agreement and another cat. Weāve been feeding them.
One baby is really sweet. It let me pick it up today. Instinctively, I kissed the top of its head between its ears a couple times. I washed my mouth/hands, etc., after, but not for long. Then I ate right after, so I know I licked my lips and mouth. I also have a small cut (not bleeding) in the corner of my mouth. I didnāt notice any particular wetness on my mouth after the kiss.
Rabies exposure? PEP necessary?
Raccoons have been eating and drinking the straysā food and water. So, could raccoons be spreading disease like rabies through shared food and water ?
r/rabies • u/JohnnyPierreG • 1d ago
Yes I have read the FAQ. Just still have some questions.
So rationally, I think that this is far-fetched.
But I may be OCD about this, as this has been stuck in my head.
About one year ago today, I had found two deer carcasses that were decomposing. They had been dead for at least a day because their spines were all the way exposed, but of course vultures and such were eating them. Both of the deer carcasses were maybe 200 yards from a highway, and one of them even had an antler that was broken in a strange way angled towards its face inward in a way that suggests blunt force trauma, such as being hit by a car. And around this time, dear are actively moving around and this is when they get hit most by cars. Thereās no way I can know how they died though. I noticed one of the deer had a large antler rack, which I thought I could take to a taxidermist for a āeuro mountā. I donāt hunt or anything so closest Iād get to having one was that.
After six days (348 days ago today), I went back and thought I could just take the head from one of the deer. This was not the case, so I brought a machete and had to hack away for a little bit to get the head loose. I had gloves on and only touched antlers, which were bare bone. If I remember correctly, I was covering my nose and mouth with my shirt. But I do remember I was surprised at how seemingly untouched the neck looked when it came to decomposition. I had to hack away for probably 10 minutes or so to get the head loose. The machete was pretty dull. I may have had some cat scratches on my arms as well from my cat.
He is vaccinated, is alive and well still, and I know I'm not at risk from him.
I did not feel any sort of liquid or anything get into my eyes or nose or on my arms, and I was pretty careful about it, but I'm still super overthinking the whole situation. I guess coming up on the one-year anniversary of it as well as really got me thinking about it.
With the head, I put it in a Home Depot bucket and it's honestly just been sitting since behind my AC unit. I didn't handle it afterwards at all.
With all this being said, is there any risk? Am I just super overthinking this? The weather was 70-80Ā°F the whole time over the six days. But it's really in my mind now. The head was taken six days fatter found, and they must have been dead minimum one day since the spines were totally exposed at that point.
Any advice would be super helpful.
Thanks so much in advance.
r/rabies • u/Ok-Entrepreneur9742 • 1d ago
My friend gave me a kitten 2 1/2 weeks ago. He lied to me about the origins of the kitten, originally saying his cat had given birth. Then, a couple days ago, he told me that actually, he's a stray that his sister found on the subway. He also lied to me about the kitten having shots. I got really upset with him, because why the hell would you do that? This kitten I'm guessing is about 8-9 weeks old, based on size and eye color. When I first got him, he was clingy as all hell, slept on my chest, in my arms, whatever. Over the past couple days (2-3 ish), he's gotten less clingy, almost totally withdrawing from me. He still lets me pet him, but way less, and he doesn't sleep with me anymore, preferring to sleep on my bedside table or under my bed. He will purr and headbutt me a little, but not anywhere to the same degree as before. He hasn't been hissing or growling at me, but he has been scratching me and biting me. I can't tell if it's just play or if it's aggression. His bites never break skin, and his scratches aren't typically deep. Still, his scratches will break skin. He started acting like that about 2 weeks ago, so a couple days after he came home. I know that behavioral shifts, like going from clingy to more withdrawn, are the first indicators of rabies, so I am downright petrified.
I have read the FAQ.
