Please calm me down.

[josh00103]

Six weeks ago I was bit by my neighbor's cat on by leg. The bite was very deep and to avoid infection, I was put on penicillin. My neighbor's cat is still doing fine and it has had all of its shots. The wound never got infected although 24 hours after the bite, the place I was bitten was licked by a friend's dog, which has not had its shots. This is probably irrelevant because the wound had most likely closed but I needed to bring it up. Now, six weeks later, I am experiencing leg pain, some focused around the the bit, some not. I am getting awful, sharp headaches that will last several minutes several times of day. I have felt overall off-balanced and my throat has started feeling very tight recently, and somewhat stingy at times. Here's the important part. Since the bite, I have been worried 24/7 (for six weeks) I have rabies. Now is around the time rabies would show up right? Aren't all of these things symptoms of the rabies virus, including anxiety?? Or is it likelier that my constant stress and anxiety is causing all of these symptoms? I have just somehow convinced myself, whether through that cat or not, that I have rabies and that, essentially, I'll be gone soon. Please just set me straight...somebody...

[MedicChick1]

hopefully this will help. if you had rabies, you would most likely be dead by now. as far as the dog licking you 24h later, it may not have had enough time to heal and some saliva could have gotten into it. it just depends on how deep the bite was. what does the bite look like right now? does it just look like scabs on your normal skin tone? or is it red and maybe a little swollen? if not, you can calm down. it sound like you are just stressed out. it seems to me your anxiety is just because you are now convinced you have rabies. my best advice though would be to go to the doctor. hope this helps!!~ keep me updated!!~

[MedicChick1]

oh, i forgot to mention that rabies isnt really prevelant in the domestic animal community as it used to be. wild animals are the ones you have to worry about. the reason bieng is vaccinations have helped in boosting the natural immunities in animals. now it isnt completely gone in the pet population, thats why the doctors will go ahead and test you for rabies, give you the vaccine and test the animal if it is caught.  let me know how it goes!!~

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,
How are you? Indeed, the symptoms of rabies in humans include irritability, headache, pain, itching or a twitching at the infection site, and fever. Symptoms usually develop between 20 and 60 days after exposure. It would help to check on the animals concerned. Rabid animals may become aggressive, combative, and highly sensitive to touch and other kinds of stimulation.  They may also be seen as lethargic, weak in one or more limbs, and unable to raise its head or make sounds. The animals usually die a few days after the appearance of the symptoms. If you see them alive and healthy, there is nothing to be worried about. Do keep us posted. Take care and best regards.

[josh00103]

Thanks guys. It has been three months since the bite and fortunately, I am still here. The animal that bit me is still alive and I believe that dog is still doing fine as well. The support is GREATLY appreciated and I think soon I can completely put this behind me.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hello,
That is good to hear! I guess, you would want to stay clear from animals until you put this behind you. Some patients are greatly affected after what they have gone through. But this is a normal reaction. Don't worry and everything will be fine. Take care!