HI!Im Nishtha.Last year,from 26th sep 2010 to 26 oct(roughly)2010 i got a rabipur injection all 5 doses as i had a doubt that the street dog licked me on an unhealed part of my feet as it was very dark in that area and i wasnt sure whether it licked or not.but i didnt get the booster dose as i wasnt aware of it and the doctor didnt mention about the booster dose.i got 5 rbipur.tell me for how long this 5 dose will be effective.Bcause yesterday morning a cat entered my room when i was sleeping but wen i got up suddenly from deep sleep i saw that it jumped on floor and left after my loud shriek.i hav doubt what if it licked me on my scratched skin or corn in foot or jumped on me wen i was asleep.it didnt jump on me wen i was awake nor i found any scratch from the cat on my body.tell me wat to do.i consulted the physician he told me that as i already had a dose of 5 injections a year ago then i need not worry .he said the 5 doses will last for 2 to 3 years.iwant to be doubly sure.pls answer i hope it is free consultation.
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor, Cat is a known reservoir of rabies virus, and it can transmit rabies to the humans. Rabies is 100% fatal, but it is 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment. As you were licked by a dog on the open wound previously for which you have received all five shots of anti rabies vaccine as per the schedule of post exposure prophylaxis. Once again you are in doubt that the cat has licked the open wound recently. According WHO categorization of animal bite, you will be categorized into Re-Exposures. You should receive two doses of anti rabies vaccine on days 0 and 3. The vaccine should be taken to shoulder. This will remove all the anxiety associated with the doubtful contact of cat saliva with your wound. Thank you.