I noticed a small cut in my finger when I woke up one morning. I already assumed it was from a rat bite since we are in the province. The scary part is that I have started thinking about rabies. Do I need a vaccine if the wound is a rat bite?
Did A Rat Bite You?
A mouse bite may be painful. During sleep, it is possible that you will get bitten by different sizes of rats and mouse if your residence is infested with them. However, some wounds by their bite may not be visible. Some common signs of rat bites are redness and marks of the teeth on the skin. If there is a wound, it should be cleaned and be consulted with a doctor.
Possible Wound Type
When there is a wound from rats and mice, some of the most common types are:
- A bite causing the teeth to break the skin
- Tooth scratch
- Nail scratches to due walking on top of your foot
- Scratches due to jumping motion
In the Philippines, the cost of anti rabies vaccine due to rat bite depends on the number of shots and they usually start from Php 800 to Php 1,200. However, the doctor needs to decide first whether you are at risk of contracting the virus. It is therefore important to have an initial consultation at a clinic.
Hospitals for Rat Wounds
You may proceed to any animal bite center or hospital to have your wound evaluated. The doctors will treat it to prevent infection. If the nail scratch or mouse bite is large, there is a possibility of stitching to close the wound.
How Many Shots for mouse bites? The doctor will provide instructions on when you need to come back for succeeding shots.
Most of the time, rabies from rats and mice are considered rare. However, it is the patient’s choice to get anti rabies shot or not.
I consulted a doctor who said that my wound was not a risk for rabies. He said that rats are not categorized as a main source of the virus. He gave me an antibiotic instead.
Always talk to your doctor about the possibility of other treatment options like antibiotics or anti tetanus shot.
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