rabies in india?

Question

Ok i've been for my pre- travel vaccines and the practice nurse seemed fairly convinced i might die if i don't have the pre- exposure rabies vaccine. Please forgive me for posting here but i can't get clear information anywhere.

Is it true that the vaccine only lasts for 3 months? The nurse didn't tell me that even tho i'm going for at least 6 but that's what it says in the rough guide.

And if you get bitten, would getting the post bite shots be a problem in most places in india? I'm probably going to stay in Dharamsala for a while then head south, no plans to go anywhere particularly rural but just might .

i've been to india before and didn't worry about it then, but those street dogs do scare the **** out of me i'll admit. the vaccine costs 100 pounds so any advice is much appreciated.

thanks

Answer 1

I was bitten by a most-likely-RABID dog in Jodhpur. Walking home from a bar by myself one night by the town square I was attacked by a pack of wild dogs, with absolutely no provocation. Be careful. No one was around. The dog bit the back of my leg. I headed to the night hospital, got a tetanus shot and started a rabies vaccine course the next day. You have to get the first shot within 24 hours of the bite or else rabies is 100% fatal. Make sure if you do need injections, you buy and bring your own sterilized, new, hypodermic syringes (you can buy them at pharmacies). You also have to buy the medicine yourself (no prescription required). Make sure it's not expired and make sure YOU read the directions. The newer rabies shots are designed for injection into the upper arm ONLY and can cause complications if you are injected into your buttocks or thigh, as some doctors wanted to do. (It states this clearly in the directions and I had to fight with a few doctors to be injected properly.)

This is a highly unlikely scenario. I've been to India four times and this was the first time that anything like this happened. Just be careful of the animals. And if you are confronted by a dog, yell, wave your hands, in a strong voice. Most will leave you alone, don't turn around, don't run away, they'll give chase. A lot of the stray dogs aren't treated very well by the general public and will be aggressive towards anyone who approaches them.

As for a pre-trip rabies vaccine. It's up to you. There's no shortage of cheap medical care in India. Each of the five injections I required cost only $10, with a 60 cent to $1 doctor's fee for the injection. Syringes are pennies as well. I wouldn't do it personally, even after my own experience. But then again, I'm now slightly-immune to rabies after my injections.

Good luck! India is an amazing country!

Answer 2

I have just returned from goa and go again in march. I got bit by a puppy in india and i went to the chemist and had to take 5 tablets. one a day for 5 days and that was it. it only cost me 93p. also if you do a search on rabies you can see images of dogs who have it so you know what ones to steer clear of. this was only a puppy and looked normal to me but i wasn't taking any chances. animals are unpredictable but i think the hand full of tuna i was feeding the dog had something to do with my miss fortune!!! i know......i'm stupid!

Answer 3

i think of you have OCD or an tension illness. there is not any way you have gotten gotten rabies. it is transferred by saliva. yet once you does not pay attention to a qualified guy or woman on the wellness midsection, why could you pay attention to any human beings?

Answer 4

do me a favour and when you come to india keep away from the dog's that will help and no dog is gonna just come and bit you out of the blue,so good luck and don't wast your money geting jab's that is only to get your money,you got a good brain then stop and think.
india is not ridden with wild dog's come see for yourself.