Should I Get Rabies Immunoglobin Like Equirab For A Toddler After Finding A Bat Flying Inside Our Room?
Question: Hi,
My 3 years old son and I woke up in the morning and found a bat flying in our room. I have read in many medical journals that in cases like these, it is better to take anti-rabies injections. I asked my friend's father, who is a doctor, the same question. He said that to be on the safer side, it is advisable to get vaccinated as a bite from a bat is almost impossible to see from a naked eyes.
He said that in USA, there have been cases that people have died of rabies as they didn't get themselves vaccinated against rabies.
So, my question to you is this: Is it safe for a 3 years old to get anti-rabies injection? I am asking this question from side effects point of view. I am aware that these injections are safe but I wanted to consult a professional doctor. Hence, I am writing to you.
Also, should I get him rabies immunoglobin like Equirab? If yes, should I get it done on his thigh? Also, if I am not wrong, the anti-rabies injection should be administered on the arms, even for a 3 years old kid.
Please clarify my doubts and guide me. I don't want to take the risk as rabie's incubation period starts from 3 weeks to 1 year and in one case for 23 years.
My 3 years old son and I woke up in the morning and found a bat flying in our room. I have read in many medical journals that in cases like these, it is better to take anti-rabies injections. I asked my friend's father, who is a doctor, the same question. He said that to be on the safer side, it is advisable to get vaccinated as a bite from a bat is almost impossible to see from a naked eyes.
He said that in USA, there have been cases that people have died of rabies as they didn't get themselves vaccinated against rabies.
So, my question to you is this: Is it safe for a 3 years old to get anti-rabies injection? I am asking this question from side effects point of view. I am aware that these injections are safe but I wanted to consult a professional doctor. Hence, I am writing to you.
Also, should I get him rabies immunoglobin like Equirab? If yes, should I get it done on his thigh? Also, if I am not wrong, the anti-rabies injection should be administered on the arms, even for a 3 years old kid.
Please clarify my doubts and guide me. I don't want to take the risk as rabie's incubation period starts from 3 weeks to 1 year and in one case for 23 years.
Brief Answer:
Bat bites are visible
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly the bat bites are visible to naked eye. Secondly if there is no bite or scratch, then you and your child comes in category 1 and does not require post exposure prophylaxis.
Coming to your specific queries:
Same side effects of rabies vaccine as in adult. Mostly local reactions - local pain, erythema, swelling, lymph node enlargement is seen as side effect. It is routinely given in children and infants. It is given intradermally over the deltoid (upper arm) for all ages.
Immunoglobulin is only required in category 3 that is in case of known bite or scratch from the animal.
Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Bat bites are visible
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Firstly the bat bites are visible to naked eye. Secondly if there is no bite or scratch, then you and your child comes in category 1 and does not require post exposure prophylaxis.
Coming to your specific queries:
Same side effects of rabies vaccine as in adult. Mostly local reactions - local pain, erythema, swelling, lymph node enlargement is seen as side effect. It is routinely given in children and infants. It is given intradermally over the deltoid (upper arm) for all ages.
Immunoglobulin is only required in category 3 that is in case of known bite or scratch from the animal.
Hope it helps. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar