rabid or not?

[yucks]

way back 2-3 years ago I have been scratched by a kitten in feet,that time I dont have totally idea in rabies in a cat,in dogs only..and from a scratched you might be infected by rabies..my question is, do I still have to undergo vaccination for rabies???or is it too late already???or I'm not totally rabid because it's been 3 years already???I'm now paranoid and so much worried..what to do??please help me...

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Hello,

Very unlikely for you to have been exposed to rabies given the circumstances that you describe if the animal was not rabid. And, as the other posting notes, 3 years is a very long time. Following rabies exposure, symptoms usually occur within 1- 3 months and almost always within one year.

~ Dr. Parks

This answer provided to you is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this Medhelp.org posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[kittiemom_xo]

3 years is a long time.. I think youre safe. Did the kitten end up having rabies? You would only get rabies from an animal with rabies.
You can get other diseases but most likely from wild animals such as feral cats.. If this was a family pet you'd probably be fine but look out for symptoms.

If you haven't experienced anything serious since this scratch 3 years ago you're most likely fine.
If suddenly since then you get migraines everyday or some other symptom I'd say get it checked out.