Concerns Following Possible Rabies Exposure
Age: 29 Gender: Male Height: 5'9" Weight: 205 lbs Smoking Status: Non-smoker Health Conditions: Suffer from migraines, hypertension, and elevated blood pressure Current Medication: Excedrin for migraines On May 24, while I was trying to feed a squirrel, it bit my index finger. This incident took place in Philadelphia, PA. Although the squirrel didn't show any indications of rabies, I opted to receive the rabies vaccination series and human rabies immunoglobulin (HRIG) just to be cautious. I have now completed the rabies vaccination regimen (shots on days 0, 3, 7, and 14). Starting June 4, I began to notice a sensation in my throat, often described as a globus feeling, along with intermittent neck stiffness. Additionally, I've experienced persistent clicking in my throat that hasn't subsided. There are times when the stiffness in my neck is less bothersome; however, there are also moments throughout the day when it increases my anxiety and makes me quite uneasy. By June 14, I noticed an increase in tingling sensations in my index finger, accompanied by a pinching feeling that also started to affect my middle finger and thumb. I'm growing increasingly anxious and concerned about my health. All I want is to feel better.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 12:01:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious after experiencing a potential rabies exposure, especially with the symptoms you've described. However, it’s important to note that since you have completed the rabies vaccination series and received HRIG, you have effectively mitigated the risk of developing rabies. Your current symptoms may stem from other causes, and they are important to address.
Explanation:
-
Rabies Context: The rabies vaccine is highly effective when administered promptly and completely after a potential exposure. Since you received the full vaccination series, rabies is unlikely to be the cause of your current symptoms.
-
Symptoms Overview: The sensations in your throat, neck stiffness, and tingling in your fingers could be related to stress and anxiety due to the incident, muscle tension, or even a nerve irritation in your neck or shoulder area. Sometimes, physical symptoms manifest due to heightened anxiety about a health scare.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting their severity and any triggers (like anxiety levels, certain movements, or activities). This can help identify patterns or exacerbating factors.
-
Manage Anxiety:
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to help reduce anxiety.
- Consider gentle stretching exercises for your neck and shoulders to help alleviate stiffness.
-
Hydration & Nutrition: Ensure you’re staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, as this supports overall health and can alleviate some physical discomfort.
-
Physical Activity: Engage in light physical activities like walking or yoga, which can help manage stress and improve general wellbeing.
-
Consider Follow-Up: If symptoms persist or worsen—particularly if you experience significant discomfort, worsening tingling, or other new neurological symptoms—consider a follow-up with your healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.
It's perfectly okay to feel anxious, but focusing on self-care and monitoring can help you feel more in control of your health. If you need further guidance or support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Related Questions
Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup
While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.
Excessive Electrical Shocks Encountered
Hello everyone! This is my inaugural post here since I don't frequently use Reddit. I'm a 15-year-old male, and I've recently been experiencing an unusual frequency of electrical shocks. Whenever I come into contact with anything that is either highly charged or conductive, I receive a sharp, irritating jolt. This situation has become increasingly bothersome. For instance, I can only grasp my Mac charger by the cord and not the plug itself. I'm curious if anyone has insights into why this is happening. Please let me know; I hope it's nothing serious! 💕
Urinalysis Inquiry
Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.
Concerns About My Eye Condition
I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.
Experiencing Numbness in the Right Arm or Leg?
Hello! I’m a 17-year-old assigned female at birth, weighing approximately 110 pounds and standing around 5 feet 2-3 inches tall. At the moment, I’m not taking any medications and I don’t smoke. Recently, I’ve been facing a peculiar issue where my right leg or arm occasionally becomes numb. This sensation only impacts my right side and never the left. It can occur at any time, both during day and night. Typically, the numbness in my leg arises when I’m lying in bed, although I also experience it randomly throughout the day. I’m curious if anyone has any insights or thoughts about whether this could be something more serious than just a problem with my posture, haha!