Concerns After Hitting a Deer
Hello everyone! I’m reaching out in hopes that someone might relate to my experience or provide some insight as I navigate what I suspect is a case of anxiety, yet it lingers quite persistently. On the night of July 17th, while driving in Cherokee County, North Carolina, I collided with a deer. Shortly after, roughly 5 to 15 minutes later, I unintentionally scraped my finger on damaged parts of my vehicle, specifically a sharp piece of plastic from the wheel well—this was the same area that had impacted the deer. I took precautions by washing the cut with water and applying hydrogen peroxide for disinfection. Importantly, I didn’t come into direct contact with the deer itself, and when I returned about two hours later, there was no trace of the animal. The conditions were dark and humid, so I couldn’t get a good look at the deer or ascertain exactly where I had made contact. Additionally, I couldn’t determine if any potentially harmful substances were present on the plastic that connected with my hand. I recognize that rabies is generally not spread in such situations, but the uncertainty about what might have been on the surface is causing me some distress. I would love to hear how others might react in a similar scenario. Would you feel secure deciding against any treatment given this exposure?
Answers (1)
7/23/2025, 4:31:15 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after an unexpected event like a collision with a deer and subsequent injury. Your concerns are valid, but it sounds like you've taken some good initial steps to care for your cut.
Key Points:
- Cut Care: You have appropriately cleaned and disinfected your cut, which is essential in preventing infection.
- Rabies Concern: Your instinct regarding rabies is correct; it is primarily transmitted through bites or saliva, not through contact with fur or surfaces.
Explanation:
While it's normal to feel anxious about what might have been on the plastic or if there was any possibility of disease transmission, the risk of rabies from your situation is very low. Rabies is typically a concern when there's direct contact with a potentially infected animal's saliva through a bite or scratch. Since you didn't touch the deer and the area was dark and you couldn’t visualize any contamination well, your risk remains minimal.
Next Steps:
- Continue Monitoring: Keep an eye on the cut for any signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus).
- Proper Care: If your cut shows any signs of infection or if you feel persistent discomfort, consider further cleaning with soap and water, then apply a fresh bandage.
- Watch for Symptoms: Monitor yourself for signs of any other potential illnesses, such as fever or unusual symptoms unrelated to the cut, which would warrant attention.
- Anxiety Management: Engage in calming activities, such as deep breathing exercises, to help manage feelings of anxiety. Talking to someone who can relate or a mental health professional could be beneficial if anxiety continues.
Feel free to keep track of how you feel in the coming days and seek support if your distress persists. You're not alone, and it’s okay to reach out for help when needed.
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