I got bitten by a rat on my finger last night. It feels like a needle pinch at that spot. The doctor gave me abhayrab and a tt shot. Do I need something else?

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 3+ Yrs

Consult Now

Rabies Immunoglobulin (IMG) is typically administered in addition to the rabies vaccine if the exposure is considered high risk (e.g., deep bite wounds, exposure to wild animals, or if the animal cannot be observed or tested for rabies). If the bite was relatively minor (such as a small puncture wound), and the rat was not acting abnormally, you might not need IMG. If the doctor did not recommend IMG, they may have assessed the risk as low based on the circumstances of the bite.Monitor for symptoms: After a rat bite, be vigilant for any signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge from the wound. If you notice any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention. Observe the animal: If you can, try to observe the rat or determine whether it was showing any signs of illness (though this is often difficult). If the rat was acting unusually (e.g., aggressive or showing signs of rabies), this could increase the risk of rabies

Answered 04/07/2025