How can rabies be prevented?
Patient: Hello doctor, a week ago on a lake I a hedgehog a piece of food touched or sniffed a piece of food with its nose or mouth, I ate that food accidentally. Now, I'm worried about rabies exposure. I cannot access vaccination center for the next few weeks, I feel I'm getting a flu, my throat hurts. Thank you Doctor: Hello,Rabies is primarily transmitted from the rabid animal’s saliva when it bites or scratches someone. Licks to wounds or grazed and broken skin or to the lining of the mouth and nose can also transmit the disease. It can be prevented by taking five doses of anti-rabies vaccine after exposure. I've gone through your history to tell you that there's no need to worry at all as food even contaminated with the saliva of your pet hedgehog the virus shall not survive in the gastrointestinal tract. So, there's no need to get the vaccination. You may consult your general physician for a sore throat that you seem to be suffering from.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali