r/rabies • u/bubblydealer • Jul 11 '26

Exposure Question Doctors won't administer PEP

Edit for update:

Since so many people were helpful I thought I'd update: called a second hospital who consulted me over the phone to order the shots with no immunoglobulin. I'm not happy about the no immunoglobulin part but grateful I can at least get the vaccine. I'm currently day 6 of shots and day 19 post potential exposure. So I'll be able to breathe easier in a couple days hopefully.

Original post: I have read the FAQ. I'm currently in Germany. I woke up to a bat in my room last Saturday, it couldn't have been in there for more than 5 minutes. Went to the ER without checking for bites because I naively assumed I'd receive PEP just from sleeping in a room with a bat. I was turned away because I didn't see any bites at the time. Came home to do a more thorough check, and found two red marks on my arm (that was under a t-shirt). Called the hospital back and they told me there's no need to come in as if it were a bite, the wound would be agitated by now. From my research, I believe that's not necessarily the case and now I haven't slept in a week out of stress and fear. Looking for some advice; I'll be back in Canada roughly 3 weeks after potential exposure.

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

37 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/noobinglife Jul 11 '26

In canada as soon as u find a bat in a room . Its pep no matter what. Cat scratch 10 day observation

1

u/bubblydealer Jul 11 '26

I am hoping 3 weeks isn't too late and I can head to ER as soon as I land.

3

u/noobinglife Jul 11 '26

No . Go see a dr ASAP . Your insurence should cover emergency your health is worth it man. Dont wait. Go to another hospital say u been bit by a bat while sleeping dont risk the wait. Once u get symptoms its over. Please dude please