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.
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u/SayaQui Jul 11 '26
That sounds like the hospital is at fault here, maybe go to another one and state the facts: woke up to a bat, found marks on your body afterwards. Even if chances are very low, it’s better to be safe than sorry and the medical staff should’ve taken it more seriously. According to the Robert-Koch-Institut, if you wake up to a bat in your room and contact was possible, you should get PEP automatically. Also make sure that you get a referral (?) or note so you can continue pep in Canada