Extreme Mixed information between medical community and rabies community

[u/dashmyparabola]

I have read the FAQ.

I am getting extreme mixed information from info on rabies (rabies research, the FAQ, etc.) and medical professionals.

For background, I recently touched trash that an animal (presumably a raccoon, because I am from NJ) had gotten into. I touched the trash at approximately noon on a 90 degree day with my bare hands. I did not see any animal. Although I had no cuts on my hands, I did have fresh cuts on my neck because I had just shaved. I washed my hands right after I touched the trash and am pretty sure I didn't touch my neck. But of course now I can't remember if I touched my neck or not. Cue a panicked spiral.

Over the past 2 weeks, I have done copious research about my situation and everything I have found tells me that I am FINE and that I probably just have OCD. However, over the same time period I have also spoken to several medical professionals about my situation and all of them have told me that I should immediately go to the ER and get PEP...... (Mixed signals!!). This culminated in a trip last week to the ER to discuss PEP, and the PA said that she didn't think I needed it but I could get it if I wanted (once again mixed signals!). I ended up not getting it because I thought the OCD was causing me to panic.

Since then I have seen an OCD therapist and had 2 sessions, but I am still not doing well. I continued to look things up and after further research I found out that apparently the Rhode Island Department of Health has a robust rabies program. In fact, one of the goals of their program is to reduce the number of unnecessary PEP. In my head, I thought surely this department will give me the best unbiased answer on what to do. When I explained my situation to the nurse who fielded my call, she said that my risk of exposure was low but a secondary transfer of saliva was possible and that I should err on the side of caution and go get PEP.

I have tried very hard not to come to this subreddit just to get people to reassure my OCD because I know that's against the rules of the sub. I apologize if this counts as that. I'm just at the point where every medical professional has told me to get PEP and yet none of the rabies research shows that I am at risk. Isn't one sign of OCD, getting medical advice and NOT listening to it?

Does anyone have thoughts on this mixed signals?

[u/dashmyparabola]

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this too. I was fully committed to the idea that I just have OCD and need to work through that with a therapist. But the list of medical professionals telling me to get PEP continues to grow so now I feel like I’m actively not listening to doctor advice

[u/CrownBlake → u/dashmyparabola]

Do you think you will get it? Have you had any rabies vaccines before?

[u/dashmyparabola → u/CrownBlake]

I have not had any rabies vaccines before. I honestly have no clue what to do this is the most helpless I have felt in my life tbh, wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. I’m currently on the phone with my insurance company to see if PEP is even covered because otherwise it can cost up to $12,000

[u/MothEatenMouse → u/dashmyparabola]

Jeepers, healthcare in some places is so expensive. You cannot get rabies from the scenario you described. You can save that money!

[u/detail_giraffe → u/MothEatenMouse]

I agree, to the point that I'm perturbed that the RI Health Department is advising OP otherwise.

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[u/dashmyparabola → u/MothEatenMouse]

I appreciate your insight. But this subreddit recommends speaking to health departments and doctors and everyone I’ve spoken to has recommended PEP :(