Have you seen those videos of patients with rabies? Yes, they are scary and depressing. No one has to go through that suffering. But for some of us, the fright does not stop when we finish watching. Anxiety kicks in and we get to bring it all day long.
Anxiety About Rabies
It is understandable that all of us are scared of rabies. But the WHO organization has already published info on how it can be transmitted to humans.
The main way rabies can be transferred to humans are bites, scratches and exposure of the mucus membrane to the saliva of the animal. There may be cases where infections occur outside of these scenarios but they are rare.
And even though I know how, scientifically and practically, my mind still keeps on saying “you were exposed to the virus!“
My Experience
There was a time when I panic every time I see a stray dog or cat. We have three pet dogs in the house and none of them scares me. But animals on the street or everywhere else gives me anxiety.
Do you also feel the need to always check your skin if the dog or cat bite you? I did. Whenever I’m out of the house in any location, sari-sari store, beach resort, school, and then sees a dog in the distance, I get anxious.
I always take a look at my feet or legs and check if I have a dog bite or scratches. The weird thing is I am at least 5 meters away from them and I know for myself that I was not bitten.
Still, my mind tells me to check and check just to make sure. It was tiring.
Thinking about it now is quite funny. It is like imagining that you were bitten but actually you were not. That’s anxiety attack for you. It makes you imagine disastrous and horrible things that did not happen in reality.
How did I Stop Anxiety Attacks?
For many years, I have been haunted by the idea of rabies infection. But one day, I just started being practical and sensible. I told to myself, if I do not have direct physical contact with an animal, how can I get infected?
The keyword I always out in my mind now is direct physical contact. If I have none, then what’s to worry about?
I had countless visits to the doctor only for him to check if I have dog bites and ask if I need anti-rabies shots. You know what he always says every time I visit? Hindi mo kailangan. (You don’t need it)
The thing that helped me stop this habit is the cost. Consultation is never cheap. Moreover, if one has to get vaccinated for prevention, it is also expensive.
The price of anti rabies vaccines in the Philippines starts from Php 1,200 to Php 2,500. This is of course an estimated amount among hospitals.
Yes, it was a waste of money on my part, but anxiety attack keeps me sleepless at night. A confirmation from the doctor gave me peace of mind, temporarily.
Sure, price should not matter if you actually need it based on your exposure. But for me who has anxiety, this is not applicable. I was not bitten or scratched by an animal so I don’t need the vaccine.
The doctor always tells me that.
If I indeed have a bite, my skin will feel it, I will feel it. Visually, I can also see it if there is a wound.
No exposure, no vaccine. Simple. – I always try to live by this motto, and it works.
Try this mindset too, it may work for you.
Did this article make you feel a little comfortable? Share yours experience