When Fear Became Awareness: A Childhood Story on Rabies

“When I was 7 years old, I had a frightening experience when I was bitten by a stray dog. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of fear, especially thinking about how my parents would react, considering I had been playing with the puppies. It was such a confusing time for me. I started to worry and began asking questions about what happens if a dog bites you. A friend told me that if you don’t get a rabies shot within 24 hours, it could lead to rabies, and that completely intensified my fear. Back then, we didn’t have Google or computers to quickly find information, and only a few people seemed to understand these kinds of situations. The next morning, I mustered the courage to tell my dad what happened, and I felt a rush of panic realizing there were just a few hours left before the 24-hour deadline. I could see the concern in his eyes as he quickly sprang into action, and it was such a relief when he rushed me to the nearby hospital to get vaccinated. Reflecting on that experience, I’m grateful that nowadays there is much greater awareness and access to information. It's comforting to know that people can find help and answers more easily, which can truly make a difference in urgent situations like mine.”

— Rohini Sharda, Ohio, United States