The mad fear of rabies

[Norfolklass2020]

I have had health anxiety since I was a child (31 now). I began developing fear of rabies when I saw it on a tv show. Then in 2011 I had contact with a bat and had to have a course of vaccines. this has gone in to a incredible fear of rabies and bats. At the moment I am going through an episode of fear of having had contact with a bat again. Though I saw no bat I slept with windows open and woke with small marks on legs that could be bat or could be my cat or maybe even me scratching in sleep. But I of course cannot stop thinking that somehow a bat got in and out without noticing and bit me. I have tried everything to stop me thinking this but I cant, so I waiting game. everyday I wonder if this symptom is the beginning of the end and its finally come to get me. I know the bat is the smallest unlikest of options. I am so paranoid I even worried the cat has it (in the uk rabies only in bats). its a tough time and life because there is no cure and I cannot just get new vaccine everytime get to dot like marks on body. so I sit everyday hoping I don't die. I sit there sometimes and beg to know why did this have to be my life. after a crap childhood, crappy parents, bullied, poverty, couldn't I just enjoy a nice adulthood. Its crap having to sit waiting for death to come, I try distact myself and keep living but its hard. though rabies is my main fear, and back at 15 I fear every germ and wouldn't leave house so I have come along way, so thinks can get better but if only I could be fully free to live but sadly this will never be.

[Ginger7]

I work in wildlife rehabilitation and I had to get a pre-exposure rabies vaccine (by law) as a precaution. From what I have learned, it's hard to tell when you've been bit by a bat because their teeth are so fine that you usually can't see any marks-not to freak you out more, but this means that the marks on your legs are probably from you or your cat scratching plus, rabies is only contracted by your blood coming into contact with the saliva of a rabies positive animal and it's EXTREMELY rare for humans to get it. According to the CDC, "Cases of human rabies cases in the United States are rare, with only 1 to 3 cases reported annually. Twenty-five cases of human rabies have been reported in the United States in the past decade (2009-2018). Seven of these infections were acquired outside of the U.S. and its territories."

I find that a way to conquer a fear is to learn more about it. For example, I'm afraid of spiders. So when I see one, I hop online to find out what type it was, and the fear goes away (or at least drastically decreases). Try reading more about bats they are actually fascinating creatures! My favorite podcast "Ologies" has a two part episode all about bats with bat expert, Merlin Tuttle, and I guarantee by the end of the episode, you'll even like them

[Norfolklass2020 in reply to Ginger7]

Thank you for replying I myself like bats but sadly have phobia due to bad past with them. I have been trying to learn bits and I often speak to the bat conversation trust uk for reassurance. I am praying its just me worrying. take care