Americans Visiting Greece Insist They Contracted Rabies From a Vaccinated Dog and a Bird That Flew By Them, Then Were Abandoned in the Hospital by Their Host

For those interested in the country’s history and culture, Greece offers a wealth of sites to explore.

From the Acropolis of Athens to the ancient city of Delphi, visitors can gain insight into the country’s vibrant past. Other popular attractions include the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, and the Archaeological Museum of Athens.

It is great if you have family there to show you around, but sometimes it can be a burden for the hosts.

We have one of those stories today. OP is Greek and was hosting their cousin.

One night, OP’s boyfriend brought a dog that scratched the American cousin. They became worried about contracting rabies (even though the dog was fully vaccinated) and insisted that OP take them to the hospital.

OP took the American cousin to the hospital, hoping the doctors there would calm them down. The cousin became increasingly paranoid and threatened to sue everyone for malpractice. OP spent the whole night at the hospital and went to work without any sleep.

Then, another incident occurred. This time it involved a bird.

However, the cousin thought it was a bat and that it had scratched them while flying by. They went to the hospital again, and the doctors there had a good laugh.

So, OP left them there. They bought a ticket home for the cousin and had their boyfriend pack their bags.

The holiday was over.

OP asks:

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OP lives in Greece and had their American cousin stay with them

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One night, OP’s boyfriend brought a dog that scratched the American cousin. They became worried about contracting rabies (even though the dog was fully vaccinated) and insisted that OP take them to the hospital.

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Understanding Anxiety and Perception

The individual's belief that they contracted rabies from vaccinated animals exemplifies how anxiety can distort perception. Dr. Daniel Kahneman's research on cognitive biases illustrates how anxiety can amplify fears and lead to irrational beliefs.

In this case, the person's heightened anxiety may have clouded their judgment, causing them to jump to conclusions about their health and safety.

OP took the American cousin to the hospital, hoping the doctors there would calm them down.

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The cousin became increasingly paranoid and threatened to sue everyone for malpractice.

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OP spent the whole night at the hospital and went to work without any sleep.

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Psychological research indicates that anxiety can lead to hypervigilance, where individuals become overly sensitive to potential threats. This state can result in misinterpretations of benign situations as dangerous, as seen in the Redditor's experience.

Understanding this phenomenon can help individuals recognize their anxiety responses and seek appropriate support.

Then, another incident occurred. This time it involved a bird. However, the cousin thought it was a bat and that it had scratched them while flying by.

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They went to the hospital again, and the doctors there had a good laugh.

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So, OP left them there. They bought a ticket home for the cousin and had their boyfriend pack their bags. The holiday was over.

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Navigating Health Anxiety

Dr. Steven Hayes, a psychologist and expert in acceptance and commitment therapy, emphasizes the importance of addressing health anxiety through mindfulness and acceptance strategies. His research suggests that individuals can reduce anxiety by focusing on the present moment rather than fixating on potential threats.

Engaging in mindfulness practices can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with their fears and anxieties.

OP asks if they were wrong.

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OP also posted an edit:

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OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole:

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Seeking professional help for anxiety can provide valuable tools for managing irrational fears. Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, helping individuals reframe their thoughts and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

By addressing the underlying causes of anxiety, individuals can regain a sense of control over their lives.

Why were they even outside the United States if they don’t believe any country is safe?

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That person really needs to have their anxiety checked.

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This Redditor has similar fears:

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But they deal with it differently.

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This is not their responsibility.

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The cousin was acting completely irrationally.

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"Booking them a flight home was 100% the most humane thing to do."

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What was the right reaction? Stay with them indefinitely?

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"It’s typically the last line of defense if the dog’s history is unknown or it can't be quarantined."

Well, this was an interesting story. We can't really understand why this American cousin would want to leave the country if they were so worried about everything.

Of course, staying confined at home can't solve any problem, but you shouldn't force others to deal with your issues. What do you think?

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Well, this was an interesting story. We can't really understand why this American cousin would want to leave the country if they were so worried about everything.

Of course, staying confined at home can't solve any problem, but you shouldn't force others to deal with your issues. What do you think?

Psychological Analysis

Our in-house psychologist notes that heightened anxiety can lead to distorted perceptions of reality, causing individuals to overreact to benign situations.

Encouraging mindfulness and cognitive reframing can help individuals manage their fears more effectively.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Anxiety can significantly impact perception and decision-making.

Psychologists emphasize the importance of understanding the role of cognitive biases in shaping our beliefs and responses.

By seeking appropriate support and developing coping strategies, individuals can manage their anxiety more effectively.