Many people see a small scratch or bite from a pet as nothing serious, but with rabies a single moment of carelessness can cost a life. Once the virus reaches the nervous system and symptoms appear, almost every patient dies. Fortunately this disease is entirely preventable if you know the right thing to do.
A bite, scratch or lick from an animal always needs a doctor promptly — don't just watch the animal
Don't wait to see whether the animal dies or develops abnormal signs before going to a doctor, because by the time the virus has spread it is too late. Whenever a mammal bites, scratches, or licks broken skin, wash the wound immediately and see a doctor promptly for assessment and vaccination. Observing the animal can be done alongside this, but must not replace seeing a doctor.
Understanding rabies and its symptoms
Rabies is caused by a virus found in the saliva of mammals such as dogs, cats and bats. The virus enters the body through a bite, scratch, or a lick over a wound or mucous membrane, then travels along the nerves into the brain. Once symptoms begin — such as fever, pain at the wound, fear of water, fear of air currents, restlessness, and finally paralysis — the patient almost always dies. It must therefore be prevented before symptoms appear.
What to do after an animal bite — wash the wound correctly
The first thing to do immediately is wash the wound, which significantly reduces the amount of virus.
- Wash the wound immediately under clean running water with soap, lathering gently all over for at least 15 minutes
- Wipe the wound with an antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine or alcohol
- See a doctor immediately for the vaccine, and immunoglobulin if needed
On arrival at the clinic, the doctor will assess the wound and the risk to provide the right treatment, which may include a course of rabies vaccine and, for a deep or high-risk wound, immunoglobulin (serum) as well to boost immunity immediately.
Pre-exposure vaccination
Besides vaccination after a bite, there is also a pre-exposure vaccine for high-risk groups. Vaccinating in advance gives the body baseline immunity. If you are bitten later you still need to see a doctor, but fewer booster doses are required and immunoglobulin is not necessary.
Who should have the pre-exposure vaccine
Pre-exposure vaccination suits people who are regularly exposed to animals, or who are in situations where treatment is hard to reach.
- People who work with animals, such as veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and animal-care staff
- People who keep many animals, or live in areas with many stray animals
- People travelling to high-risk areas where vaccines are hard to reach
- Young children, who often play with animals and may not tell their parents when bitten or scratched
At Doctor Chat Clinic we provide rabies vaccines both after exposure and as pre-exposure prevention, given by a doctor, with risk assessment and proper wound care. Every vaccine is stored in a hospital-grade temperature-controlled cold chain to keep its effectiveness and safety at the highest level.