For decades mothers have used the dreaded rabies treatment as a warning to precocious children. Should they be bitten or scratched by a possible carrier of the deadly virus, they would have to submit to 21 painful stomach injections. Fear of the cure became second only to the disease itself.
The information below gives the current regiments and routines associated with exposure (or possible exposure) to the rabies virus.
Rabies Prevention
- Provide you family pets with the rabies vaccine series according to you veterinarian. Keeping rabies pet vaccines current helps with rabies prevention.
- Don't permit pets to come into contact with wildlife.
- Avoid direct contact with wildlife. Enjoy them through binoculars, or with a camera.
- If an animal acts strangely, contact local animals control, rangers, or health authorities. Never attempt to catch the animal yourself.
- If a pet is bitten by another animal (wild, or tame), take the pet to a vet’s office for immediate care, as well as a booster vaccination. Call local animal authorities.
- If a person is bit by an animals (wild or tame), don’t panic. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Get medical attention immediately in case rabies prevention is necessary (vaccination series). Rabies rarely infects humans if preventative treatment is started immediately.
Rabies Symptoms
Remember no rabies symptom presents itself during the incubation period. So, you may not notice any signs on an animal perfectly capable of transmitting the virus.
- Continual vocalization
- Partial facial or other body paralysis
- Erratic movement is a possible rabies symptom.
- Aggression – especially uncharacteristic aggression can be a rabies symptom.
- Uncharacteristic tameness may be a rabies symptom.
Human Rabies Vaccination Series
Here’s what everyone wants to know. Does the vaccination series consist of 21 shots into the abdomen next to the navel? Good news - not anymore. Years ago, that was the procedure everyone cringed over. Well, it’s over. The rabies vaccination series is now given intramuscularly, usually in the shoulder.
Certain people undergo the rabies vaccination series as a precaution due to their work practices. These are done before ever being exposed to the virus. These people usually work with wildlife, are veterinarians, or are laboratory staff that comes into contact with the rabies virus.
- "The preexposure series for all human rabies vaccines is given in three shots: on day 0, day 7, and on day 21 or day 28 for the third shot. How often booster shots are taken depends on how good you are at producing antibody," says Edward A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D of FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. People who get the pre-exposure series only need 2 booster shots if they do become exposed to the virus.
- Post-exposure vaccines are a series of 5 shots. Day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, after exposure to the rabies virus.
- Another vaccine called ‘Rabies Immune Globulin’ is also given on day 0 to the victim. This vaccine is antibodies from blood donors who have been given the vaccine. Rabies Immune Globulin is an added precaution because the other vaccinations take anywhere from 7-14 days to see active antibody response.
Rabies is a preventable and treatable disease. Becoming informed, being aware of animals behaviors, and a healthy respect for wildlife by enjoying them from a distance will make all the difference in human safety.
*This article is informational only and is in no way a substitute for seeking medical care from a health care professional.
Related Reading
Interested in reading more about rabies? Check out Rabies Facts And Myths.
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