If bitten by a dog, what will happen if I don't get vaccinated against rabies? - briefly
If you are bitten by a dog and do not receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies, the virus can spread from the bite wound to your central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, paralysis, and ultimately death.
If bitten by a dog, what will happen if I don't get vaccinated against rabies? - in detail
If bitten by a dog, failure to receive post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for rabies can have severe consequences. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. The virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, typically via a bite. After exposure, the incubation period can vary from days to years, but once clinical signs develop, the disease progresses rapidly.
Without vaccination, the rabies virus will replicate and spread throughout the body. It travels along the nerves towards the brain, where it multiplies and causes inflammation. As the infection advances, symptoms become more pronounced and include fever, headache, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, and difficulty swallowing. In the late stages of the disease, patients may experience hydrophobia (fear of water) and aerophobia (fear of drafts or fresh air), which are classic signs of rabies but occur in only about half of all cases.
Once these neurological symptoms manifest, the prognosis is grave. Rabies has a nearly 100% fatality rate if left untreated, and death usually occurs within days of symptom onset. The virus directly affects the brainstem, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. There is no known cure for rabies once symptoms appear, making prompt vaccination after a suspected exposure crucial.
In addition to the personal health risks, failing to get vaccinated can have public health implications. Rabies can be transmitted from humans to other animals, potentially leading to outbreaks in animal populations and posing a risk to others. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention after any suspected exposure to rabies, including thorough wound cleaning and administration of the rabies vaccine and, in some cases, rabies immunoglobulin. Prompt action can prevent the onset of symptoms and save lives.