What happens if you are bitten by a rabid dog? - briefly
If you are bitten by a rabid dog, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but prompt treatment can prevent the disease from developing.
What happens if you are bitten by a rabid dog? - in detail
If you are bitten by a rabid dog, several critical events and processes unfold that require immediate attention and medical intervention. Firstly, it is essential to recognize the signs of rabies in dogs, which may include unusual aggression, restlessness, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. If you suspect or know that the dog was rabid, seek medical help immediately.
Upon biting, the rabies virus enters your body through the saliva of the infected animal. The virus then travels along the nerves to the brain, where it replicates and causes inflammation. This journey can take anywhere from a few days to several years, depending on the distance between the bite site and the central nervous system. However, the average incubation period is about 2-3 months.
During this time, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and fatigue. As the virus progresses to the brain, more severe neurological symptoms appear, including insomnia, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, paralysis, and hydrophobia—an intense fear of water. At this stage, rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated.
Once symptoms develop, it is too late for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the series of vaccines that can prevent the onset of clinical rabies. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after a suspected exposure. A healthcare professional will clean the wound thoroughly and may recommend PEP if the dog's rabies status is unknown or positive.
PEP typically involves a regimen of four vaccine doses administered over 14 days, along with immunoglobulin to provide immediate protection against the virus. If you have been vaccinated against rabies in the past, you may only need two additional booster shots instead of the full series.
In addition to seeking medical treatment, it is essential to report the incident to local health authorities. This step helps monitor and control the spread of rabies within the community. It also allows for the tracking and observation of the biting animal, if possible.
In conclusion, a bite from a rabid dog sets off a chain of events that can lead to severe neurological symptoms and death if not promptly treated. Immediate medical intervention, thorough wound cleaning, and PEP vaccination are crucial steps in preventing the onset of clinical rabies. Always prioritize safety and seek professional help after any suspected animal bite.