What happens if you get bitten by a rabid dog? - briefly
If you are bitten by a rabid dog, prompt medical attention is crucial. Seek immediate care to receive post-exposure prophylaxis, which includes vaccination and, if necessary, immunoglobulin administration to prevent the onset of rabies.
What happens if you get bitten by a rabid dog? - in detail
If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a rabid dog, immediate action is crucial due to the serious nature of the infection. Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Here’s what typically happens:
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Initial Exposure: The virus enters your body through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via a bite or scratch. The incubation period can vary greatly, ranging from days to years, but it often lasts for about 3-12 weeks. During this time, you may not experience any symptoms.
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Early Symptoms: Once the virus begins to affect your nervous system, you might start to notice early signs such as fever, headache, and general malaise. These symptoms are often nonspecific and can be mistaken for other illnesses.
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Progression of Symptoms: As the disease progresses, more specific neurological symptoms appear. These include insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, hypersalivation (increased production of saliva), difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water).
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Advanced Stage: In the advanced stage of rabies, the person may experience delirium, abnormal behavior, paralysis, and eventually coma. Death usually occurs within days of the onset of these symptoms due to cardiorespiratory arrest.
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Prevention and Treatment: If you suspect that you have been exposed to rabies, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. A series of vaccinations (post-exposure prophylaxis) can prevent the development of the disease if administered promptly after exposure. However, once clinical symptoms appear, there is no known treatment that can cure rabies.
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Public Health Measures: In case of a suspected or confirmed rabies infection, public health authorities may need to be involved to monitor and manage the situation. This includes tracing and vaccinating individuals who may have been exposed, as well as controlling any potential animal vectors in the area.
In conclusion, while being bitten by a rabid dog is a serious health threat, prompt medical intervention can prevent the onset of the disease. It is critical to be aware of the signs and symptoms and to seek professional help immediately if you suspect exposure.