What should I do if bitten by a rabid dog?

What should I do if bitten by a rabid dog? - briefly

If you are bitten by a rabid dog, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least five minutes. Then, seek medical attention promptly to receive the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine as soon as possible.

What should I do if bitten by a rabid dog? - in detail

If you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by a rabid dog, immediate action is crucial. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Here's what you should do:

  1. Clean the Wound Immediately: Thoroughly wash the bite area with soap and warm water for at least 15 minutes. This helps to remove any saliva from the rabid dog, which may carry the virus.

  2. Apply an Antiseptic: After cleaning, apply an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide to the wound to kill any remaining bacteria.

  3. Seek Medical Attention Promptly: Visit a healthcare professional immediately after cleansing the wound. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as the virus can incubate for weeks before causing illness.

  4. Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Your doctor will likely recommend a series of rabies vaccinations known as PEP. This treatment is highly effective in preventing the disease if administered promptly after exposure. The World Health Organization recommends a four-dose vaccine regimen over 14 days, along with an immunoglobulin injection if available.

  5. Report the Incident: Inform local health authorities about the bite. This helps in tracking rabies cases and can assist in controlling any potential outbreaks.

  6. Observe for Symptoms: Even with PEP, monitor yourself for any signs of rabies, such as fever, headache, weakness, or discomfort at the site of the bite. If symptoms develop, seek immediate medical help.

  7. Avoid Touching Wild Animals: In general, avoid contact with wild animals and stray dogs to minimize the risk of exposure to rabies.

By taking these steps immediately after being bitten by a rabid dog, you can significantly increase your chances of avoiding this deadly disease.