What will happen if you don't get a rabies shot after being bitten by a dog? - briefly
If a person does not receive a rabies vaccination after being bitten by a dog, the consequences can be severe. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, and it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to prevent the onset of the disease. The rabies virus attacks the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Headache
- Excessive salivation
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Paralysis
Once these symptoms manifest, there is no effective treatment, and the disease is typically fatal. Therefore, prompt administration of the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin is essential to prevent the development of the disease.
What will happen if you don't get a rabies shot after being bitten by a dog? - in detail
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs. If you are bitten by a dog and do not receive a rabies shot, the consequences can be severe and potentially life-threatening.
The rabies virus travels from the site of the bite to the brain via the nervous system. The incubation period, which is the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms, can vary but typically ranges from one to three months. However, it can be as short as a few days or as long as a year or more, depending on the location of the bite and the amount of virus introduced. During this period, the virus replicates and spreads throughout the body, eventually reaching the brain.
Once the virus reaches the brain, it causes encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. This leads to a range of neurological symptoms, including:
- Fever
- Headache
- General weakness or discomfort
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Abnormal behavior
- Paralysis
- Seizures
- Hydrophobia (fear of water)
- Difficulty swallowing
As the disease progresses, it affects the respiratory and cardiac systems, leading to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. Death typically occurs within a few days of the onset of symptoms. There is no effective treatment for rabies once symptoms appear, making prevention through post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) crucial.
Post-exposure prophylaxis involves a series of rabies shots administered over a period of time. The first dose is given as soon as possible after exposure, followed by additional doses over the next two weeks. This regimen helps the body develop immunity to the rabies virus before it can cause symptoms. In addition to the rabies shots, a dose of rabies immune globulin may be administered at the site of the bite to provide immediate protection.
It is essential to seek medical attention immediately if you are bitten by a dog, even if the bite seems minor. The risk of rabies is significant, and prompt medical intervention can prevent the onset of symptoms and save your life. Medical professionals will assess the risk of rabies based on the circumstances of the bite, the health of the animal, and local rabies prevalence. They will then recommend appropriate treatment, which may include wound cleaning, antibiotics, and rabies PEP.
In summary, not receiving a rabies shot after being bitten by a dog can lead to a fatal outcome. The rabies virus, once it reaches the brain, causes severe neurological symptoms and is almost always fatal. Prompt medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis are critical for preventing the onset of symptoms and ensuring survival. Always seek immediate medical care if you are bitten by a dog to assess the risk of rabies and receive appropriate treatment.