What will happen if you get rabies from a dog? - briefly
Rabies is a fatal viral infection that affects the nervous system. If left untreated, it progresses rapidly, leading to symptoms such as fever, headache, and confusion, followed by paralysis, hallucinations, and ultimately death. Immediate medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis are crucial for survival.
What will happen if you get rabies from a dog? - in detail
Rabies, a viral disease caused by the rabies virus, is almost always fatal once clinical symptoms appear. If contracted from a dog bite, the progression of the disease can be rapid and devastating.
Upon initial exposure, the incubation period for rabies can vary greatly, ranging from days to years, depending on factors such as the amount of virus inoculated, the location and severity of the bite, and individual immunity. During this period, the virus travels from the site of infection to the central nervous system via peripheral nerves.
Once the virus reaches the brain, it begins to replicate rapidly, leading to the onset of clinical symptoms. These symptoms can be categorized into two main phases: the prodromal phase and the neurological phase.
The prodromal phase is characterized by non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache, and malaise. This phase may last for days or weeks before progressing to the more severe neurological phase. During this time, the virus continues to spread throughout the central nervous system, causing inflammation and damage to neurons.
The neurological phase is marked by more specific symptoms related to the central nervous system. These can include anxiety, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and hypersalivation (excessive saliva production), which gives rise to the term "hydrophobia" or fear of water. Other symptoms may include difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms, paralysis, and seizures.
As the disease progresses, the patient will experience respiratory failure due to paralysis of the muscles involved in breathing. Without mechanical ventilation, death will occur within a few days. Even with supportive care, once clinical symptoms appear, the mortality rate for rabies is almost 100%.
Given the severe and often fatal nature of rabies, immediate medical attention is crucial following any potential exposure to the virus. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) involves a series of vaccinations and, in some cases, administration of immunoglobulin, which can prevent the onset of symptoms if given promptly.
In summary, contracting rabies from a dog bite is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent the progression of the disease. Without timely treatment, the outcome is almost invariably fatal.