Rabies is a viral disease most often transmitted through the saliva of infected mammals. People usually become infected after a bite. But any contact with the saliva of an infected animal (alive or dead) can potentially lead to infection.

The rabies virus attacks the nervous system (brain and spinal cord). The first symptoms are similar to a flu-like illness — fever, headache, and general discomfort. Within days, the disease can progress to symptoms such as anxiety, confusion, agitation, abnormal behavior, delirium, and hallucinations.

Once symptoms appear, the disease is almost always fatal. So anyone who has been bitten, scratched, or somehow exposed to the saliva of a potentially rabid animal should see a physician as soon as possible for post-exposure treatment.

Did You Know?
Raccoons are the most common animal to be infected with rabies in the United States. Bats get the bad rap with rabies – but with good reason. They are the animal most often responsible for transmission to humans in the United States. Cats are the most common domestic animal infected with rabies in the United States but dogs are the most common worldwide.

The Post-Exposure Vaccination

In the United States, an exposed person who has never received any rabies vaccine will first receive a dose of rabies immune globulin (a blood product that contains antibodies against rabies), which gives immediate, short-term protection. This shot should be given in or near the wound area.

An exposed person should also be given a series of rabies vaccinations. The first dose should be given as soon as possible after the exposure. Additional doses should be given on days 3, 7, and 14 after the first shot. These shots are given in the deltoid muscle of the arm. Children can instead receive the shots in the muscle of the thigh. This set of vaccinations is highly effective at preventing rabies if given as soon as possible following an exposure.

Risks from Rabies Vaccine and Immune Globulin

Adverse reactions to rabies vaccine and immune globulin are not common. Newer vaccines in use today cause fewer adverse reactions than previously available vaccines. Mild, local reactions such as pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site have been reported.

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