A series of shots started immediately after a bite, can help unvaccinated individuals avert the disease.
Unfortunately, once symptoms appear the disease almost always fatal.
Rabies can be prevented with one of two FDA-approved vaccines.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Once prodromal symptoms appear, treatment is almost never effective.
The disease was actually once called hydrophobia (fear of water) due to the namesake symptom.
Causes
Rabies iscaused by a virusclass known as thelyssavirus, of which there are 14 animal-specific strains.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Transmission between humans is extremely rare.
Diagnosis
To date, there are no tests available todiagnose human rabiesbefore the onset of symptoms.
Given the deadly nature of a rabies infection, there is really no reason to wait.
HRIG contains immune antibodies that immediately inactivate and control the rabies virus until the vaccine can begin to work.
HRIG is only given to people who have not been previously vaccinated for rabies.
It is injected directly into the wound.
Any leftover would be injected into a muscle far away from where the vaccine shots are delivered.
(Injecting HRIG too close to the vaccination site may interfere with the immune response.)
There are two HRIG preparations approved for this purpose:
Treatment should be started without delay after exposure.
The side effects are generally mild and may include injection site pain and mild fever.
Generally speaking, a rabies vaccination series provides you with 10 years of immune protection.
Get our printable guide for your next healthcare provider’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Every state has rabies vaccination laws with the exception of Kansas, Missouri, and Ohio.
By protecting your pet, you will also be protecting your family and your community.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are the signs and symptoms of rabies?
| Symptoms | CDC.
Jun 11, 2019. : University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
Apr 22, 2011.
Mcneil MM, Weintraub ES, Duffy J, et al.Risk of anaphylaxis after vaccination in children and adults.
J Allergy Clin Immunol.
2016;137(3):868-78. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2015.07.048
