Perhaps you were scratched by a racoon in the US, attacked by a monkey in Thailand, or bitten by a street dog in Vietnam – if your skin was pierced by an animal in a rabies-prone country, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Even if the wound isn’t serious, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Rabies is 100% preventable if you act right away but incurable if you wait too long.
Before the doctor has a chance to whip out the diagnostic set and vaccines, there are some things you can do to make this ordeal easier on yourself.
1. Get to safety but take note of the animal that wounded you
Of course, you must get yourself safely away from the animal that bit or scratched you. However, it’s also important to recall as many details about it as possible. If it’s a domestic animal, it should be moved to a confined area. You may be able to ascertain from the owner whether the animal has had all its rabies shots. If there’s any uncertainty whatsoever, or if it was a wild animal, then you must get the vaccines.
2. Wash the wound as soon as possible
It is imperative to get the wound under running water as soon as possible. Wash it thoroughly with soap for a good five minutes. The quicker you can do this, the better. Though rabies is deadly once it takes hold, it is a surprisingly fragile virus. It can be killed easily by soap, detergent, and alcohol. So, use any of the above to clean the wound.
3. Make an urgent appointment to see a doctor
A possible rabies exposure should be treated urgently. Even if the wound isn’t all that big, the sooner you get post-exposure prophylaxis, the better. Ensure the clinic you go to has the Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) and vaccines you will need.
When you arrive, a medical professional will measure your vitals and apply the Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG) to the wound. Be warned: this part can be extremely painful, especially if the wound is deep or extensive. This day is considered Day Zero. You will be given your first of five rabies shots (or three if you’ve already had two pre-exposure shots) and a schedule for when the next shots must be delivered. Your doctor may also recommend an additional vaccine for things like Tetanus and Diptheria.
4. Stick to the schedule
Though there is some leeway to get one of your doses a day early or late, you must stick as precisely as possible to the schedule your doctor creates for you. The first three doses are the most crucial for your immediate safety. Doses four and five will extend your immunity for a year or more. Most medical professionals recommend a booster shot after a year if you’re living in a rabies-prone area as it’s worth holding onto your immunity.
5. Wait for half an hour after each shot
Your doctor will most likely ask that you remain in the clinic for around half an hour after each shot. This is to ensure you can be helped immediately if you have an adverse reaction. Even if you’ve been fine after every shot, don’t think you can sneak out at your later appointments. The human body can be unpredictable in its reactions, so it’s best to hang around and be on the safe side.
A potential rabies exposure can be a scary thing, but you should know that the disease is completely preventable if you act quickly and follow your vaccine schedule.
