Introduction:
Rabies is one of the most deadly infectious diseases. The virus is transmitted through exposure to saliva from an infected animal bite, such as bats, cats, dogs, and raccoons. It is most commonly transmitted through dog bites. However, it can also be transmitted from inhalation of the aerosolized rabies virus, through organ or tissue transplantation, or if the broken skin or mucous membrane comes in contact with any infected body fluid.
How Is the Rabies Vaccine Given?
The rabies vaccine is used in two ways. First, it can be given to the person exposed to the animal via a bite, lick, or scratch or to the person who is thought to have rabies. The rabies vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection. For adults, the vaccination should always be given intramuscularly in the deltoid muscle (arm), and for children, the vaccination should be given on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh.
The rabies vaccination should not be given in the gluteal area. Three doses of vaccines are given pre-exposure. Dose one is appropriate, dose two is given seven days after dose one, and dose three is given 21 or 28 days after dose one. Even if the person is vaccinated, they may need the booster dose if they are traveling to a high-risk area or are at risk because of the job.
One booster dose is considered for travelers who were vaccinated a year ago and are now traveling to high-risk areas. It takes four weeks to complete the vaccination course, so one needs to start the vaccination one month before planning to travel.
Who Discovered Rabies Vaccine?
Louis Pasteur discovered the rabies vaccine on July 6, 1885. The rabies vaccine is given to people who are at high risk of being exposed so that it can prevent them. It can also be given to the exposed person to prevent disease. The rabies vaccine is made from the killed rabies virus. The rabies vaccine is only to be given under a doctor's or other healthcare provider's supervision.
Who Should Get the Rabies Vaccine and When?
The rabies vaccine is indicated in the following people:
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The people at high risk of exposure to rabies include rabies lab workers. These people handle animals, veterinarians, spelunkers, and rabies biologics production workers.
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Anyone who is bitten by an animal or who is exposed to rabies should visit the doctor immediately.
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The lab workers, as well as the others, are repeatedly exposed to the rabies virus. For such people, periodic testing for immunity is recommended, and the booster dose is given as needed.
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The people who are always in contact with rabid animals or rabies virus.
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International travelers are likely to come in contact with animals or travel to high-risk areas where rabies is common.
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If the person is exposed to the rabies virus and is never vaccinated against rabies, they must get four doses of the rabies vaccine. Dose one should be given immediately, and the additional doses on the third, seventh, and 14th days along with another shot called rabies immune globulin, at the same time as the first dose.
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The previously vaccinated person should get two doses of the rabies vaccine.
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The healthcare provider will perform a routine blood test before or after the rabies vaccination to determine your immunity against the rabies vaccine.
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People who are suffering from minor illnesses such as colds can be vaccinated.
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People who are severely ill should wait until they recover before getting vaccinated.
What Are the Symptoms of the Rabies Virus?
Initially, there might not be any symptoms. But a few weeks or years after the bite, rabies can cause pain, mental confusion, headache, fever, abnormal behavior, hydrophobia, fatigue, insomnia, and irritability. Seizures, paralysis, and hallucinations can follow these symptoms. People get rabies if infected by the virus or come in contact with the saliva, bite or scratch and do not receive appropriate medical care, including the rabies vaccine.
What Are the Reactions to the Rabies Vaccine?
One should consult your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
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Chills.
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Dizziness.
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Muscle or joint pain.
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Abdominal pain.
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Nausea.
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A general feeling of discomfort or illness.
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Itching or pain at the injection site.
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Hives.
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Vision changes and tinnitus.
What if There Is a Moderate or Severe Reaction?
There can be severe allergic reactions or a high fever. A severe allergic reaction could occur within a few minutes to an hour after the shot.
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The signs of a severe allergic reaction include throat swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, paleness, weakness, tachycardia, dizziness, hives, and wheezing.
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Reach out to the doctor immediately.
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Explain in detail the allergic reaction.
How Can You Prevent Rabies?
There are some tips to prevent rabies:
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Try to maintain control of your pets by keeping them indoors and under supervision.
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Visit your veterinarian and your pet regularly and keep the vaccinations up-to-date with your pets.
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Take help from animal control to remove stray animals in your neighborhood, as they may be unvaccinated.
When Should You Consult Your Doctor?
There are a few conditions where one needs to consult the doctor, and they are
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Talk to your doctor if you previously had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a dose of the rabies vaccine or any components of the vaccine.
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Talk to your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
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If you are immunocompromised, have a disease like human immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV)/AIDS, or are undergoing treatment with drugs that can affect the immune system.
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If undergoing cancer treatment or radiation therapy.
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If you are on chloroquine or any drug that is related to chloroquine.
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If you have been previously vaccinated.
Conclusion:
Rabies is almost fatal. Most cases include bites from unvaccinated dogs, but the rabies vaccine can prevent rabies.
