What You Should Know About Rabies And When To See A Doctor!

Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals.

what you should know about rabies and when to see a doctor!Photo via BBC

What is rabies?

The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite. Animals most likely to transmit rabies in the United States include bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks. In developing countries, stray dogs are the most likely to spread rabies to people. 

If a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease nearly always causes death, and for this reason, anyone who may have a risk of contracting rabies should receive rabies vaccinations for protection. 

Symptoms?

The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to those of the flu and may last for days. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Agitation 

  • Anxiety

  • Hyperactivity

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Excessive salivation

  • Fear brought on by attempts to drink fluids because of difficulty swallowing water

  • Fear brought on by air blown on the face

  • Hallucinations

  • Insomnia

  • Partial paralysis

When to see a doctor?

what you should know about rabies and when to see a doctor!Photo via CBS News

Seek immediate medical care if you’re bitten by any animal, or exposed to an animal suspected of having rabies.

Even if you’re unsure whether you’ve been bitten, please seek medical attention!

By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat

RELATED ARTICLES