What are the symptoms and complications of rabies?
After a person is exposed to rabies, the virus travels to the brain before it causes any symptoms. This period of time between exposure and visible symptoms can last several weeks or months. The length of time varies because it depends on the location of the exposure/bite, the type of rabies virus and any existing immunity the person may have.
The first symptoms are similar to flu symptoms and can last a few days. Symptoms then progress to more neurological and behavior related symptoms.
Symptoms include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation, anxiety or confusion
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation (spit)
- Hallucinations or fears
- Insomnia
If you’ve been in contact with unfamiliar animals or wildlife, especially if you were bitten or scratched, wash wounds with soap and water immediately and plan to see a doctor.
How can you tell if an animal has rabies?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a rabies infection of an animal can only be confirmed after the animal’s death, through a microscopic examination of the animal’s brain.
Animals with rabies can show up in many different ways. If an animal is acting uncharacteristic from its regular behavior, this could be a warning sign that the animal is sick and may have rabies. Rabid wild animals may lose their natural fear of humans, and display unusual behavior; for example, an animal that is usually only seen at night may be seen wandering in the daytime.
Other signs of animals with rabies may include being fearful, aggressive, having excessive drooling, having difficulty swallowing, being unsteady while standing, having paralysis and experiencing seizures. While aggressive behavior is more common, rabid animals may also be uncharacteristically affectionate. Horses and livestock with rabies also may exhibit depression, self-mutilation or increased sensitivity to light.
Who should get the rabies vaccine?
Two rabies vaccines are currently available to use in the United States with no restrictions. It is recommended that people with a higher risk of being exposed to rabies, like those who work with potentially infected animals, receive the vaccine to help prevent rabies.
- Two doses should be given on days 0 and 7.
- Depending on risk level, a booster dose may be recommended within three years after the first two doses.
Talk with your doctor about the best strategy for vaccination.
The rabies vaccine can also prevent rabies if it is given to a person after a potential exposure. If a doctor or healthcare provider recommends vaccination, it should be given as soon as possible after the exposure. The vaccine can be effective any time before symptoms begin. Once symptoms start, the rabies vaccine is no longer effective at preventing the disease.
- If you have not been previously vaccinated against rabies, after a potential exposure you should receive four doses over two weeks, given on days 0, 3, 7 and 14. Rabies immunoglobulin should also be given on the day of the first dose or soon afterward.
- If you have been vaccinated previously, you may only need two doses of the vaccine after a potential exposure.
In addition to your health, it’s also important to keep your pets protected against rabies. Talk with your veterinarian about vaccination for your pets.
Is the rabies vaccine safe?
The rabies vaccine is safe and effective. There is no cure for rabies. Once a rabies infection is established and symptoms appear, there’s no effective treatment and the disease usually results in death. However, rabies in humans is completely preventable with quick appropriate medical care.
Most people who get the rabies vaccine do not experience any side effects. For those who do, side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Side effects can include pain or soreness at the spot of the injection, fever, headaches or nausea.