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Rabies Vaccination

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted to humans usually by a bite or scratch from a rabid animal (usually a dog). Once symptoms are present, rabies is almost always fatal. Rabies in animals occurs in ALL continents except Antarctica. Approximately 60,000 people die from rabies each year, with the majority of deaths in Asia and Africa.

Rabies Vaccination

£69

Per dose

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(Subject to availability, T&C's, discounts and offers)

⚠️ Critical Information: Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Immediate medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis after animal bites or scratches is essential for survival.

🦠 What is Rabies?

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that attacks the central nervous system, causing progressive damage to the brain and spinal cord. It is transmitted through:

  • Bites from infected animals (primarily dogs)
  • Scratches from rabid animals
  • Contact with infected saliva on broken skin
  • Rarely through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth)

🌍 Geographic Risk

  • Present on all continents except Antarctica
  • Highest risk in Asia and Africa
  • Latin America also has significant prevalence
  • Urban and rural areas both affected
  • Dogs are responsible for 99% of human cases
  • Wild animals (bats, foxes, raccoons) also carry virus

👥 High-Risk Groups

  • Travelers to high-prevalence regions
  • Veterinarians and animal handlers
  • Wildlife workers and researchers
  • Laboratory personnel working with rabies virus
  • Children (more likely to be bitten)
  • Cave explorers (bat exposure)
  • People living in rural areas with wild animals

Vaccination Schedule

Schedule Type Doses Required Timing Time Before Travel Booster Required
Standard Schedule 3 Days 0, 7, 28 Complete before departure 2-10 years (depending on risk)
Accelerated Schedule 3 Days 0, 3, 7 Complete before departure 2-10 years (depending on risk)

* Last dose must be completed on the day before travel at minimum
** Accelerated schedule recommended for travelers with limited time before departure

📅 Incubation Period

Duration: Typically 1-3 months (can range from days to years)

  • No visible signs or symptoms during this period
  • Virus travels from bite site to brain
  • Length depends on bite location and virus load
  • Closer bites to head have shorter incubation

🌡️ Prodromal Stage (2-10 days)

Early flu-like symptoms:

  • Fever and general weakness
  • Headache and fatigue
  • Discomfort at bite site
  • Anxiety and irritability
  • Tingling or itching at wound site

😡 Furious (Encephalitic) Rabies

Most common form (80% of cases):

  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Aggression and confusion
  • Hallucinations and delirium
  • Hydrophobia (fear of water)
  • Excessive salivation (foaming)
  • Seizures and muscle spasms
  • Difficulty swallowing

😶 Paralytic (Dumb) Rabies

Less common but slower progression (20% of cases):

Early Paralytic Signs:

  • Muscle weakness starting at bite site
  • Loss of coordination
  • Gradual paralysis spreading

Advanced Symptoms:

  • Difficulty speaking and swallowing
  • Respiratory difficulties
  • Progressive paralysis

Final Stage:

  • Coma
  • Respiratory failure
  • Death (typically within days of symptom onset)

💉 Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Pre-Exposure Vaccination Recommended:

  • Travelers: Visiting high-risk countries, especially for extended stays or adventure travel
  • Veterinarians: Working with domestic or wild animals
  • Animal Handlers: Zoo workers, wildlife rehabilitators

Occupational Requirements:

  • Lab Workers: Handling rabies virus specimens
  • Cave Explorers: Potential bat exposure
  • Animal Control: Officers and shelter workers

Special Considerations:

  • Children: In endemic areas due to higher bite risk
  • Immunocompromised: May need additional doses
  • Remote Workers: Limited access to medical care

🚨 Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

If bitten or scratched by any animal in a rabies-endemic area, IMMEDIATELY:

Step 1 - Wound Care:

  • Wash wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes
  • Apply antiseptic (iodine or alcohol)
  • Do NOT cover wound initially

Step 2 - Medical Attention:

  • Seek medical care IMMEDIATELY
  • Begin PEP as soon as possible
  • PEP includes rabies vaccine series
  • Rabies immune globulin may be administered

Step 3 - Treatment Course:

  • 4-5 doses of rabies vaccine over 14-28 days
  • Previous vaccination reduces doses needed
  • Nearly 100% effective if given before symptoms

🛡️ Prevention Strategies

Travel Precautions:

  • Get pre-exposure vaccination before travel
  • Avoid contact with stray animals
  • Never approach or feed wild animals
  • Keep distance from dogs, even if friendly-appearing
  • Be cautious in caves (bat exposure)

General Safety:

  • Supervise children around animals
  • Don't disturb animals while eating or sleeping
  • Vaccinate your own pets
  • Report stray or acting-strange animals
  • Avoid handling dead animals

Recognize Warning Signs:

  • Animals acting unusually aggressive or docile
  • Excessive drooling or foaming
  • Difficulty walking or paralysis
  • Nocturnal animals active during day
  • Animals appearing disoriented
⚠️ CRITICAL REMINDER:

Once rabies symptoms appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. There is no effective treatment after symptoms begin. Pre-exposure vaccination and immediate post-exposure prophylaxis are your ONLY protection. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal in an endemic area, seek medical attention IMMEDIATELY - even if you've been vaccinated.

Protect Yourself with Rabies Vaccination

Planning to travel to high-risk areas? Get vaccinated before you go. Book your consultation today.

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