A bite or scratch from an animal can be alarming, especially if you’re worried about rabies. While rare in the United States, it is a serious viral disease that requires prompt medical attention after a potential exposure. Understanding rabies treatment can help you make informed decisions in the event you’re potentially exposed to the virus.
If you’ve been bitten, scratched or exposed to a potentially rabid animal, seek medical care right away. Visit your nearest emergency department as soon as possible, but consider calling ahead first to ensure they have the appropriate treatment available for you.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and nervous system. It spreads through the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly through a bite. In the United States, rabies is most often found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.
Once symptoms begin, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why prevention after exposure is critical. However, the good news is that rabies can almost always be prevented if treatment starts before symptoms develop.
Do I need a rabies shot?
Not every bite or scratch requires rabies treatment. The need for a rabies shot depends on several factors, including:
- The type of animal involved
- Whether the animal appears healthy or sick
- If the animal can be captured, observed or tested
- Where the exposure occurred
- The type of exposure, such as a bite, scratch or saliva contact with an open wound
You should seek prompt medical evaluation if:
- You were bitten or scratched by a wild animal.
- You found a bat in your bedroom while sleeping.
- You handled a bat and are unsure if you were bitten.
- You were bitten by a stray dog or cat.
- Saliva from an animal entered your eyes, mouth or an open wound.
A health care provider can evaluate your situation and work with local public health officials if needed to determine whether rabies treatment is recommended.
What should you do immediately after a possible rabies exposure?
If you’ve been exposed to an animal that may have rabies, don’t wait to seek care. Rabies has no cure, so treatment must begin before symptoms appear.
Wash the wound thoroughly
Immediately clean the wound with soap and water. Thorough wound cleaning is an important first step in reducing the risk of infection and rabies transmission.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible
Even small bites or scratches should be evaluated by a health care professional. Animal bites can lead to bacterial infections, nerve injuries and other complications in addition to concerns about rabies. An emergency department is most likely your best bet to have rabies treatment available.
Gather information about the animal
If it can be done safely, try to identify the animal and its owner. Don’t attempt to capture a wild animal yourself. Local animal control or public health officials may need this information to evaluate your risk.
What is rabies treatment?
Rabies treatment after an exposure is called post-exposure prophylaxis, or PEP.
Rabies PEP consists of:
- Thorough wound care
- Human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) for people who have not been vaccinated previously
- A series of rabies vaccine injections
PEP is highly effective at preventing rabies when given before symptoms develop.
What happens when you get a rabies shot?
Many people are surprised to learn that modern rabies treatment is different from what they may have heard in the past.
For most people who have never been vaccinated against rabies, treatment includes:
Human rabies immune globulin (HRIG)
HRIG provides immediate antibodies to help protect against the virus while your body builds its own immune response. The medication is typically given only once, at the beginning of treatment.
Rabies vaccine series
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends four doses of rabies vaccine for most previously unvaccinated individuals:
- Day 0 (the first visit)
- Day 3
- Day 7
- Day 14
Certain people with weakened immune systems may require additional follow-up.
Where should you go for rabies treatment?
One of the most common questions people have after a potential exposure is where to get a rabies shot.
Emergency department
An emergency department is often the best option when:
- The bite is severe.
- The wound may require stitches or advanced treatment.
- The exposure involves a high-risk wild animal.
- Rabies treatment may need to begin immediately.
However, because treatment for a potential exposure to rabies is expensive and expires quickly, not all emergency rooms keep it in stock. Calling ahead to ensure your nearest location has it can help you get the necessary treatment quicker.
Local health department
Health departments often play an important role in rabies investigations, animal testing and determining whether treatment is necessary. They may also have resources that can help you find rabies treatment if you require it.
What are the symptoms of rabies?
Symptoms often do not appear until weeks or months after exposure.
Early symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Tingling, itching or pain near the bite
As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe and may include:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle spasms
- Paralysis
Because rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms begin, prompt evaluation after an exposure is essential.
Frequently asked questions about rabies treatment
Are rabies shots painful?
Modern rabies vaccines are generally well tolerated. Most people experience mild soreness or redness where the shot is given.
Can I wait a few days before seeing a doctor?
You should seek medical care as soon as possible after a potential exposure. A health care provider can assess your risk and determine whether treatment should begin.
Do all animal bites require rabies shots?
No. The need for rabies treatment depends on the type of animal, the circumstances of the exposure and whether the animal can be observed or tested.
Can rabies be cured?
There is no proven cure once symptoms begin. However, rabies can usually be prevented with prompt post-exposure treatment.
How we can help
If you’ve experienced an animal bite, scratch or possible rabies exposure, don’t delay medical care. The sooner a health care professional evaluates your risk, the sooner treatment can begin if needed.
An emergency care team can assess animal bites, treat wounds and help determine whether rabies post-exposure treatment is appropriate. Find the nearest emergency department to you and consider calling before going to ensure they have it available for you.
Learn more about the emergency services we offer at Bon Secours.
