What it is
Once symptoms start, rabies is almost always fatal, so treatment straight after a possible exposure is vital. This involves cleaning the wound and a course of vaccines, sometimes with antibodies.
A rabies vaccine before travel is recommended for some people, such as those going to remote areas or working with animals.
Common signs
- Pain or tingling at the bite site
- High temperature and headache
- Anxiety, confusion or agitation
- Fear of water and difficulty swallowing
- Muscle spasms or paralysis
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about animal contact and travel
- Tests on saliva, skin, blood or spinal fluid if symptoms appear
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Vaccination records, including pre-travel doses
- Notes on the bite and treatment given
- Travel clinic letters
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I need the vaccine before travelling?
- What should I do if I am bitten abroad?
- Have I completed the full course of injections?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Any bite, scratch or lick on broken skin from a mammal in a country with rabies, or from a bat anywhere: wash the wound and get medical help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.