Rabies from a dog bite or scratch can become a dangerous and life-threatening disease, so treatment should not be delayed.

According to experts, the rabies virus is usually transmitted to humans through the saliva of an infected animal through a bite, scratch or saliva on injured skin.

Experts say that after a dog bite Rabies vaccine It should be administered as soon as possible, preferably within the first 24 hours, but should not be delayed further if 24 hours have passed.

Symptoms of rabies may take several weeks or longer to appear.

After symptoms such as fever, confusion, restlessness, agitation, delirium, and paralysis appear, the disease is almost always fatal, so waiting for symptoms is dangerous.

Vaccine doses

Rabies vaccine is usually given in the first 24 hours or on days 3, 7, 14 and 28, but the number and schedule of doses may vary according to the patient’s condition and the doctor’s instructions.

What to do immediately after a dog bite?

Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, after which an appropriate antiseptic, such as an iodine solution, can be applied.

If there is bleeding, try to stop the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth, do not tightly close or seal the wound with stitches, the decision to apply stitches should be made in the presence of a doctor.

After washing the wound, go to the nearest hospital or medical center immediately so that the doctor can decide on the treatment to prevent rabies.

Medical experts say waiting for rabies symptoms can be life-threatening, so treatment should not be delayed after a dog bite or scratch from a suspected animal.