WHAT SHOULD ONE DO WHEN EXPOSED TO RABIES?

First, one should wash the wound or scratched area thoroughly with soap and running water. The washing should last 15 minutes at the very least. Avoid putting any kind of bandage on the area to prevent bacterial infection.

Don’t try to take medication on your own without the supervision of health professionals – any delay in proper management can be detrimental.

Exposure classified as Categories II or III necessitates proper consultation so that postexposure prophylaxis can be given. This is timesensitive and should be given in the first 24 hours. Rabies Immunoglobulin and/or a rabies vaccine will be given depending on the circumstances.

Because rabies prophylaxis requires several shots, there is a need to come back for the other doses. The schedule to be followed will be based on the World Health Organization’s most recent recommendations. One who does not complete all shots does not get the protection they need from getting infected.