Dog Bite? Rabies Vaccine Shot Alone Won’t Save You—Here’s What You Must Do Next (Image Credits: iStock)
Rabies is a fatal viral infection that spreads through the saliva of infected animals, primarily dogs, and attacks the central nervous system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 99 per cent of human rabies cases worldwide result from dog bites. Despite advancements in treatment and prevention, a recent Lancet study revealed that approximately 5,726 human rabies deaths occur annually, hence the need for immediate medical intervention after potential exposure is important.
Immediate Medical Help is Crucial
Experts stress that any bite or scratch from a potentially rabid animal requires urgent medical attention. Dr Mohammed Hussain, widely known as The Cancer Doctor, warned in a social media post: "Rabies has a 100 per cent death rate. So never hesitate to visit your doctor after a dog bite. Don’t take chances."
Even minor scratches or exposure to animal saliva on broken skin pose a risk. To prevent the virus from spreading, rapid and appropriate medical care, including vaccination and, in severe cases, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG), is essential.
Understanding the Rabies Vaccine
The anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) prevents the virus from reaching the brain. It works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus. There are two main types of rabies vaccination:
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): Given to people at high risk, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, and travellers to rabies-endemic areas. This helps them develop immunity in advance.
Why Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is Necessary
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) is a life-saving injection that provides immediate antibodies to neutralize the rabies virus at the wound site. The vaccine alone takes 7-14 days to generate an immune response, leaving a critical window where the virus could spread to the nervous system. In severe cases (deep wounds, multiple bites, or exposure to saliva in mucous membranes), RIG is essential to stop the infection before the vaccine becomes effective.
Dr Emily B. Erbelding, an infectious disease specialist at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), explains, "Rabies is one of the few infections with a nearly 100 per cent fatality rate once symptoms appear. Immediate treatment with RIG and the vaccine is the only way to prevent progression."
What to Do After a Dog Bite? WHO Guidelines
The WHO recommends a strict protocol to be followed immediately after a potential rabies exposure:
1. Immediate Wound Care
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Seek Medical Care Promptly
Visit a healthcare facility to assess the need for vaccination and RIG.
Doctors will categorize the exposure:
Category I: Touching or feeding animals, licks on intact skin – No treatment needed.
Rabies Vaccination Schedule
For post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), the WHO recommends:
4-dose intramuscular regimen: Days 0, 3, 7, and 14 (with an additional dose on Day 28 for immunocompromised people).
Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) Administration
How it is given: RIG should be injected directly into and around the wound for maximum effectiveness.
When it is effective: RIG is most beneficial when administered within 7 days of the first rabies vaccine dose. After this period, the vaccine generates enough antibodies, making RIG unnecessary.
What if RIG is delayed?
Within 7 days: Still effective and should be administered as soon as possible.
Who is Most at Risk?
Some people are at a higher risk of contracting rabies, including:
Children: They are more likely to play with animals and may not report minor bites or scratches.
Prevention is Key
Dr Richard Franka, a rabies expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), emphasizes, "Rabies is entirely preventable with proper wound care, timely vaccination, and RIG in severe cases. Public awareness and responsible pet ownership are crucial in reducing cases."
To lower the risk of rabies:
Get vaccinated: PrEP is recommended for high-risk groups.
Rabies remains one of the deadliest infections, but it is entirely preventable with the right precautions.
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