medicall_editor Rabies Treatment: The Basic First Aid After Dog Bite
Rabies treatment after dog bite is necessary if the dog is suspected of carrying the rabies virus.
Rabies is a deadly disease caused by the rabies virus that can spread to the brain and nervous system. If a person got bitten by a dog suspected of carrying the virus, immediate medical treatment should be taken to prevent the virus from spreading. If the dog bite doesn’t get treatment immediately, the virus will spread to the brain and possibly lead to death. Receiving Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR) or Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR) is suggested by doctors as further rabies treatment after dog bite. If you got bitten by an infected dog, get rabies vaccination through Medi-Call application, Medi-Call provides licensed doctors to treat patients at home.
Rabies Treatment After Dog Bite
In the meantime, you can do rabies treatment after dog bite at home before seeking help from a doctor to prevent the disease from becoming fatal. If you got bitten by a dog suspected of rabies, immediately do the following steps as rabies treatment after dog bite:
- Thoroughly wash the injured area as soon as possible after contact with a suspect infected dog. Wash it with soap or detergent under running water for 10-15 minutes;
- Disinfect the wound by applying a simple amount of an antiseptic such as povidone-iodine or 70% alcohol in the wound area;
- Find a doctor and seek medical help immediately for further rabies treatment after dog bite;
Avoiding stray dogs and vaccinating domestic dogs are also suggested as prevention against rabies, as dogs are considered the biggest contribution in the transmission of rabies. Furthermore, getting vaccines is crucial after contact with a suspect infected animal as it will neutralize the rabies virus and stop it from being dangerous.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccine for rabies is important and must be given to patients already infected with the virus. The intention is to prevent the virus from spreading and entering the brain and nervous system. If this happens before receiving a vaccine, there is nothing that can be done anymore as it will potentially lead to death. Therefore, getting treatment by receiving a rabies vaccine is a must after getting bitten by an infected dog. Rabies vaccines differ into two, Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR) and Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR).
Anti-Rabies Vaccine (VAR) is a vaccine that has a function to trigger the rabies virus-neutralizing antibodies. The vaccine is given before exposure (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or after exposure (post-exposure prophylaxis). On the other hand, Anti-Rabies Serum (SAR) is made up of Rabies Immunoglobulin and also aims to trigger the immune system and produce antibodies to neutralize the rabies virus following exposure. Patients with high-risk wounds, such as patients with multiple wounds and wounds on the dermatome areas will receive SAR as further rabies treatment after dog bite. SAR will also give protection for 7-10 days before the antibodies appear. The rabies vaccine is given 4 times in 21 days to previously unvaccinated patients. While for people who have been vaccinated, they will be given twice within 3 days.
If a person is infected, do not take risks and wait too long to get vaccinated. It is advised to seek medical help and get vaccinated immediately, especially if symptoms begin to appear so it will prevent it from being a fatal condition. To prevent rabies virus from spreading in the body, download the Medi-Call application to book rabies vaccination service at your home or simply contact Medi-Call Hotline at +62 81210783387. A doctor will come to your location to perform the vaccination.
