Rabies virus, which is transmitted from animals to other animals or to humans through bite, is a virus that requires immediate intervention. Otherwise it will result in death. Symptoms may appear within a few months or within a few days. This situation is accepted to be related to the person’s constitution and the effect of the virus. Once rabies progresses in the body, it causes neurological effects such as paralysis and blurred consciousness. If the virus spreads completely in the body, there is no return or treatment.
What is rabies disease?
The rabies virus seen in humans generally occurs as a result of the bites of wild and unvaccinated non-domestic animals. It is also important to follow the biting animal and ensure that it is not harmed in order to determine whether the rabies virus is present. The bitten person should be taken to the nearest health institution without delay and precautions should be taken as doctors deem appropriate.
There are two different types of rabies: raging rabies and paralytic rabies. In the case of raging rabies, the person experiences anxiety, insomnia, confusion, excessive salivation or foaming in the mouth.
The process is longer in paralytic rabies. People infected with the infection gradually become paralyzed. In the immediate post-stroke period, the person falls into a coma and dies. According to the information provided by the World Health Organization, rabies cases in humans mostly manifest as paralytic rabies.
People infected with the rabies virus experience the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Fire
- Tingling, pain or numbness in the bitten area
- Foaming at the mouth
- aggressive behavior
- Unrest
- Insomnia
- rapid breathing
- Muscle pains
- blurred consciousness
- Behaviors that may be considered abnormal
- Coma
- Watch
- Don’t be afraid of the light
- Thirst
- Don’t be afraid of water
Animals that can be infected with the rabies virus are generally wild animals that roam wild in nature. It is possible to contract rabies from animals such as cows, cats, dogs, horses, bats, ferrets, goats and horses.
What is the rabies vaccine?
The rabies vaccine, developed for the rabies virus that seriously damages the central nervous system, is administered to the bitten person immediately or shortly after the bite. It is injected into the skin and muscle. The first rabies vaccine was released in 1885, and a more improved version was created in 1908.
Rabies vaccine is used against the deadly rabies virus. A person may develop symptoms days or perhaps years after exposure to the rabies virus. For this reason, vaccination should be administered without delay and intervention should be carried out as soon as possible.
Does the rabies vaccine have side effects?
Rabies vaccine can be given to people or animals who are suspected to have been exposed to the rabies virus and are at risk of this virus. In some cases, people may be advised to get the rabies vaccine in advance against the possibility of contracting the rabies virus. This vaccine is given in certain doses, in amounts deemed appropriate by the doctor, and its follow-up lasts up to three years. Since it is not possible for a single dose to provide protection, all doses should be administered without interruption.
There is no age limit for the rabies vaccine developed against the rabies virus. Since it is a deadly virus, the rabies vaccine can be used for anyone who may have rabies, including pregnant women and children.
Although the rabies vaccine fights against the virus of this disease, it may also cause some side effects in people. If the symptoms are very disturbing, you should go to the nearest health institution without delay. The possible and most common side effects of the rabies vaccine are:
- hives
- swelling in the throat
- facial swelling
- Acceleration in heart rate
- Weakness
- dizziness
- Muscle pains
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Vomiting
- rashes
- Itching