Rabies

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Rabies (RAY-beez) is a serious disease, caused by a virus (germ), that affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system is made up of the brain, spine, and nerves. Rabies occurs when a virus enters the body and reaches the brain. It may infect humans through the bite of a rabid animal. Animals that may spread rabies include dogs, cats, raccoons, foxes, skunks, and bats. Humans may get rabies if they come in contact with infected saliva, through either a wound, the eyes, or the mouth. Humans may also get infected by breathing in the virus, handling an infected animal's body, or through transplants.
  
  
• Early signs and symptoms may include fever, headache, and pain, numbness, or itchiness at the bite site. Over time, there may be confusion (cannot think clearly), restlessness, anxiety, trouble swallowing, or severe weakness. Diagnosis of rabies may include a detailed health history. Tests, such as blood tests and a lumbar puncture, may also be done to look for the rabies virus or rabies antibodies. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be done to take pictures of your brain. Treatment includes treating the signs and symptoms of the disease and any other problems it may cause, such as seizures (convulsions). Rabies vaccinations (shots) given before or right after an attack may prevent an infection. Treating rabies as soon as possible may prevent more serious problems and increase your chances of recovering.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Preventing rabies:

• Avoid contact with bats or going to places where they are likely to be found. Avoid contact with wild animals. Do not try to take them home with you.
  
  
• Cover windows and other openings in your home with screens. This may help keep bats from getting into your house.
  
  
• Get vaccinated (shots) against rabies to prevent infection. This may be needed if your work puts you at risk of getting rabies. You may also get shots if you plan to travel to places where the chance of getting rabies is high. If you are going to travel, visit your caregiver 3 to 4 weeks before you leave. You may need to get a booster shot after some time. Ask your caregiver for more information on rabies shots.
  
  
• Have your pet vaccinated against rabies.
  
  
• Seek care if you get bitten by a wild animal or a bat, even if the wound is very small. Talk with your caregiver if you wake up and find a bat in the room, even if you think you have not been bitten.

Rest: You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.

What to do if you get an animal bite:

• Clean the wound right away with soap and water. Do this as best as you can for 15 to 20 minutes. Cleaning the wound may help decrease the risk of infection.
  
  
• Apply a cleaning solution, such as providone solution or 40 to 70 percent alcohol.
  
  
• Cover the wound with a clean bandage.
  
  
• Consult your caregiver as soon as possible.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• If your symptoms do not improve with treatment.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your disease, medicine, care, or recovery.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You become confused, act differently than normal, or it is harder than normal to wake you up.
  
  
• You have a bad headache or trouble thinking clearly.
  
  
• You have seizures (convulsions).
  
  
• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• Your symptoms are getting worse or coming back.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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