Rabies Vaccine

We provide a full range of Rabies Vaccine and travel vaccinations and medication in Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by the rabies virus, which is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal, most commonly dogs. However, other mammals like bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes can also carry the virus.

Once the virus enters the body, it travels along nerve pathways to the brain, where it causes inflammation and damage. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, making it a serious public health concern. However, the disease is preventable through vaccination both before and after potential exposure.

Symptoms of rabies typically appear within a few weeks to several months after exposure and may include fever, headache, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, paralysis, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Once clinical symptoms develop, the disease progresses rapidly, leading to coma and death.

Due to the severity of rabies, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal, especially if the animal is wild, behaves strangely, or cannot be identified. Prompt treatment with rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin can prevent the onset of symptoms and potentially save lives.

Rabies Vaccine Price

High risk areas for Rabies

Rabies is found worldwide, but the risk of exposure varies depending on factors such as the presence of the virus in local animal populations, vaccination rates, and control measures. Some regions with higher incidences of rabies include:

Asia and Africa: These continents have the highest number of human rabies cases, primarily due to the presence of rabid dogs.
Latin America: Rabies is prevalent in many countries in Latin America, with dogs being the primary source of transmission.
Eastern Europe: Some Eastern European countries have pockets of rabies, particularly among wildlife populations such as foxes and raccoon dogs.
Certain islands: Rabies may be present in isolated areas, such as certain islands, where control measures are less effective.
Rural areas: Within countries, rural areas where vaccination programs are less widespread and where contact with wildlife is more common may have a higher risk of rabies transmission.

It’s important to note that even in regions where rabies is considered controlled or eliminated in domestic animals, wildlife reservoirs can still pose a risk. Travelers to areas where rabies is endemic should be aware of the risk and take appropriate precautions, including pre-exposure vaccination if recommended by healthcare professionals and avoiding contact with unfamiliar animals, particularly those behaving strangely.

Main symptoms of Rabies

Rabies symptoms typically develop in stages, with the incubation period— the time between exposure to the virus and the onset of symptoms—varying from a few weeks to several months. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. The main symptoms of rabies can be divided into three stages:

1. Prodromal stage (early symptoms):

Fever
Headache
Malaise (feeling unwell)
Fatigue
Pain, tingling, or itching at the site of the bite or scratch

2. Acute neurological stage:

Agitation and anxiety
Confusion and hallucinations
Hydrophobia (fear of water) due to difficulty swallowing and spasms of the throat muscles
Hypersalivation (excessive saliva production)
Muscle spasms, particularly in the throat and diaphragm, leading to difficulty breathing
Paralysis, starting from the bite site and spreading throughout the body

It’s important to note that not all individuals infected with rabies will exhibit classic symptoms. Some may experience atypical symptoms or a “dumb” form of rabies, characterized by paralysis and other neurological symptoms without the typical signs of agitation or hydrophobia.

Ways to minimise the risk of Rabies during travel

Minimizing the risk of rabies during travel involves taking preventive measures to avoid contact with potentially rabid animals and being prepared to seek medical attention promptly if exposed. Here are some tips:

Pre-Travel Preparation:

Check with healthcare providers or travel clinics to determine if rabies vaccination is recommended for your destination.
Complete the pre-exposure rabies vaccination series if advised, as it provides some protection against rabies and reduces the need for post-exposure treatment.

Avoid High-Risk Activities:

Refrain from handling or approaching unfamiliar animals, especially stray dogs and wildlife.
Avoid activities such as camping or hiking in areas where encounters with potentially rabid animals are more likely.
Do not attempt to feed or touch animals, even if they appear friendly.

Stay Alert and Vigilant:

Be cautious around animals, particularly in rural or remote areas where rabies may be more prevalent.
Supervise children closely to prevent them from approaching animals.
Report any animal bites or scratches to local authorities and seek medical attention promptly.

Protective Measures:

If you are traveling to an area with a known risk of rabies, consider carrying a rabies pre-exposure vaccination certificate and medical records.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes when hiking or exploring areas where wildlife may be present.
Use insect repellent to prevent insect bites, as rabies can be transmitted through the bites of infected bats in some regions.

Post-Exposure Protocol:

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you have received pre-exposure vaccination.
Follow the recommended post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen, which typically involves receiving rabies immune globulin (RIG) and a series of rabies vaccine doses.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about the risk of rabies in your travel destination, you can help minimize the chances of exposure to the virus and protect yourself from this deadly disease.

Rabies vaccine

The rabies vaccine is a crucial preventive measure against rabies, a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms develop. The vaccine stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the rabies virus, providing protection in case of exposure.

There are two main types of rabies vaccines:

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): This vaccine is recommended for individuals at high risk of exposure to rabies, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, laboratory workers working with rabies virus, and travelers visiting regions where rabies is endemic. It consists of a series of vaccinations given over a specified period, typically before potential exposure to the virus. Pre-exposure vaccination helps ensure a rapid and robust immune response in case of subsequent exposure to rabies.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): This vaccine is administered after a person has been bitten, scratched, or otherwise exposed to the rabies virus. It consists of a series of rabies vaccine doses, usually given along with rabies immune globulin (RIG) for added protection. PEP is highly effective in preventing rabies if administered promptly after exposure, ideally within hours of the incident.

The rabies vaccine is typically administered via injection into the muscle, with the number of doses and the schedule varying depending on factors such as the individual’s age, vaccination history, and the specific vaccine used. Side effects are generally mild and may include soreness at the injection site, fever, headache, or fatigue.

Useful Links:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rabies/