What to do if you have been bitten or scratched
If you suspect that you’ve been exposed to the rabies virus, and especially if there are visible marks, seek medical help immediately.
Most hospitals in the Philippines have an Animal Bite Center where you can get assessed and treated with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP consists of anti-rabies vaccination and rabies immunoglobulin.
Below are the categories set by the WHO:
Category 1
Description: Feeding or touching animals, licks on intact skin
Treatment: Not needed
Category 2
Description: Nibbling of uncovered skin, slight scratches or abrasions without bleeding
Treatment: Local treatment of the wound and immediate vaccination
Category 3
Description: Single or multiple scratches or bites, licks on broken skin, contamination of the lining of mouth and nose from licks, exposure to bats.
Treatment: Local treatment of the wound, immediate vaccination, and administration of rabies immunoglobulin.

How to prevent rabies infection
While you cannot cure rabies once symptoms start, you can prevent it by:
- Vaccinating your dogs. Experts say you don’t need to get PEP as long as the vaccine’s efficacy in the dog that bit you is confirmed through laboratory tests.
- Avoiding wild animals.
- Keeping your pets confined or supervised. This prevents them from coming in contact with rabid animals.
- Reporting stray animals to authorities.
- Getting the vaccine if you’re traveling to a place where rabies is common.
Key Takeaways
There may be no rabies cure, but as discussed, post-exposure prophylaxis is available.
Vaccination, along with proper wound care and administration of immunoglobulin, is almost always effective in preventing rabies infection from invading the nervous system.
For this reason, go to the nearest hospital or Animal Bite Center immediately if you suspect rabies exposure.
Learn more about Infectious Diseases here.
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