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Overview
Rabies is a rare but serious infection that's usually caught from a bite or scratch of an infected animal. It's almost always fatal once symptoms appear, but vaccination and early treatment can prevent it.
Symptoms
Symptoms of rabies usually take 3 to 12 weeks to appear, but they can appear after a few days or not for several months or years.
Symptoms include:
- numbness or tingling where you were bitten or scratched
- seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- feeling very anxious or energetic
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
- being unable to move (paralysis)
Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
Treatment Options
If you've been bitten, scratched or licked by an animal that may have rabies, a doctor will check if you need treatment.
Treatment usually involves:
- 2 or more doses of the rabies vaccine
- a medicine called rabies immunoglobulin, a liquid given into the wound or by injection (this is only needed if you've not had the rabies vaccine before or have a weakened immune system)
If treated quickly, treatment is usually very effective at preventing rabies. Rabies cannot be treated if symptoms appear.
When To See A Doctor
Get medical help immediately if:
- you've been bitten or scratched by an animal
- an animal has licked your eyes, nose or mouth, or licked a wound you have
- you've been bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK
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