If you think you’ve been exposed to rabies – even from a minor bite or scratch – don’t wait. No cure exists for rabies, but you can prevent infection. Getting a rabies shot quickly can help you avoid this almost certain fatal disease.
If you think you may have been exposed to rabies, go to your nearest emergency department right away. They will evaluate you for a rabies shot and provide the treatment necessary to help you avoid infection. However, call ahead to ensure they have the proper treatment available.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a rare but extremely serious viral infection that attacks the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. The virus spreads through the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected mammal, most often through a bite.
In the United States, rabies is most commonly found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. Dogs can also contract and spread rabies, but it’s more common in other parts of the world outside the U.S.
One of the most important things to know about rabies is that it is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. However, it’s also one of the most preventable infectious diseases when treated promptly after exposure. That’s why getting medical care quickly after a bite, scratch or other potential exposure is so important.
Rabies doesn’t usually cause symptoms right away. The virus can take weeks or even months to travel through the body before symptoms appear. Early symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Tingling, pain or itching near the bite wound
As the infection progresses, symptoms can become much more serious and may include confusion, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, fear of water, paralysis and coma. Once these symptoms develop, effective treatment is no longer available.
The good news is that a rabies shot, also known as rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), can stop the virus before it causes illness. Prompt treatment with PEP treatment is highly effective at preventing rabies after a potential exposure.
What is a rabies shot?
A rabies shot typically refers to post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) – a combination of treatments that prevent rabies after a possible exposure.
PEP treatment includes:
- Immediate wound cleaning
- A dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG)
- A series of rabies vaccines given over two weeks
When do you need a rabies shot?
You may need a rabies shot if you’ve had:
- A bite or scratch from a wild animal
- A bite from a stray or unvaccinated pet
- Contact with saliva from an animal on broken skin or your eyes, nose or mouth
In Ohio and Kentucky, rabies is most commonly found in bats and certain wildlife, but exposures should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
What to do immediately after an animal bite or exposure
Taking the right steps right away can significantly reduce your risk:
- Wash the wound: Clean the area with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. This step alone can reduce the risk of infection.
- Seek medical care right away: Visit an emergency room. However, call ahead to ensure they have the necessary treatment. Waiting too long or until symptoms develop can exclude you from treatment options, and there is no cure.
- Contact your local health department: They will help assess your risk and guide next steps.
- Provide details about the animal: Knowing the type of animal, behavior and vaccination status help determine treatment.
Where to get a rabies shot
Rabies treatment is not available everywhere – so knowing where to go matters.
Best places to seek care:
- Hospital emergency departments (EDs)
- Urgent care centers
- Health departments (for guidance and coordination)
While the emergency department is likely your best bet, not all EDs keep it in stock if demand is low. Rabies treatment expires quickly, so call your preferred location first to ensure it’s available before you arrive.
What to expect during rabies treatment
If your provider recommends a rabies shot, here’s what typically happens:
Day 0 (your first visit)
- Wound care
- HRIG injection (for immediate protection)
- First rabies vaccine dose
Follow-up vaccine schedule
- Day 3
- Day 7
- Day 14
If you’ve had rabies vaccines before, you may need fewer doses.
Symptoms of rabies, and why timing matters
Rabies symptoms can take weeks to months to appear, but once they do, the disease is nearly always fatal.
Early symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
- Tingling or itching at the bite site
Advanced symptoms can include:
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Difficulty swallowing
- Paralysis
Don’t wait for symptoms – treatment must begin before they appear. If you suspect rabies exposure, call your nearest emergency department to ensure they have the treatment in stock and head there quickly.
FAQs about the rabies shot
Is rabies preventable?
Yes – rabies is preventable with timely PEP.
Is the rabies shot safe?
Yes. Rabies vaccines are widely used and considered safe, with no known contraindications in most cases.
Is rabies common in the U.S.?
No. Fewer than 10 cases are reported annually, thanks to effective prevention – but about 100,000 people receive PEP each year after exposure.
How we can help
If you’ve been bitten by a possibly rabid animal or think you were exposed to rabies, timely care is critical – and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Getting proper medical care as soon as possible at your nearest emergency department is crucial to preventing fatal infection.
Learn about the emergency services we offer at Mercy Health.
