What is Rabies and its common symptoms?

Rabies is a deadly disease that is caused by a virus, and can be 100% fatal if left untreated. The virus attacks the nervous system, and symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle weakness, paralysis, vomiting, agitation, confusion, excessive salivation, difficulty swallowing, halluncinations, insomnia, and seizures. Rabies is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted through contact with saliva or other body fluids from an infected animal. Rabies is fatal if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical help immediately if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.

Rabies is a serious disease, but it is preventable with vaccination. Be sure to talk to your doctor or travel clinic about whether rabies vaccination is right for you.

How is Rabies transmitted?

Rabies is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, but it can also be transmitted through contact with saliva or other body fluids from an infected animal. Rabies is fatal if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical help immediately if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.

Rabies can spread in North America by wild animals such as bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and skunks. In developing countries, stray animals such as dogs and cats as well as wild animals such as monkeys are often a source of rabies. It can spread from pets and farm animals such as cows, ferrets, goats, horses, as well as wild animals including bats, beavers, coyotes, foxes, skunks and woodchucks.

How can I protect myself against Rabies?

If you are travelling to an area where rabies is common, it is important to make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. The best way to protect yourself from rabies is to avoid contact with animals, but if you must come into contact with them, make sure you wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Vaccinating your pets against rabies is also important, as they can be a source of infection for humans. If you think your pet has been exposed to rabies, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Rabies is a serious disease, but it is preventable with vaccination. Be sure to talk to your doctor or travel clinic about whether rabies vaccination is right for you.

 

Can Rabies result in serious illness or complications?

Yes. Rabies is a deadly disease that is 100% fatal if left untreated, so it is important to seek medical help immediately if you think you may have been exposed to the virus. Vaccination and precautions to avoid contact with animals are the best ways to reduce your risk for Rabies.

Which individuals are at heightened risk from Rabies?

People who work with animals or who travel to areas where rabies is common are at heightened risk for Rabies. Traveling to developing countries where it is common, or excursions such as exploring caves with bats, or camping without precautions to keep wild animals away can increase your risk. 

If you are in one of these groups or engaging in adventure travel, it is important to get vaccinated and take precautions against exposure. 

In rare cases, tissue and organ transplant recepients have received it from an infected organ as well.

Vaccine is the best protection against Rabies

If you are travelling to an area where rabies is common, it is important to make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations. The best way to protect yourself from rabies is to avoid contact with animals, but if you must come into contact with them, make sure you wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Vaccinating your pets against rabies is also important, as they can be a source of infection for humans. If you think your pet has been exposed to rabies, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Why is it important to get vaccinated against Rabies?

Rabies vaccines are available from your doctor or travel clinic and they are the best way to protect yourself against Rabies. Most cases with individuals who start showing signs and symptoms of rabies will likely result in death. For this reason, anyone with risk of contracting rabies should receive the vaccine to protect themselves.

What types of vaccines are available for Rabies in Canada?

There are different types of Rabies vaccines available in Canada: the RabAvert vaccine and the Imovax Rabies vaccine. Both vaccines are given as a series of shots and are equally effective at preventing rabies. Swift Clinics can provide either vaccine based on your medical history and risk.

How often do I need to get vaccinated against Rabies?

After you have completed the initial vaccination series, you will need to booster shots every six months to two years, depending on risk, to maintain protection against rabies.

It is important to talk to your doctor or travel clinic about whether rabies vaccination is right for you and how often you should receive booster shots. To learn more about Rabies vaccines and when to get them, talk to your health care provider or visit a Swift Clinic near you. We can help you determine if you need the vaccine and when is the best time for you to get it. 

Which countries and regions present a higher risk of Rabies transmission?

Rabies is present on all continents except Antarctica. The disease is most common in Africa and Asia, where it affects mostly dogs. Rabies also occurs in the Caribbean, Central and South America, Oceania and parts of Europe.

If you are planning on travelling to an area where Rabies is present, it is important to talk to your doctor or travel clinic about getting vaccinated. Rabies vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from this deadly disease. 

Swift Clinics is a reliable travel clinic, providing high-quality travel health services for individuals and families travelling all over the world. Our team of experts can help you plan and prepare for a healthy and safe trip. Contact us today to book an appointment at one of our convenient locations across Canada.

You can schedule your appointment online now by clicking here, or call us at our toll-free number.

Disclaimer : This general information is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional.  If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider.

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