WHAT TREATMENT IS NEEDED AFTER EXPOSURE TO RABIES?
Exposure to a rabid animal does not always result in rabies. If treatment is obtained promptly following a rabies exposure, most cases of rabies will be prevented. All animal bites should be evaluated by a health professional to determine if treatment is necessary. The most effective rabies prevention is immediate and thorough cleansing of the site of the animal bite or scratch wounds with liberal amounts of soap and water, or flushing mucous membranes with warm water. If the wound is bleeding profusely, apply pressure with fingers or hands, or apply a pressure bandage. The wound should not be sutured, as this is thought to increase the risk of the virus entering nerves. This is followed by the administration of an injection of HRIG (human anti-rabies immune globulin) and five doses of human diploid cell rabies vaccine administered in the arm on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28 after exposure. In some places, multiple site intradermal (within the skin) injection protocols are being used success
