DR. GAFANOVICH DOES NOT ADMINISTER RABIES VACCINATIONS. UPON YOUR REQUEST, YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO WEST SIDE GROUP OF SPECIALISTS WHO CARRY THIS TYPE OF VACCINE. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT POLIO IS NORMALLY NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE PLAN.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is an extremely dangerous disease with a host of debilitating symptoms. It is mainly a disease found in animals, but can spread to humans when bitten by an infected animal. Rabies is most prevalent in bats, skunks, raccoons, dogs, foxes, and coyotes. Human rabies is very rare in the United States, with only about sixty cases since 1990 reported. However, there is approximately 16,000 40,000 Americans vaccinated annually as a preventative measure after animal bites.
Before you travel, it is essential to do your Rabies vaccination here in New York
Rabies is much more common in other countries, with 50,000 to 70,000 resulting deaths reported each year. Unvaccinated dogs are usually the main culprit of the spread of rabies.
What causes Rabies?
A person or animal can become infected by the virus in many ways, but there are three main methods of transmission: a bite from an infected animal, non-bite exposure to an infected animal, or human to human transmission. Non-bite exposure and human to human transmission are extremely rare.
Rabies virus causes acute encephalitis. The outcome is almost always fatal if not treated.
Who should be vaccinated and when?
The rabies vaccine is administered to anyone at risk of an infection or those who are at high risk of exposure. The vaccine is required of many Americans who work with animals. The rabies vaccine is made from the inactive virus, but is deemed safe. Rabies vaccinations are given in three doses.
What are the risks of the Rabies vaccine?
The Rabies vaccine, like a medication, can carry risks. These risks are mostly associated with those who are allergic to components of the vaccine. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include fever, swelling in the throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness or heart palpitations.
How is Rabies treated?
There is no cure for Rabies once symptoms present themselves. It is imperative to get medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have been exposed to the disease. Any treatments performed are for comfort and to combat the symptoms of the disease. Death is almost a certainty after symptoms of set it. The incubation period for Rabies is variable, but can be anywhere from a few days to several years. It is typically one to three months in humans.
At some point, the Rabies virus travels to the brain. At this time, the incubation period is over and symptoms start to present themselves. At this point, treatment is almost never effective, and fatalities almost always result.
Recent developments have brought about an effective treatment plan, but it only works when administered as soon after exposure as possible. It is the same substance that is used to prevent the disease and vaccinate the masses.
What to do if you are exposed?
If you believe you have been exposed to the Rabies virus, it is extremely important to wash the wound or scratches. Call your doctor immediately and get to the emergency room as quickly as possible.
What are the symptoms of Rabies?
Early symptoms can include fever, headache, lethargy, and pain or numbness at the entry point.
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Traveling outside of USA and concerned about your health? Travel vaccinations are recommended for many destinations. Find out about the requirements and talk to a physician.
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As the disease progresses, neurological symptoms present themselves: difficulty swallowing, excitation, anxiety, partial paralysis, hydrophobia (fear of water), excessive salivation, confusion, and disorientation. Symptoms worsen until they become fatal. Patients generally survive three to five days after symptoms present themselves. Get your vaccine today!