After a person has been bitten by an animal, it is important to take proper precautions to lower the odds of suffering from rabies. One easy method that has been shown to reduce the odds of contracting rabies is cleaning the wound with clean water or an iodine solution. However, it may be necessary to seek comprehensive post-exposure anti-rabies vaccination from a trained medical professional.
A passive antibody as well as a vaccine are recommended for those who have never been vaccinated against rabies. This is true regardless of how much time elapses before treatment is sought. However, those who have been vaccinated in the past should only receive a vaccine after being exposed to rabies. Vaccines that are given to patients today do not result in many adverse reactions.
Typically, those who have received a vaccine will experience mild soreness, redness or itchiness near the spot of the injection. It may also be possible to experience a mild fever or cramping after receiving the treatment. Although rabies cannot generally be passed from human to human, it is possible for someone with the virus to pass it to another person. As long as an individual has gotten or is receiving treatment, he or she can live a normal life.
Those who suffer dog bite injuries or are hurt after any animal attack may wish to talk to an attorney. It may be possible to take legal action against the owner of the animal, which could result in financial compensation in order to pay for medical bills already incurred as well as for future expenses. New Jersey is one of several states that imposes liability on the pet owner regardless of any prior knowledge of the animal’s vicious propensities.