Rabies is a serious disease caused by a virus carried in the saliva of infected domestic and wild mammals and is usually spread through a bite. There may not be any symptoms for weeks or even years after the bite, but rabies can cause pain, fatigue, headache, fever, and irritability. If untreated, symptoms can progress to confusion, hallucinations, insomnia, seizures, and paralysis. Rabies is always fatal in humans if left untreated. Although rabies cases are rare in the U.S., it’s still common in other parts of the world such as Africa, Asia, and Central and South America.

The inactivated rabies vaccine can protect those at increased risk of rabies exposure, but it can also prevent the disease if it’s given to a person after exposure to the virus.

If vaccination is required and you haven’t previously received the rabies vaccine, pre-exposure vaccination consists of a series of 3 intramuscular injections given on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28 in the deltoid muscle in the arm. An additional shot of Rabies Immune Globulin may also be necessary. For people traveling to rabies-prevalent areas, the 3-dose vaccine series must be completed before travel.

If you've been bitten by an animal and potentially exposed to rabies, clean the wound and seek medical attention to determine whether you should get the rabies vaccine.

• Anyone with moderate or severe illness should wait until they recover to be vaccinated

• People who previously had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine

• People with a weakened immune system should talk with a doctor before receiving the vaccine. This may apply to several diseases and conditions, including:

o HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system

o People receiving long-term steroid treatment, such as prednisone

o People with cancer or undergoing cancer treatment

Mild-to-moderate side effects:

• Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site

• Headache, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle aches and dizziness

• Hives, pain in the joints, and fever

Severe side effects, although rare, may include serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include:

• Deafness

• Permanent brain damage

• Difficulty breathing

• Wheezing

• Hives

• Pale skin

• Fast heartbeat

• Dizziness

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unexpected or worsening reactions after receiving a vaccine.