Answer:

Dogs are warm-blooded mammals that can carry the rabies virus. The amount of virus present doesn't depend on the dog's size or age, so the idea that bites from small dogs are less dangerous is incorrect. Anyone can contract rabies through bites, scratches, or licks on open wounds from infected animals.

Once rabies symptoms develop, the mortality rate is almost 100%. If the wound is near the central nervous system – such as the head, face, or neck – the virus can reach the brain faster. Therefore, it's crucial to take any animal bite seriously.

If bitten, immediately wash the wound under running water for 15 minutes and disinfect it with 45-70% alcohol or iodine solution to minimize the viral load. Then, go to a medical facility for a rabies vaccine and, if the wound is bleeding, rabies immunoglobulin. Avoid traditional remedies like applying herbs or seeking help from folk healers, as these are ineffective against rabies.

Large and small dogs carry similar amounts of the rabies virus. Image: Vecteezy

Rabies is a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or licks. During the incubation period, the virus is asymptomatic, making it undetectable by the immune system. Once it reaches the brain, it causes encephalitis, destroying nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, and spreading to other tissues and organs.

There's no specific cure for rabies. Vaccination is the most effective preventative measure. Vietnam currently uses two rabies vaccines: Verorab (France) and Abhayrab (India), administered intramuscularly or intradermally. The standard vaccination schedule consists of five doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is available for those at high risk of exposure, such as pet care workers, animal owners, veterinarians, and people traveling to areas with limited access to the vaccine. This involves three doses on days 0, 7, and 21 or 28.

If you've completed the pre-exposure prophylaxis or a full course of post-exposure vaccination, only two booster doses are needed if bitten again, even with a severe wound, and rabies immunoglobulin is not required.

Doctor Huynh Tran An Khuong

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination Center System

Readers can submit vaccine-related questions for doctors to answer here.