Response:

Staying in a closed room, not going out, or avoiding funeral sites to "ward off bad spirits" or "negative energy" after a dog bite are folk customs based on spiritual beliefs. These practices are not scientifically proven to prevent rabies.

The rabies virus enters the human body through bites, scratches, or licks on open wounds from infected animals. From the entry point, the rabies virus travels along peripheral nerves to the spinal cord and brain. The virus's estimated travel speed is 12-24 mm per day. Wounds on the head, nerve endings, or extremities allow the virus to disseminate and reach the brain more quickly.

This virus is not affected by the sound of drums, horns, or the atmosphere at a funeral. When the body is weakened by injury or illness, being in crowded places with poor sanitary conditions, such as funerals or cemeteries, can lead to fatigue and worsen one's condition. Cases of rabies developing after attending a funeral are actually due to the virus having silently existed in the body beforehand, only manifesting the disease at that time, not because attending the funeral caused the infection.

Funerals are not related to the development of rabies. Illustration: Vecteezy

Therefore, if bitten, scratched, or licked by a dog or cat, instead of isolating oneself in a room or avoiding funerals, proper wound care is crucial. The wound needs to be thoroughly washed under running water with soap for 15 minutes. Afterward, disinfect the wound with iodine alcohol or 45-70% alcohol and immediately go to the nearest medical facility for vaccination. This is the only scientifically proven way to effectively prevent rabies.

Individuals bitten or scratched by dogs or cats typically require five doses within one month (on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 28, administered intramuscularly) or eight doses (on days 0, 3, 7, 28). Rabies immunoglobulin and tetanus vaccine may also be prescribed. A doctor may decide to stop the vaccination course depending on the severity of the wound and observation of the animal's condition after 10 days.

Additionally, individuals can proactively receive pre-exposure rabies prophylaxis, consisting of three doses administered on days 0, 7, 21, or 28. If bitten or scratched by a dog or cat after pre-exposure vaccination, even with a severe wound, only two additional vaccine doses are needed, without immunoglobulin.

Doctor Le Thi Gam

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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