Hydrophobia II

Causes:
Rabies virus is a virus from the group of viruses known as Lyssaviruses; this virus is found in warm blood creatures. It is passed on through the saliva of the infected creature. It is passed on to human through infected animals, generally dogs, this is passed on through a lick on an open wound or scratch or a bite or by a lick on the eyeball. Even pets can get this infection if in contact with wild animals.
The incubation period varies depending on the distance of the bite from the head. The bites which are closer to the head have a shorter incubation period as compared to the ones which are further.
Diagnosis:
If there are is any abnormality felt then the suspected animal should be trapped and taken into observation for a period of five to ten days. And if there are no indications of rabies then obviously the animal is not rabid, and the person who has been bitten by it should stop any treatment he or she would have started for rabies. If in any case the animal dies then the brain of that animal should be examined to find out if it was rabid or not.
The diagnosis in case of humans is done by examining the saliva of the person who is suspected of the disease or even a biopsy that is a skin sample from the neck or the head is taken to examine to the confirm if he or she have been affected by it. And in case the person dies as severe symptoms would have built up and gone unnoticed, then FAT that is a Fluorescent Antibody Test a test done on the brain or a post mortem can be done to confirm if he or she had rabies.
Treatment:
Treatment in this condition is very important immediately, because if not treated immediately if bite by an infected animal it could get critical as the indications of the condition start getting noticeable.
The symptoms that lead to this condition can be avoided by taking a few measures, specifically if bitten closer to the face. The following things should be done immediately after been bitten:
Cleanse the injure all the way through with running water and soap,
Cleanse it with alcohol or antiseptic and apply a solution of iodine, ethanol or tincture, whatever is available,
Let the wound remain open, don’t try to stitch it,
After this rush to a doctor and tell him about the bite, so that he will do the required tests.
The animal which is suspected of rabies should be trapped and kept under observation for a few days to check if it is rabid or not.
HIRG that is Human Rabies immunoglobulin is a vaccine which is for immunisation against rabies which if not taken before been bitten is injected in the region around the bite so as to reduce the effect of the infection before it could spread in the body. This is given so that the immune system can tear down the virus. Added to this active immunisation that is rabies vaccine with a longer lasting effect is given for a period of thirty days in five to six doses.
This vaccine has very few side effects they are nausea, headaches, dizziness, fever and muscle ache. This vaccination is given on the arm and is not very painful.
In case the vaccination is already be taken before been bitten by the infected animal then in that case there would be an addition of only two vaccines instead of 5 to 6. These two vaccines would be given one immediately after the bite and the second one after about three to seven days.
Even though contact in humans is not heard of been infectious, to be on the safer side it is better to get vaccinated if there is an intimate contact with an infected person. In case the person infected is not treated on time and the indications start building up then the person is said to have developed rabies. In this case, there is nothing you can do but make the person comfortable. They should be kept in a dark room, so as to keep the symptoms under control with the help of medication and equipment. At this stage death is bound to happen.
The number of people treated and cured in this condition are minimal, that to with the help of intensive care facilities so as to maintain the stability of the respiratory system and the heart. But even in the survival cases there have been make complications.
Complications:
The major issue is the price of the vaccine as it is not very affordable, but the scientists are trying to make a vaccine which is of lesser price. It is advised to consult a doctor even if no indications appear even if that been a few days or weeks
Prevention:
The requirement of a pre-exposure anti-rabies vaccination is essential is the person is possibly going to a place where there is a possibility of getting the infection or if the profession demands coming in contact with animals with infection. With the help of this vaccination the build up of the infection slows down and if case the person gets bitten by an infected animal the time period to seek advanced treatment is more.
This vaccination is given in a period of one month where there are three injection needed to be taken and booster injections are given so that the protection continues, this is given once in two years.
These vaccinations are not very painful; they are injected in the upper arm and generally have no side effects.
When you are travelling in a non rabies free country it is advised not to touch the animals.