 STEP 1 Tell an adult and wash the wound |
- It's really important to tell an adult straight away when you have been hurt by any type of animal, even if it doesn't look sick.
- Wash out the wound with soap and water.
- If you have iodine or alcohol, put in on the wound with an adult's help.
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| STEP 2 Find out if the animal might carry rabies |
- Some animals carry rabies, although not in all areas of the world. Look at the map and check if you are in an area where animals might carry rabies.
- If the answer is YES, proceed to STEP 3.
- If the answer is NO, then you don't have to worry about rabies; just make sure you have the wound looked after.
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| STEP 3 Check to see if the animal has been vaccinated |
- If you were hurt by a pet dog or cat, the vaccine tag on the animal's collar needs to be checked, if possible.
- A rabies vaccine for a dog or cat is usually good for one year. After that, don't trust it.
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| STEP 4 If the animal doesn't have current vaccine tags you need a shot |
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See a doctor straight away if:
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You came into contact with a wild animal such as a fox, raccoon or bat.
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You were hurt by a stray cat or dog or an animal without current vaccine tags.
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The doctor will talk to you and decide whether you need an 'immunoglobulin' shot to protect you right away. Immunoglobulin is usually given in the area where the animal bit or scratched you, or in the arm. The nurse will wipe first the area with alcohol to clean it, give you the shot, then put a bandage on it.
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| STEP 5 If the animal was captured it will be quarantined |
- Sometimes the animal might be sent to a lab so scientists can run tests, or it will be isolated for ten days to see if it has rabies.
- Your doctor may decide you do not need any more shots if the animal is healthy.
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| STEP 6 Finish getting the shots |
- If you need to continue treatment, more shots are spaced out over a month to make your body stronger. You get another shot in your arm in 3 days, followed by another one in a week. The next one is 2 weeks later and the last one comes after 4 weeks, making a total of five shots. Your doctor or nurse and will explain this in detail and answer any questions you have.
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