Rabies vaccination

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A subsequent rabies vaccination is the only way to survive in the event of an infection. For this purpose, the vaccination must be carried out as soon as possible after the bite of an animal infected with rabies. Anyone who travels to regions with a high risk of rabies should, under certain circumstances, get a preventive vaccination against rabies.

ICD codes for this disease: ICD codes are internationally recognized codes for medical diagnoses. They can be found, for example, in doctor's letters or on certificates of incapacity for work. Z24A82

Forms of rabies vaccination

Rabies is caused by infection with the Lyssa virus. The pathogen is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal (dog, fox, vampire bat, etc.). When the disease breaks out, it's always fatal.

An appropriate vaccination offers reliable protection against rabies. Rabies vaccines can help both preventively and in acute cases. As part of the prophylactic vaccination, the body builds up long-term vaccination protection over the course of a few weeks. A subsequent vaccination is given if a rabies infection is suspected.

Preventive rabies vaccination

In this country, vaccination prophylaxis against rabies is recommended for people who have close contact with bats for professional or other reasons. Laboratory staff who work with rabies viruses should also get preventive vaccinations. The same goes for people who travel to countries where rabies is common.

The preventive (prophylactic) rabies vaccination contains weakened rabies pathogens. It causes the body to build up specific antibodies against the pathogen and thus secure self-protection. This requires a total of three doses of the vaccine - the second dose is seven days, the third dose 21 to 28 days after the first. You do not have to keep time intervals to other vaccinations.

Good vaccination protection has built up around 14 days after the last injection. He is very reliable. Anyone who is permanently at risk of infection must regularly refresh their vaccination.

For people with a particularly high risk of infection (such as laboratory staff or vaccinated people with an immunodeficiency), the success of the vaccination can be checked by means of an antibody test.

Post-rabies vaccination

A subsequent rabies vaccination (post-exposure immunization) can save the life of unvaccinated people who become infected. The prerequisite is that it takes place promptly after contact with the sick animal - ideally within hours. The sooner the vaccination takes place, the greater the patient's chances of survival.

The first thing to do after a bite from an animal suspected of rabies is to rinse the wound thoroughly and disinfect it immediately. In this way, some of the pathogens can already be rendered harmless. A doctor must then be consulted as soon as possible.

The subsequent (post-exposure) rabies vaccination is a passive immunization: The doctor tones ready-made antibodies against the rabies virus (rabies hyperimmunoglobulin) directly into the entry point of the pathogen (e.g. in and around the bite wound). They fight the rabies virus without delay. The subsequent rabies immunization consists of four to five vaccine doses, which are administered at certain intervals depending on the vaccination schedule.

In addition, the patient receives the "normal" rabies vaccination (active immunization) described above, which stimulates the body to produce its own antibodies.

Rabies vaccination - side effects

The rabies vaccine is usually well tolerated. Slight reactions at the injection site (such as reddening) and slight general reactions such as fatigue, gastrointestinal discomfort or an increase in body temperature are possible.

Avoid rabies infection

To avoid a rabies infection, you should generally avoid contact with apparently tame animals. In the tropics and subtropics, every animal is suspected of being rabies - especially street dogs. You should also never touch wild animals that appear to be conspicuously trusting. Contact with the saliva of a sick animal is sufficient for an infection, for example if it gets into a wound or on mucous membranes. In particular, if you have a scratch or bite injury, you must consult a doctor immediately.

Make your children aware of rabies as well. Explain to them that they should keep their distance from wild animals and never touch dead animals. If it does happen anyway, a rabies vaccination should be given as soon as possible.

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