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Rabies is a viral
disease transmitted through the bite of an animal.
What to look for
After an incubation period
typically of one to three months:
sensitive skin.
sore
throat - general aches and pains (especially at the site of the bite), fever
restlessness and insomnia
Up to 10 days after the
above symptoms appear:
Rabies is a viral brain
disease. The disease is terrifying in that it is almost always fatal if it is allowed to
develop. You may develop it if you are bitten by an infected animal (usually a dog as it
is more likely to be in contact with humans).
A characteristic symptom is
called hydrophobia which causes painful muscle spasms in the throat that prevents
swallowing. And it is what leads to fatalities in untreated cases.
The incubation period for
symptoms can range anywhere from 10 days to two years, but usually it will be one to three
months, the time it takes for the virus to work it’s way up from the site of the bite
on the skin to the brain.
If you are bitten or have
any type of exposure to an infected animal go to the hospital immediately to receive an
injection (any delay may minimise the treatment’s effectiveness). Treatment virtually
ensures that you will not come down with the disease.
Causes
Rabies is caused by a virus
that infects the brain and spinal cord. The virus enters through the skin or mucous
membranes then travels to the brain.
Traditional Treatment
Immediately after you are
bitten, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water and ring the nearest hospital to
tell them what has happened and go there immediately.
Alternative/natural
Treatments
Do not delay getting to a
hospital if you suspect you have been bitten by an infected animal. You must receive the
vaccination. Alternative remedies may help your recovery.
Aromatherapy -
Oil
of
myrrh or
tea tree oil are antiseptics and astringents.
Aromatherapists recommend that you apply it directly to a wound to help cleanse it. Oil
of
myrrh or
tea tree oil are antiseptics and astringents.
Aromatherapists recommend that you apply it directly to a wound to help cleanse it.
Chinese Herbs
- For centuries, doctors of Chinese medicine used skullcap to treat rabies-related convulsions. For centuries, doctors of Chinese medicine used skullcap to treat rabies-related convulsions.
Herbal Therapy
- A compress of
lavender
may help your wound heal faster. A compress of
lavender
may help your wound heal faster.
Homoeopathy -
A
homoeopathic practitioner may give you a remedy to speed wound healing. Echinacea is believed to strengthen the immune system to
help you recuperate. A
homoeopathic practitioner may give you a remedy to speed wound healing. Echinacea is believed to strengthen the immune system to
help you recuperate.
Personal Care
Prevention
Stay away from strange
animals.
If you plan on travelling
to an area where rabies is common in domestic animals (India, parts of South America), get
immunised.
When to seek further
professional advice
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