Rabies is a fatal viral disease for humans. Currently, there is no cure for the disease, especially once symptoms begin to show. But there is a preventative vaccination that a person can receive.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nerves and brain of a human. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected animal. Although the disease is rare in the U.S., this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get.
If someone is bitten by an infected animal, the disease works by spreading throughout the body to the brain. Once the viral disease reaches the brain and a person begins to exhibit symptoms, it’s too late to treat the infection.
Is there a treatment for rabies?
While there is no cure for rabies, the viral disease can be treated if caught early enough. The only issue with this is that most people don’t know that they have rabies until it’s too late. There’s no way for a person to know if they have rabies until symptoms begin to show. At this point, the disease can no longer be treated and will be fatal.
Although the disease can only be treated before symptoms begin to show, this doesn’t mean there is no way to prevent becoming infected. If a person receives the rabies vaccine before they are infected, then the vaccine will protect them against the viral disease.
Will there be a cure for rabies?
Researchers are currently working on creating a cure for rabies. Once rabies reaches the brain, it becomes incredibly difficult to treat.
But there are some medications that have already shown hope in animal studies. Both favipiravir and bufotenine have been effective in animals. This doesn’t necessarily mean they will be effective in treating humans, but it does show promise.
Although there may be no cure for rabies now, this doesn’t mean we won’t see one in the future. As researchers continue to work on a cure, the best thing to do if you suspect you may have been bitten by an animal that is infected with rabies is to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will be able to help you determine the best course of action. But remember, it’s imperative to receive medical attention as soon as possible because rabies treatment will only work if you receive it before the viral disease reaches your brain.
Protect yourself from a rabies infection with a vaccine from Passport Health. Call 937-306-7541 or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Written for Passport Health by Elle Johnson. Elle is a freelance journalist and social media content creator in Florida. Not only does she enjoy working as a freelancer, but in her free time she enjoys working on fictional stories.
