Being bitten by a cat or dog is never a pleasant experience, the bite carries with it a risk of tetanus and rabies. What should you do if you are bitten?
Action to Take if Bitten
So, what should an individual do should they get bitten, scratched by an animal?
The wound should be washed under clean running water, with soap.
If the animal is owned, the owner should produce an up to date rabies vaccine certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon.
If the animal is not owned or the owner cannot produce the certificate, the injured person should go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department, one that is authorized to deal with such cases.
The wound will be treated if necessary and the first of 5 injections administered. Further jabs will be given on day 7, 3, 7, 14 and 28.
This course must be completed.
It is in your interest and that of society to get any wound treated and report any animal behaving suspiciously to the police or Barangay. As in all these things, compliance is much easier than avoidance.
Treatment
Until the end of the 1980s injections were being given in the stomach or at the buttocks. These were very uncomfortable to the extent that people would try to avoid having them but now the injections are given in the upper arm and are completely pain free.
In addition to these, two shots of specific anti-rabies globulin are also administered in the buttocks one time at the start of treatment.
Treatment with an antiserum and vaccine works well if you receive them soon after being bitten. People who should be immunized against rabies include those who work with animals and travelers to remote areas where medical help may not be readily available.
Each courses of anti-rabies comprises 5 intra muscular injections.
The course is only completed if the animal cannot be shown to have any symptoms so if the animal is available – either dead or alive and rabies can be definitely ruled out.--Source: Fethiye Times