Rabies
Rabies Vaccine for Travel
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, most commonly dogs.
It is a fatal disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to severe neurological symptoms. Prompt medical attention and vaccination after exposure are crucial to prevent the development of rabies in humans.
How to Prevent Rabies?
Prevention of Rabies includes vaccinating pets, avoiding contact with stray animals, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and vaccination.
Is Rabies Vaccine Necessary?
Rabies vaccine is highly effective in preventing the development of rabies after exposure to the virus. The rabies vaccine is administered in a series of injections and is recommended for individuals who have been bitten, scratched, or potentially exposed to the virus through contact with an infected animal. If you are traveling to a region with a high risk of rabies, such as areas where rabies is endemic or where there is limited access to medical care, pre-exposure vaccination may be recommended. This is especially relevant if your travel involves activities that increase the likelihood of encounters with animals, such as wildlife observation, animal handling, or extended outdoor activities.
To find out if your destination(s) require the Rabies vaccine, consult a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional here.
We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.
Is Rabies Serious Disease?
Symptoms of Rabies include:
- Flu-like symptoms: Fever, headache, fatigue, and general discomfort
- Anxiety and agitation: Restlessness, irritability, and nervousness
- Pain and tingling: Itching or prickling sensations at the site of the bite or scratch
- Hydrophobia: Fear or avoidance of water due to difficulty swallowing and throat spasms
- Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that are not present
- Aerophobia: Fear or avoidance of air or drafts
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Paralysis: Gradual paralysis starting from the bite area and spreading throughout the body
- Disorientation and confusion: changes in behaviour
- Difficulty swallowing: Swallowing becomes increasingly difficult due to muscle paralysis
- Convulsions and seizures: Involuntary muscle movements and seizures.
Symptoms may not appear immediately after exposure to the rabies virus. The incubation period can range from a few weeks to several months.
Immediately contact local public health agencies if you suspect exposure to rabies or experience any unusual symptoms after an animal bite or scratch.
Available travel vaccinations and medications
We offer the following travel vaccinations and medications:
- Tick-borne Encephalitis
What Our Customers Are Saying
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We know how hard it can be for Canadians to get the healthcare they need, when they need it. That’s why Rockdoc is on a mission to help Canadians navigate healthcare. We have decades of experience providing emergent, urgent, and continuing healthcare services and solutions – meeting and exceeding the standard of care for our patients and our communities.
Dr. Sam Gutman
Dr. Shaan Pawa
Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®
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Medical Operations Manager
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Do you have questions about Virtual Travel Clinic? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here, or chat with one of our friendly Customer Success representatives.
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