Rabies is one of the most lethal infections in medicine.
Symptoms, severe stages, and why PEP is essential
Early symptoms (non-specific)
- Fever, headache, malaise
- Pain or abnormal sensation at the bite site (in some cases)
Severe neurological disease
- Agitation, confusion, hallucinations
- Hydrophobia (fear/pain with swallowing water) and aerophobia
- Paralysis, seizures, coma
Once clinical rabies starts, survival is extraordinarily rare; prevention is the critical strategy.
Key takeaway
If there is a credible exposure risk, starting PEP promptly is rational and typically far safer than “watchful waiting.”
Go to: What to do now and Vaccine schedules.
When to seek urgent care immediately
- Any bite to face/neck/hands
- Deep bites, bleeding wounds
- Unknown animal status or animal unavailable
- Bat contact, mucosal exposures