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Rabies Discharge Instructions


About this topic


Rabies is caused by a virus. It is a serious illness that affects the brain and nerves. Animals with rabies spread the infection through biting. Wild animals like raccoons, skunks, and bats are likely to have rabies. Humans do not pass the infection to other humans. You need treatment right away if an animal with rabies bites you. Rabies can be a deadly infection. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Your doctor will give you information on caring for your wound. Follow these directions carefully.
  • Heat may help with pain from the shots. Put a heating pad on the painful part for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
  • Take all drugs as ordered by your doctor.
  • Make sure you have a way to monitor your body temperature when you are at home.

What follow-up care is needed?


You will need many shots in the next month. Be sure to keep these follow-up visits. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Stop the virus from infecting you
  • Help your body fight and kill the rabies virus
  • Help with pain and swelling

Will physical activity be limited?


You may have to limit your activity. This is based on where your wound is and how serious it is. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚  

What problems could happen?


If you dont receive treatment right away, rabies can lead to: ‚  
  • Breathing problems
  • Anxiety and confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Coma
  • Death

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Stay away from wild animals. Dont feed or touch stray animals.
  • Report any stray animals to an animal control center.
  • Bring your pets to the vet to get a shot to protect them from rabies.
  • Keep your pets inside. Only take them out when you can watch them.

When do I need to call the doctor?


Go to the ER right away if you have: ‚  
  • Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, sweating, too much saliva or spit, aggressive behavior
  • Confusion, seeing things that are not there, bad anxiety, and acting strangely

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you what may help ease my pain from the shots.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, am sweating, have anxiety, or am acting strangely.

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ ‚  
KidsHealth ‚  
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/rabies.html ‚  
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/846/viewAbstract ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rabies/pages/introduction.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

Copyright


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