Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people from the saliva of infected animals. The rabies virus is usually transmitted through a bite. Animals most likely to transmit rabies in the United States include bats, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and skunks. In developing countries of Africa and Southeast Asia, stray dogs are the most likely to spread rabies to people. Once a person begins showing signs and symptoms of rabies, the disease is nearly always fatal. For this reason, anyone who may have a risk of contracting rabies should receive rabies vaccines for protection.
Symptoms
The first symptoms of rabies may be very similar to the flu and may last for days. Signs and symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty swallowing
- Excessive salivation
- Fear of water (hydrophobia) because of the difficulty in swallowing
- Hallucinations
- Insomnia
- Partial paralysis
Home remedies
- Wash your wound gently and thoroughly with soap and generous amounts of water. This may help wash away the virus.
- Blue Skullcap
- Black Bamboo : Phyllostachys Nigra has been used in the treatment of rabies.
- Healing saints : St. Guy of Anderlecht / St. Denis
Warnings
There's no specific treatment for rabies infection. Though a small number of people have survived rabies, the disease is usually fatal. For that reason, if you think you've been exposed to rabies, you must get a series of shots to prevent the infection from taking hold. Seek immediate medical assistance.
