• Dog bites are horrifying but need not be deadly. The single most essential thing that can be done following a bite is to clean the wound as soon as possible and thoroughly with soap and clean running water for at least 15 minutes. This simple measure, advocated by WHO, can mean the difference between life and death.

Dog bites injure millions of people worldwide every year. Some bites may appear to be superficial at first sight, yet they can be harmful to health if not treated properly and with urgency.

One of the most dangerous consequences of a dog attack is the transfer of rabies—a life-altering but avoidable viral disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first and most essential step after a dog bite is to wash the wound immediately. This life-saving but uncomplicated measure will dramatically reduce the danger of infection.

If one is bitten by a dog, particularly a dog whose vaccination status is not known, the wound from the bite should be washed thoroughly and immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.

This washes away saliva with the virus from the wound and avoids the risk of transmission of rabies and other bacterial infections.

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Washing in running water ensures the effectiveness of removing impurities, and soap helps to break and kill bacteria. If there is no soap, washing with clean water is far better than nothing.

Once the wound is cleaned, one must consult a doctor right away. No matter how minor the wound or even painless, rabies does not discriminate. It is due to this that health workers put a lot of emphasis on prevention through early intervention.

The bite is inspected at the clinic by a doctor, who determines whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), a series of rabies vaccinations, is required.

In certain situations, rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is given to provide immediate protection by transferring pre-formed antibodies against the virus.

While rabies is the most dreaded illness linked to dog bites, it is not the only concern,dog bites may result in tetanus, sepsis, or infection of deep wounds.

This is why doctors also ask for the tetanus vaccination status of the patient and even give antibiotics. Proper medical care makes all the dangers, including rabies, very manageable.

Dog bites are horrifying but need not be deadly. The single most essential thing that can be done following a bite is to clean the wound as soon as possible and thoroughly with soap and clean running water for at least 15 minutes.

This simple measure, advocated by WHO, can mean the difference between life and death.