How to prepare for a video visit about Rabies Exposure (Post-Exposure) - Triage

Audience: adult

If you think you have been exposed to rabies, it is important to seek medical advice quickly. Rabies is a serious infection that can be deadly if not treated promptly. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess your risk and guide you on the next steps. During the visit, you will discuss how and when the exposure happened, the type of animal involved, and any wounds or bites you have. This information helps the provider decide if you need urgent treatments like rabies vaccination or other care. Preparing for the video visit by having details ready and a good internet connection can make the appointment smoother. Remember, if you have severe symptoms or signs of infection, you should seek emergency care immediately. Telemedicine can help with initial assessment and advice but cannot replace urgent in-person treatment when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Heavy bleeding from the wound that does not stop – seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever – get urgent medical attention.
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or sudden confusion – call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial risk assessment based on exposure history and symptoms.
• Providing education about rabies and post-exposure precautions.
• Guidance on wound care and when to seek in-person care.
• Answering questions about rabies vaccination and follow-up.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Administering rabies vaccine or immunoglobulin injections.
• Managing severe bleeding or advanced infection.
• Performing physical wound cleaning or suturing.
• Emergency treatment for breathing difficulties or neurological symptoms.

What is Rabies Exposure and Why It Matters

Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and is usually spread through the bite of an infected animal. After exposure, the virus can cause serious illness or death if not treated quickly. Post-exposure treatment can prevent rabies if started soon after contact with a potentially rabid animal.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about the details of the exposure, such as:

They may also ask about your vaccination history and any symptoms you have. This helps them decide if you need rabies vaccination or other treatments.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment:

When to Seek Emergency Care

If you have any of the following, get emergency medical help immediately:

These signs require urgent in-person care and cannot be managed through telemedicine.

Next Steps After Your Video Visit

Your provider may recommend:

Make sure to follow all instructions carefully to reduce your risk of rabies infection.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit area with a reliable internet connection for your video visit.
• Gather details about the exposure: date, time, location, and animal involved.
• Be ready to show the wound or injury area on camera if possible.
• Have your medical history and current medications available.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow your provider’s instructions on wound care and hygiene.
• Complete the full course of rabies vaccination if prescribed.
• Schedule and attend any recommended follow-up appointments.
• Monitor the wound for signs of infection and report any worsening symptoms.
• Avoid contact with animals until cleared by your healthcare provider.

FAQs

What animals can carry rabies?

Rabies is most commonly spread by bites from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks. Not all animals carry rabies, but any mammal bite should be evaluated.

How soon after exposure should I get treatment?

Post-exposure treatment is most effective when started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Delaying treatment increases the risk of developing rabies.

Can telemedicine replace in-person care for rabies exposure?

Telemedicine can help assess your risk and guide initial care but cannot replace urgent in-person treatments like vaccination and wound cleaning. Severe symptoms require emergency care.

What if I don’t know the animal that bit me?

If the animal is unknown or cannot be observed, it is important to seek medical advice promptly. Your provider may recommend starting post-exposure treatment as a precaution.

Are there any symptoms of rabies I should watch for?

Early symptoms may include fever, headache, weakness, or discomfort near the bite. As rabies progresses, symptoms can include confusion, difficulty swallowing, and paralysis. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so early treatment is critical.

Sources

1. Rabies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Rabies — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Rabies — Mayo Clinic.
4. Rabies — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.