Red flags & when to go in person for Rabies Exposure (Post‑Exposure) - Triage

Audience: adult

Rabies is a serious viral infection that can occur after an animal bite or scratch, especially from wild or unvaccinated animals. If you have been exposed to an animal that might carry rabies, it is important to seek medical care promptly. Telemedicine can help you understand the risks and guide you on the next steps. However, rabies exposure often requires urgent in-person evaluation for wound care and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent infection. Watch for warning signs such as difficulty breathing, confusion, or severe pain, which need immediate medical attention. This guide helps you know when to use telemedicine and when to go to a healthcare facility in person for rabies exposure.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing — go to emergency care immediately.
• Confusion, agitation, or hallucinations — seek urgent medical attention in person.
• Severe wound bleeding or signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus) — get in-person evaluation promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial risk assessment and exposure evaluation.
• Answering questions about rabies and prevention.
• Guidance on when to seek urgent in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical wound cleaning and care.
• Administration of rabies vaccines or immunoglobulin.
• Emergency treatment for severe symptoms or complications.

What is Rabies Exposure?

Rabies exposure happens when the rabies virus enters your body through a bite, scratch, or contact with saliva from an infected animal. Common animals that can carry rabies include bats, raccoons, foxes, and unvaccinated dogs or cats. Rabies affects the nervous system and can be fatal without treatment.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal that might have rabies, you should get medical help right away. Rabies post-exposure treatment is time-sensitive and often requires vaccines and sometimes rabies immunoglobulin. In-person care allows healthcare providers to clean wounds properly and start treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can provide initial advice about your exposure, help identify the type of animal involved, and guide you on urgent next steps. It can also help answer your questions about rabies risk and prevention. However, telemedicine cannot replace the need for physical wound care or administering vaccines.

Red Flags That Need Emergency Care

Watch for symptoms like:

If you notice these signs, seek emergency care immediately as they may indicate rabies infection.

Preventing Rabies After Exposure

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) usually includes thorough wound cleaning and a series of rabies vaccinations. Sometimes, rabies immunoglobulin is given. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely and complete all treatments to prevent rabies.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have details ready about the animal involved (type, behavior, vaccination status if known).
• Know the time and circumstances of the exposure (bite, scratch, saliva contact).
• Be prepared to describe the wound location and severity.
• List any allergies or medical conditions you have.
• Have access to a device with video and audio for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow instructions for wound care provided by healthcare professionals.
• Complete the full course of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis if prescribed.
• Monitor the wound for signs of infection and report any concerns.
• Seek immediate care if red flags or worsening symptoms develop.
• Keep follow-up appointments as recommended by your healthcare provider.

FAQs

Can rabies be treated after exposure?

Yes, rabies can often be prevented if post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is started promptly after exposure. PEP includes wound cleaning and a series of rabies vaccinations, sometimes with rabies immunoglobulin. Early treatment is critical.

How soon should I get medical care after a possible rabies exposure?

You should seek medical care as soon as possible, ideally within hours of the exposure. Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms start, so early treatment is essential to prevent infection.

Can I clean the wound myself after an animal bite?

Immediate and thorough washing of the wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes is very important and can reduce the risk of rabies. However, professional medical care is still needed for proper evaluation and treatment.

Is rabies common worldwide?

Rabies occurs worldwide but is more common in areas where vaccination of domestic animals is limited. Wild animals can carry rabies in many regions. Always take animal bites seriously regardless of location.

Can telemedicine replace in-person care for rabies exposure?

Telemedicine can help assess your risk and guide you on next steps, but it cannot replace in-person care needed for wound treatment and rabies vaccination.

Sources

1. Rabies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Rabies — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Rabies — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you suspect rabies exposure, seek immediate medical evaluation in person as recommended by healthcare professionals.