Rabies is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through a bite or scratch from an infected animal. A rabies infection that isn't treated before symptoms start almost always leads to death. Rabies shots are very good at preventing rabies in people who are exposed to the virus.

Your child started their treatment to prevent rabies. First, the health care provider cleaned the wound well. Then, your child got two shots: the rabies immune globulin (to fight the rabies virus right away) and the rabies vaccine (which causes the body to form antibodies to fight the rabies virus). Your child will need three more doses of the rabies vaccine over the next two weeks.

• The last three doses of rabies vaccines usually are given on days 3, 7, and 14 (your child got the first vaccine on day 0). Bring your child back exactly as the health care provider recommends.
• If your child has pain around the area of the animal bite or scratch or where they got the rabies shot and your health care provider says it's OK, you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand) OR ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months old. Follow the directions on the label for how much medicine to give and how often.

Your child:

• Gets any new symptoms, such as a fever, headache, tiredness, nausea (feeling sick to the stomach), or muscle pain
• Has a prickling or itching feeling around the area of the bite or scratch or where they got the rabies shot
• May have had contact with rabies again

It is extremely rare, but someone can have an allergic reaction to the shot. Call 911 right away if your child has any signs of a serious allergic reaction. These can include swelling of the face or mouth, hoarseness, wheezing, trouble breathing, hives, paleness, weakness, dizziness, vomiting, or a fast heartbeat.

How do people get rabies? The virus most often spreads through bites from an infected animal. But it can also spread if the animal's saliva (spit) gets directly into a person's eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound (such as a scratch or a scrape). 

What can help prevent rabies? It's important to:

• Make sure your pets get the rabies vaccine.
• Stay away from wild animals.
• Call your local health animal control department if you see stray animals or animals acting unusually (for example, an aggressive dog or animal).
• Wash animal bites or scratches right away with soap and water and get medical care.