Could I Have Rabies? What to Look For and Steps to Take After an Animal Bite

Rabies is a very serious virus. Once a person is infected, there is not much a doctor can do to treat it. If a dog, cat, bat, or other mammal you might suspect has rabies has bitten you, get to the doctor. The first dose of the vaccine should be administered within the first 24 hours after exposure. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains what types of animals may have the virus and what to watch for with potential exposure. Dr. Madsen also puts to rest the rumors that the rabies vaccine is painful and administered into the stomach.