Possible rabies exposure abroad? Act quickly
An animal bite, scratch or even a lick on broken skin while you're travelling needs prompt attention. Here's what to do straight away — and how we can help when you're back in Urmston.
Rabies is a virus passed on through the saliva of an infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, but also if saliva gets onto broken skin or your eyes, nose or mouth. Dogs cause most cases worldwide, though cats, monkeys, bats and other mammals can carry it too. It is found across large parts of Asia, Africa and the Americas, and once symptoms appear the illness is almost always fatal — which is exactly why getting the right care promptly after a possible exposure matters so much.
The reassuring part is that prompt treatment after an exposure is extremely effective at stopping the virus from ever taking hold. If you've had any contact with an animal on your travels and you're unsure whether it counts, treat it seriously and get advice. Our pharmacist at Davyhulme Pharmacy in Urmston can talk you through what's happened and help you work out the right next steps.
Where vaccination fits in
After a possible exposure, a course of injections is a key part of treatment — even if you've never been vaccinated before. The number of doses and whether other treatment is needed depends on your history and what happened, which our pharmacist will assess with you.
What to do in the first few minutes
Acting fast really helps. Wash the wound straight away with plenty of soap and running water for around fifteen minutes — this simple step alone removes a lot of the virus and lowers your risk. If you have an antiseptic or alcohol-based product to hand, apply it afterwards. Don't scrub hard enough to make the wound worse, and avoid closing or stitching it where possible. Even a minor-looking nibble or a scratch that barely broke the skin is worth taking seriously.
Get medical help locally, without delay
After cleaning the wound, seek medical care wherever you are as soon as you can — don't wait until you fly home. Local clinics, hospitals and your travel-insurance assistance line can help you find treatment, and starting a course of injections abroad is far better than putting it off. Make a note of what happened: the type of animal, whether it was a pet or wild, the date, and any treatment you were given. This information helps whoever sees you next, including us, decide what more is needed.
Finishing your treatment back in Urmston
Rabies treatment is usually given as a series of doses over a couple of weeks, so many people start abroad and need to complete the course once home. When you come in, our pharmacist will review what happened, what you've already had and your vaccination history, and help make sure nothing is missed. Where a course is clinically appropriate, treatment may be available, and we'll arrange or signpost the right care for you. If we feel your situation needs urgent hospital assessment, we'll tell you plainly and help you get there quickly.
Lowering the risk before you travel
If you're heading somewhere rabies is present, a few habits go a long way: don't approach or feed animals, keep your distance from strays and monkeys, and teach children to do the same, as they're more likely to get bitten and less likely to say so. For some trips — remote travel, longer stays, working with animals, or places where treatment is hard to reach — a pre-travel rabies course is worth considering, as it simplifies the care you'd need afterwards. Our pharmacist will let you know if it's relevant for your plans.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, please take it seriously. Rabies can be passed on through even a small bite or scratch, and you can't tell from the wound whether the animal was infected. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice promptly rather than waiting to see how it heals.
It can be if the saliva touched broken skin, a graze, or your eyes, nose or mouth. A lick on intact, healthy skin is not a concern. If you're unsure whether your skin was broken, it's safer to get it checked and talk it through with us.
Come and see us, and bring any notes or paperwork you were given. Rabies treatment is a course given over a couple of weeks, so it often needs completing back home. Our pharmacist will review what you've had and help make sure the rest of your care is arranged.
It's always worth seeking advice, even after a delay — treatment can still be worthwhile and shouldn't be assumed to be too late. The sooner the better, so don't put off getting checked. Speak to us or seek urgent medical help as soon as you can.
This information is grounded in NHS and TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) guidance and is for general information — not a substitute for a personal consultation. Your travel consultation is carried out by our pharmacist.
Had a bite or scratch abroad?
Pop in to Davyhulme Pharmacy in Urmston or call 0161 748 3016, and our pharmacist will help you work out your next steps.