Rabies
Price per dose: £70
Number of doses required: 3
Total price: £210
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a rare but potentially fatal disease that spreads to humans through the bite or scratch of an infected animal. Once symptoms develop, it is almost always deadly — however, timely vaccination and prompt treatment after exposure can effectively prevent the infection.
How do you catch Rabies?
Rabies can spread when the saliva or other bodily fluids of an infected animal come into contact with a person’s eyes, mouth, nose, or broken skin. Although it’s most commonly linked to dogs, the disease can also affect cats, cattle, monkeys, foxes, and bats.
While rabies can occur on every continent except Antarctica, it is most prevalent in:
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Africa
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Asia
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Central America
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South America
Signs & symptoms of Rabies
Rabies symptoms typically appear within three to twelve weeks after exposure, though in some cases they may develop after just a few days—or even months or years later.
The virus attacks the nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Common symptoms include:
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Fever (high temperature)
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Headache
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Anxiety or general feeling of being unwell
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Confusion
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Difficulty swallowing or breathing
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Hallucinations
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Muscle spasms
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Frothing at the mouth
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Hyperactivity or restlessness
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Paralysis (loss of movement)
Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, immediate treatment before symptoms develop is highly effective.
You must seek urgent medical attention if:
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You’ve been bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling
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An animal has licked your eyes, nose, mouth, or an open wound while abroad
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You’ve been bitten or scratched by a bat in the UK
If exposed while travelling, get medical help straight away—don’t wait until you return to the UK.
Treating Rabies
If you’ve been bitten, scratched, or licked by an animal that may have rabies, a doctor will assess whether treatment is necessary.
It’s vital to act quickly — perform first aid immediately and then seek urgent medical attention, even if you’ve already had a rabies vaccination before travelling to an at-risk area.
First aid steps include:
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Thoroughly washing the affected area with soap and water to remove saliva
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Cleaning (irrigating) the wound with an iodine solution or alcohol, which can effectively eliminate the virus if done promptly and carefully
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Covering the wound with a simple dressing, but do not close it
You may require additional doses of the rabies vaccine, although fewer are needed if you’ve completed a full vaccination course beforehand. It’s also advisable to check whether you need a tetanus booster.
Preventing Rabies
It’s essential to understand the risk of rabies and take precautions to prevent infection. Keep the following tips in mind:
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Avoid contact with wild or stray animals, even if they appear healthy — animals carrying rabies may not show symptoms.
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Do not feed or handle animals, including those in sanctuaries or zoos.
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Avoid attracting stray animals by keeping food and litter out of reach.
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Be cautious during activities like running or cycling, as they can draw the attention of dogs or other animals.
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Consult a Boots pharmacist for travel health advice at least eight weeks before your trip.
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Know where to get medical help quickly while abroad.
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Clean any bites or scratches immediately with soap and water.
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Seek urgent medical attention if you’re bitten, scratched, or licked by any animal.
Rabies vaccination
According to UK guidance, pre-exposure rabies vaccinations are advised for travellers visiting countries where there is a risk of infection.
A full vaccination course includes three doses given in the arm on day 0, day 7, and between day 21–28.
If you have limited time before travel, a rapid schedule is available, with three doses on day 0, day 3, and day 7, followed by a fourth dose at 12 months to complete protection.
The rabies vaccine is particularly recommended if you’re travelling to regions where the disease is more prevalent.
