Rabies is a virus that is transmitted by dogs and other mammals. It is present in Africa, Asia, Australia and The Americas. It is passed to humans when an infected animal bites and breaks the skin, allowing the virus to enter the body of the human. The rabies virus travels along peripheral nerves until it reaches the central nervous system, including the brain. Here, it causes brain inflammation. Symptoms appear one to three months after the bite, and include abnormal behaviour, extreme movements, confusion and loss of consciousness. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. Appropriate vaccination prior to travel is therefore of greatest importance.
In places where dogs most commonly carry the rabies virus, more than 99% of rabies cases are the direct result of a dog bite. Conversely, in the Americas, bat bites are the most common source of rabies infections in humans. Over 17,000 people died from rabies in 2015, mostly in Africa. Getting advice about the rabies vaccine may be one of the most important things you ever do. Our experienced pharmacists can provide personalised advice about the rabies vaccine based on the details of your upcoming trip.
Rabies is a neglected tropical disease, and World Rabies Day in September promotes information, prevention and eradication of the disease.
Rabies Vaccination Hanwell
At Touchwood Pharmacy in Hanwell, we offer a comprehensive travel vaccination service, including the rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine costs just £55 per dose, and we are pleased to offer appointments at a time to suit you from our convenient location. At your appointment, you can discuss all the details of your upcoming trip, and let our experienced pharmacists offer evidence based advice on other vaccinations or precautions you may need to consider, including malaria prevention.
Call Now to book an appointment with us today.
Many of us love to travel, and the last thing we want when we’re away is to be hit by an infectious illness that leaves us unable to enjoy our trip away. Whilst a stomach bug might spoil a trip, contracting a tropical disease could even have life changing consequences. At Touchwood Pharmacy in Hanwell, we offer a comprehensive travel clinic service to ensure your health is fully protected against illnesses including the rabies virus, before you leave the UK.
