When do anti-rabies vaccines work on humans?

Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Dr. Jerick Luigi De Villa explained that the virus usually has an average incubation period of one to three months. It is during this time that vaccines will work to fight the pathogen. 

“Kapag may sintomas na ang pasyente, wala na tayong magagawa, mamatay ang pasyente,” he said.

(Once patient has symptoms, we cannot do anything anymore. The patient will die.) 

Anti-rabies vaccines follow a three-dose regimen. 

“Ang bakuna sa rabies ay eepekto lamang kapag naka-receive na ng three primary immunizing dose ang pasyente. Yung tatlong sunod-sunod na bakuna ang nakakapagbigay ng nararapat na proteksyon para sa rabies.”

(The rabies vaccine will only be effective if a patient receives three immunizing doses. Three consecutive vaccines give the right protection against the virus.) 

Data from San Lazaro Hospital show that from May 1 to 26, it has already managed over 22,000 patients for animal bites. 

The most number of patients in a day was recorded on May 26 with over 1,900 by midday.

The rabies virus primarily affects the human brain with symptoms ranging from as simple as a fever to extremes like aerophobia and hydrophobia. Once these symptoms manifest, it has a 100 percent fatality rate.

De Villa said the hot weather continues to be a factor over recent animal bites as more people tend to spend more time outdoors to beat the heat. 

The scorching weather, however, also affects animals often making them irritable. 

Experts continue to caution the public that when outdoors, avoid interaction with stray dogs and cats, as much as possible.

However, responsible pet ownership also plays a huge part in minimizing cases of unintended animal bites.