Rabies is actually a virus that spreads the disease through animals via saliva. Infected animals may spread this disease by a simple bite wound, and congregation of common feeding grounds can also help spread the virus. It may even spread by contamination of the eye or open wounds. If suspicion of infection is present the most common feeling is, like that of the flu, and should be diagnosed immediately. The most common feeling when infected is the flu, but there is a myriad of symptoms if indeed a person is infected.

• Headache
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Paralysis
• Anxiety or confusion
• Hallucination

If you experience any of these symptoms, and suspect a bite wound is present seek immediate care from your doctor. It may be that the rabies vaccination is determined necessary in your case. Rabies symptoms in pets, or pests may be difficult to determine, but if you assume a bite wound has occurred seek immediate treatment, which may include:

1. Immediate medical attention
It is very important to seek treatment immediately if it is presumed the person is infected. The fatality rate after the virus is well established is very high. Very few people have survived rabies after establishment of this infection when the rabies vaccination was ignored. A typical treatment scheme plays out with a series of shots first being as close to the infected area as possible. It must occur as soon as possible following an encounter with a suspected animal. The injections will most likely occur in the arm, and may occur over a period of two weeks.

2. Identifying infected animals
First, memorize or list the common species, that commonly carry the rabies virus. There are common animals which are known for this dangerous virus:

• Bats
• Skunks
• Raccoons
• Coyotes
• Foxes
• Dogs
• Ferrets

3. Monitoring symptoms
The study of rabies symptoms in your pet should be the next step in lowering the risk of an encounter with an infected animal:

• Tone of bark has changed
• Jaw is open
• Seizures
• Aggression
• Lethargy
• Excessive salivation
• Self-mutilation

If you witness any of these common, yet simple observations before or after a bite, take the necessary steps and always seek immediate treatment from your local doctor IMMEDIATELY.