once the symptoms of rabies appear, it is typically too late to administer the rabies vaccine. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms manifest.
The rabies vaccine is given as a preventive measure before exposure to the virus or shortly after a potential exposure (post-exposure prophylaxis) to prevent the virus from taking hold in the body. It consists of a series of shots that stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. If administered promptly after exposure, it can prevent the virus from spreading and causing the disease.
However, once the symptoms of rabies appear, the virus has likely already reached the central nervous system, and the disease becomes almost universally fatal. At that point, there is no known cure for rabies, and medical treatment focuses on providing supportive care to ease symptoms and keep the affected person as comfortable as possible.
It's essential to take rabies exposure seriously and seek medical attention immediately if you believe you have been bitten by an animal that may be infected with rabies or if you suspect any other potential exposure to the virus. In such cases, medical professionals can assess the risk and administer the rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin (RIG) as appropriate to prevent the development of the disease. If you have any concerns or suspect rabies exposure, please consult a healthcare professional promptly for proper evaluation and advice.