100% Preventable.
Zero Room to Wait.
Rabies is fatal once symptoms start — and almost entirely preventable with prompt vaccination after a bite or scratch. Wash the wound, call us, and don't wait it out.
The Bite That Can't Be Ignored
Rabies spreads through the bite or scratch of an infected animal — dogs are the leading source in India, though cats, monkeys, and other mammals can also carry it. The virus attacks the nervous system, and once symptoms appear, it is fatal — there is no effective treatment at that stage.
The critical fact families should know: it is also almost entirely preventable. Immediate wound washing plus a timely vaccine series (started right after exposure, not after waiting to see what happens) stops the virus before it takes hold.
Some people also get vaccinated ahead of time — pre-exposure prophylaxis — if they're at ongoing risk, such as vets, animal handlers, or frequent travelers to areas with less animal-control infrastructure.
Wash the wound immediately
Soap and running water for several minutes — the first and most important step
Fatal once symptoms start
No cure at that stage — this is why prompt vaccination isn't optional
Dogs are the main source in India
But any mammal bite/scratch should be evaluated, not just dog bites
Near-100% preventable
Correct, timely post-exposure vaccination stops the virus before symptoms
Who Needs Rabies Vaccination
Anyone bitten or scratched by an animal
Post-exposure vaccination should start the same day — this is time-sensitive, not optional.
Children (highest real-world risk)
Kids are more likely to approach stray or unfamiliar animals — a common real scenario.
Vets & animal handlers
Ongoing occupational exposure makes pre-exposure prophylaxis a standard precaution.
Delivery riders & field staff
Frequent street exposure to stray dogs raises everyday practical risk.
Travelers to less animal-controlled areas
Pre-exposure vaccination is a common travel-medicine recommendation.
Pet owners near strays
Even a scratch from an animal of uncertain vaccination status should be evaluated.
“The one thing I want every parent to internalize: rabies is one of the very few diseases where waiting a day genuinely matters. Wash the wound, call us, start the series the same day. It's almost never the vaccine that's the problem — it's the delay before it.”
— Dr. Gagan M.S. Malhotra, Founder & Senior Paediatrician
IAP EB Member · IAP Vaccinology Certified · 23 years in practice
Common Questions
My child was bitten/scratched by a dog — what should I do first?
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for several minutes right away — this alone meaningfully reduces risk. Then start the rabies vaccine series as soon as possible; don't wait to see if symptoms appear. Call us immediately for a same-day home visit.
What's the difference between pre-exposure and post-exposure vaccination?
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is given as precaution before any bite — for vets, animal handlers, or anyone at ongoing risk. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is the urgent series started after an actual bite or scratch, and is a real medical emergency, not something to delay.
Is rabies really that serious?
Yes — rabies is fatal once symptoms appear, with essentially no cure at that stage. The good news is it's also close to 100% preventable with prompt, correct vaccination after exposure. Timing is what matters most.
Do I need rabies immunoglobulin as well as the vaccine?
For deeper wounds or higher-risk bites, yes — immunoglobulin gives immediate protection while the vaccine series builds the body's own longer-term immunity. Your doctor will assess the wound and advise.
Which brand do you use?
We stock Rabivax-S and Rabishield for the vaccine series, and Twinrab (rabies immunoglobulin) for higher-risk wounds needing immediate passive protection.
Bitten or Scratched? Book Now
Rabivax-S, Rabishield, or Twinrab immunoglobulin for higher-risk wounds. Certified nurse. Cold-chain verified. Delhi NCR.