Do You Need a Rabies Vaccine Before Your Trip?

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the brain and nervous system. It is primarily transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal.

Animals that carry and transmit rabies include dogs, bats, raccoons, and foxes. Rabies is not prevalent in the UK, so residents typically do not require rabies vaccination.

However, you might have concerns about getting vaccinated when travelling outside the UK. In this blog, we'll discuss rabies and address whether you require a rabies vaccine before your trip.

How Does Rabies Affect Humans?

Once the rabies virus enters the body, it travels along nerve pathways to the brain, where it causes inflammation and disrupts normal brain functions. This neurological damage progresses rapidly. This leads to coma and death typically within days of the onset of symptoms if not treated.

What are the Symptoms of Rabies?

Rabies symptoms can appear anytime between a few days to several months after exposure. The symptoms may include-

1.    Numbness or Tingling- Particularly around the site of the bite or scratch.

2.    Hallucinations- Seeing or hearing things that aren't present.

3.    Intense Anxiety- Often accompanied by restlessness or agitation.

4.    Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing- Due to muscle spasms and paralysis.

5.    Paralysis- Beginning with weakness and eventually rendering the patient unable to move.

Do You Need a Rabies Vaccination Before Your Trip?

Are you travelling abroad? Whether you should get vaccinated against rabies before travelling depends on several factors-

1.    Destination Risk- Countries with a high incidence of rabies, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, pose greater risks.

2.    Activities- Spending time outdoors or in rural areas where you might encounter infected animals.

3.    Duration of Stay- Longer visits in high-risk areas increase the likelihood of exposure.

Where Can You Get a Rabies Vaccine in the UK?

Getting a rabies vaccine in the UK is easy with specialised travel health clinics like Pearl Chemist Group. We offer comprehensive pre-travel health consultations and ensure you receive the necessary vaccinations and advice tailored to your specific travel needs.

We operate several convenient locations across South London, providing travel clinic services in Earlsfield, Epsom, and London. We are equipped to provide expert guidance on rabies vaccination and other travel health precautions.

Count on Us for Your Travel Vaccination Needs

Preparing for international travel involves protecting yourself against rabies, especially if your destination or activities increase your risk of animal exposure.

Getting vaccinated against rabies protects you from the virus. So, visit us for travel clinic services in Merton, Morden and other easily accessible locations.