Why Rabies is Considered One of the Most Dangerous Viruses and How It’s Combated

Rabies is a zoonotic and viral disease that causes acute encephalitis in warm-blooded animals and is transferable between species, such as dogs and humans, commonly through bites from the infected.  Once contracted with rabies, the virus infects the central nervous system, which inevitably causes disease in the brain and can induce death.  Rabies is particularly fatal in humans if post-exposure prophylaxis it not administered before some of the more severe symptoms begin to occur. 

The Rabies virus travels to the brain by following the peripheral nerves and once infected, one enters an incubation period, which is common amongst viral diseases.  The incubation period usually lasts a few months for humans, and it depends on the distance the virus must travel to ultimately reach the central nervous system.  Unfortunately, after the virus reaches the central nervous and symptoms become prevalent, the infection becomes essentially untreatable and usually kills within days. Rabies annually causes 55,000 deaths worldwide with close to around 95% of these deaths occurring in Africa and Asia.  Another astonishing fact surrounding the rabies infection is that 97% of those who become infected were bitten and contaminated by dogs.  Rabid Dogs (dogs infected with the rabies virus) are very dangerous and aggressive, which leads to attacks.  Dogs that are infected usually appear with black swollen eyes, and they sometimes secrete a white, bubbly liquid from their mouths.  Because of control and vaccination programs in the United States, rabid dog attacks are nowhere near as high as they are in developing countries that lack proper care. However, it is very important to have your dog checked if it seems to behave more bizarrely than usual and is starting to produce any rabies related symptoms.  

  

After the incubation period, which has been documented to last as low as four days to as long as six years, all depending upon the distance of the bite from the central nervous system and the amount of the virus that enters the body.  Those who become contaminated initially begin to show minor symptoms such as headache, fever, or malaise.  Soon, more symptoms begin to arise such as paralysis, anxiety, insomnia, paranoia, and agitation, which then leads in to more severe symptoms: mania, lethargy, uncontrolled emotions, hallucinations, and delirium.   After these unfortunate symptoms occur, the infected patient will eventually slip into a coma where he or she will more than likely die from respiratory insufficiency.  Although survival after the incubation period is rare, there are forms of prevention and treatments for those still in the incubation period.  

In terms of prevention, two French scientists, Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux, created the rabies vaccination in 1885.  Consisting of a sample of the virus that was harvested from rabbit, the vaccination actually weakened the virus even after one had become infected.  Recently, other form of the vaccine such as V-RG (recombinant rabies vaccine), which can be taken orally, have been created and administered throughout the world, greatly preventing the spread of the infection.  If one has already been exposed to the virus, he or she is given post-exposure prophylaxis, which is very effective in combating and preventing rabies after a rabid animal has bitten the patient.  This PEP is made from rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin and is administered several times after infection. Contact your local vaccination clinic today to make an appointment to vaccinate yourself against rabies!

Rabies Is Not Bliss! How to Prevent Infection

One of the deadliest diseases in the world that by many is feared is not one that is transmitted by insects, or a mere cough from another individual. This virus in nearly all cases does not even show symptoms until it has finally throughout most of the body and central nervous system. Rabies is a viral disease that infects the central nervous system causing brain disease and death within a matter of days after the virus has completely consumed the nervous system.

            Why is the virus feared by people? As I stated in the beginning, rabies rarely shows any symptoms after infection. In humans, the incubation period can last many months in humans. An individual may not even know they are infected until months after transmission. Transmission of the virus may occur when an individual is bitten by an infected animal, most commonly dogs, raccoons, monkeys, wolves, coyotes, cattle, and bats. Rabies can also be transmitted through domesticated farm animals and wild carnivores. Due to widespread animal vaccination though, rabies infected dogs has become extremely rare in the United States but in developing countries is still prevalent.

            Once an individual is infected, symptoms begin to show after the long incubation period which can last between 3-12 weeks. This the average but sometimes even longer periods have been documented (Some people have gone years without any symptoms showing!) depending on the location of the bite and transmission, the severity of the wound, and the amount of the virus induced. Once symptoms begin to show, the chances of survival are very low and death can occur between 2-10 days.

            When symptoms do begin to show, within a matter of days, they can become extremely severe. The first symptoms are flu-like around the first day and then move on to anxiety, mania, hallucinations, depression, convulsions, uncontrolled drooling, muscle spasms, and delirium due to the infected central nervous system. Days before death, final symptoms can range from partial paralysis, hydrophobia, inability to swallow, violent movements, to coma, loss of muscle function, and respiratory failure which in turn leads to death.

            In the U.S., the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) recommends for patients to take a series of vaccines during a two-week period after exposer or a bite. You might think, “But how will I know if I am infected if there are no chances of finding symptoms within the first days?” Your best option would be to consult with your doctor for examination right after you have been bit or exposed to wild bats, foxes, and skunks in rural areas. Most patients receive immunoglobulin (HRIG) the first day and then a 4-series rabies vaccination process is given to the patient. Sometimes a 5-dose series is given within a 28-day period.

             If you have any pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets, be sure to have them vaccinated and always keep them under supervision. Never handle any wild animals especially those that are stray. If you come upon a wild animal or a stray that is acting strangely (very little movement, biting or scratching a wound, foam and drooling at the mouth) contact an animal control officer immediately. If you are bitten by an animal, wash the wound with soap and water thoroughly for 10 to 15 minutes and then contact a healthcare provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is required. For more information, visit us at our website at www.travelclinicny.com or call us at 212-696-5900 for updates and appointments at our certified travel clinic.

India—Home of the Ancient Aliens Safety With A Simple Inoculations

If you are a cable television viewer you’ve noticed how much air time there has been lately regarding ancient aliens, lost archeology and UFOs. One does not have to be a convert to be swept up in the wonder of it all. Many of the things discussed on these types of programs are quite interesting. Many of the places they visit—and the texts that they quote from—are from the humongous country of India. On this land mass lies thousands of years of crumbling civilizations, breathtaking stone monuments and unique philosophies. India is definitely a great country to travel to if you have any interest in the history of the world—whether you agree with the prevailing theories or not! Like any other far off country, we Americans would be best off if we visit a certified travel clinic before we begin our journey. These facilities can offer much in the way of common sense protection and even more importantly—protection through vaccination.

India is not the first place your average American will think of when planning a vacation. Many of us rather hit a closed beach, drink on-the-house cocktails and bath in the lap of luxury that a private resort can afford us. For others amongst us, that type of vacation is bland and neutral, boring and homogenized beyond the pale! It is for these individuals that the mysterious country of India beckons. Armed with a vaccination or two, traveling throughout India will create awesome memories that will never be forgotten.

Travel to India is quite simple. Most, if not all, American carriers offer direct flights to this dusky Xanadu. From white sands beaches to dimly lit temples erected to worship a seemingly endless array of gods and goddesses, this destination is truly unique. Located in South Asia, India is the seventh largest country by geographical area on the globe. India is also the most populated country behind China, as it is home to over 1.2 billion people of varying faiths, languages, beliefs, classes and dietary preferences. India is truly one of the most amazing places on Earth, steeped in a history as poignant and as rich as the richest in the world.To think that a land as wide and as interesting is so easily and safely accessible after a simple vaccination or two boggles the mind for those of us that can appreciate such things.

Instead of making this a history lesson, let’s take a look at some of the dangers that the average American may run into when traveling to India. As in many countries in Asia, a simple visit to a certified travel clinic before takeoff is recommended. India travel immunizations include: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies, and Malaria.

It is important to note that most countries outside of the United Sates—and especially those in the East—require a vaccination or two to secure your safety while visiting. Travel to India is no different than that of any other foreign country—but the pay-off in terms of culture, sightseeing, and a delicious new menu to sample far outweigh other countries you may decide to visit.

If currently in the New York or New York City area and planning a trip to this amazing part of the world, please log onto TravelClinicNY.com for more information on the recommended vaccination or vaccinations you may need to remain safe while abroad. This certified travel clinic is run by a board-certified doctor who is friendly, knowledgeable and discreet. Located just several blocks from Grand Central Station, it is also conveniently located to all New Yorkers. Please dial 1-212-696-5900 to arrange an appointment today. Travel Clinic of New York offers extended weekday and even weekend hours.

Traveling Through India? Get Your Vaccinations!

Back in 1632, Emperor Shah Jahan began construction for his late wife’s mausoleum in Agra, India. Almost four centuries later, the Taj Mahal stands as one of the world’s most romantic acts and greatest monuments in history.

          Created and domed with precious white marble, the building employed thousands of artisans and craftsmen, and took about a year to complete. With its vaulted archways, arched balconies, elegant wall calligraphy, incised painting, finial floor tiling, graceful gardens and so on, the Taj Mahal is set on the checklist if you’re traveling through India.

          Don’t start packing your bags yet though.  There are a few other things on the checklist you need to get done before you even step foot in the country. Let’s start with travel vaccinations.

          For all the fun activities and amazing sights to enjoy, there are a number of illnesses and diseases you can easily contract in Southeast Asia. Among them include Whether caused by tetanus, polio, typhoid, hepatitis A, cholera, diphteria, hepatitis B, rabies, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis. While some of them you may have received at a younger age and others seem irrelevant, you don’t want to be taking chances.

          Not only will they disrupt and potentially ruin your vacation, some can cause permanent damage or even death. Whether by food contamination, insect/animal bites, or personal contact, there’s no way you want to be feverish with severe pain gripping your stomach while touring the Taj Mahal.

          If you’d rather not risk it, stop by your doctor’s to get India travel vaccination in NYC. It takes a fairly short amount of time compared to if you were suffering in India. So set off for your southeast adventure, but first, make sure you’re prepped.

          Need a doctor who work in a travel clinic in NYC? Try ours! Located at 274 Madison Ave. Suite 304, (or check out www.travelclinicny.com) I guarantee we can help make your vacation a success.

Important News For the Cosmopolitan Vaccinations and the NYC Travel Community

A lot of people travel to NYC. We, as denizens of NYC, travel from NYC. NYC has a lot to offer the vacationer, but if you live here already chances are you will choose a more exotic locale for your trip. Thankfully, the world is filled with such places. From Singapore to Malta, from the highlands of Scotland to the Galapagos Islands there are so many wondrous places to choose from. Yet travel can be far from a wondrous adventure if one does not protect themselves via vaccinations while abroad.

Depending on where you as a citizen of NYC are planning to go will determine the vaccinations that you will need for protection wether it’s polio or rabies. As Americans, let alone as citizens of NYC, we do so much to protect ourselves in our daily life. From flood insurance to pepper spray, protection is never far from mind—or pocket. This is why there are so many certified travel clinics to choose from in our area. Visiting one before takeoff makes a lot of sense if you want to return home as happy and healthy as you were before you left.

Many people, even the well traveled, have no idea what it is a travel clinic can do for them. This is a sad truth, but once you employ their services you will likely come back before every trip. Besides protection against potentially deadly diseases like malaria or typhoid, through travel vaccinations there are many other reasons why it makes sense to head to your friendly neighborhood travel clinic. If you are in NYC you’re in luck. A good one will not be hard to find.

In this article we shall look at a couple reasons why vaccines-like the one for rabies-that a certified travel clinic is worth the price (which, by the way, is usually a very affordable fee!).

We’re from NYC, we think we are as “strong as bull.” Unfortunately this is not always the case (The need for vaccinations should be a tip off, but it is generally not!). A travel clinic will alert you to some of the dangers hidden right below the surface of perceived invincibility we all seem to share. Take for instance the potential for flight-related blood clots. This is an all too common situation that arises when the person traveling has a poor circulation system or other related medical issues. A travel clinic will closely examine your medical history to ascertain if you are in danger of forming these potentially deadly anomalies. After ascertaining your medical history they will recommend how to keep these blood clots from forming and getting you safely to and from your destination.

A certified travel clinic’s most powerful weapon in its arsenal of protection is their ability to legally and professionally administer vaccinations. Just a few of the diseases that await the next plane full of jaded citizens of NYC are: Yellow fever, hepatitis A & B, tetanus, typhoid, polio, rabies, meningitis, encephalitis, malaria, flu, and cholera. No joke, all of these diseases still scar the globe by infecting millions of people a year. Vaccinations are one of the only things that stand between us and epic illness. Get to a certified travel clinic for this no-brainer protection weeks before any overseas journey.

In NYC your choices are many. Log onto Travel Vaccinations for more information on this friendly and professional certified travel clinic NYC. Staffed by a physician and not a nurse practitioner like some other facilities, their quality of care supersedes others like them. They are located just blocks from Grand Central Station and are very affordable. Simply call 1-212-696-5900 to book a convenient appointment today.