At Tooting Travel Clinic, we frequently receive questions about rabies and whether a rabies jab and other travel vaccines are necessary for travel. Rabies is a serious viral infection that affects the central nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Despite being a well-known disease, there are many misconceptions about how it spreads, who is at risk, and how to protect yourself.
Understanding the facts about rabies can help travellers make informed decisions before visiting high-risk areas. Here, we address some of the most common myths and separate fact from fiction.
Myth: Rabies is only found in wild animals
Fact: While rabies is often associated with wild animals such as bats, foxes, and raccoons, domestic animals like dogs, cats, and livestock can also carry the virus. In many parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, stray dogs are the most common source of rabies transmission to humans. If you are travelling to a country where rabies is present, even a pet or street dog could pose a risk if it has not been vaccinated.
Myth: You can only get rabies from an animal bite
Fact: The most common way rabies spreads is through the bite of an infected animal, but scratches, licks on broken skin, and exposure to saliva on mucous membranes (such as the eyes or mouth) can also transmit the virus. Even a small scratch or lick on a wound could be enough for the virus to enter the body, making it essential to seek medical attention after any potential exposure.
Myth: You don’t need a rabies jab unless you are visiting a jungle or remote area
Fact: Many people assume that rabies is only a concern for those trekking through jungles or handling wild animals, but this is not the case. Urban areas in countries where rabies is endemic often have a high number of stray dogs and cats, increasing the risk even in cities. Popular travel destinations like Thailand, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia have frequent cases of rabies in stray animals, meaning that tourists are still at risk even if they are not exploring rural areas.
Myth: If you get bitten, you have plenty of time to seek treatment
Fact: The rabies virus has an incubation period that can vary from a few days to several months, depending on where the bite occurs and how much of the virus is transmitted. While some people mistakenly believe they have plenty of time to act, rabies progresses quickly once symptoms appear. Once symptoms develop, the disease is almost always fatal.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal in a high-risk country, you must seek immediate medical attention. Post-exposure treatment, known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), includes a series of rabies jabs that must be given as soon as possible to be effective.
Myth: The rabies jab is only needed after exposure
Fact: Many travellers believe they only need a rabies jab if they are bitten, but this is not entirely true. While post-exposure treatment is available, pre-exposure vaccination is strongly recommended for certain travellers, particularly those who are:
- – Spending extended time in high-risk countries
- – Backpacking, camping, or hiking in remote areas
- – Working with animals or wildlife
- – Volunteering with animal rescue organisations abroad
Having a pre-exposure rabies jab means that if you do get bitten or scratched, your treatment will be simpler and you will not need rabies immunoglobulin, which can be difficult to find in some countries.
Myth: Rabies is not a problem for UK travellers
Fact: While rabies has been eliminated from domestic animals in the UK, travellers visiting Asia, Africa, Central and South America, and some parts of Eastern Europe are at risk. UK travellers return from overseas needing post-exposure rabies treatment due to bites or scratches from animals. Being prepared before you travel can help prevent complications if you encounter an infected animal.
Myth: The rabies vaccine has severe side effects
Fact: The rabies jab is safe and well-tolerated. Like any vaccine, it may cause mild side effects such as a sore arm, slight swelling, or temporary fatigue, but serious reactions are extremely rare. Compared to the fatal consequences of rabies, getting vaccinated is a far safer option.
Myth: The rabies jab provides lifelong protection
Fact: The pre-exposure rabies jab provides long-term protection, but not lifelong immunity. If you are at continued risk, booster doses may be required every two to five years, depending on your level of exposure. However, even years after receiving the vaccine, having had pre-exposure vaccination makes post-exposure treatment simpler and more effective.
Myth: If an animal looks healthy, it cannot have rabies
Fact: Not all rabid animals show obvious signs of illness. While some display aggressive behaviour, others appear calm or even overly friendly. A seemingly healthy dog, cat, or monkey can still carry the virus and transmit it through bites or scratches. This is why travellers should avoid petting or feeding stray animals in high-risk areas, no matter how friendly they seem.
Helping Travellers Stay Safe
Rabies is a preventable but deadly disease, and understanding the facts can help travellers stay safe. If you are visiting a high-risk country, considering a rabies jab before you travel can reduce your risk and simplify treatment in case of exposure.
At Tooting Travel Clinic, we provide rabies vaccinations and expert travel health advice to ensure you are fully protected. If you are unsure whether you need a rabies jab for your trip, contact us for a consultation and get the right protection before you travel.
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This blog was written on behalf of Tooting Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.