What are the Symptoms and Treatment for Infection from Animal Bites?

The saliva of an animal often carries harmful bacteria, which may cause life-threatening diseases. Whether minor or major, animal bites can quickly get infected and spread to other parts of the body. It can put the person’s life at risk if they have been bitten by an infected animal. Thus, it must not be left untreated. 

 

Injuries resulting from dogs and cat bites are considered the most common animal bite accidents. However, the bite from any animal, whether domestic or wild, is often considered dangerous as it may get infected and turn fatal/life-threatening if left untreated. So, if you have been bitten by any animal such as a dog, cat, raccoon, skunk, bat, or fox, there is always a higher chance of rabies or tetanus infection. Therefore, it is recommended to get tetanus and rabies vaccination in New York to reduce the risk of infection when you experience an animal bite.

Rabies is a viral disease that may be life-threatening. Although it usually affects animals, it may also transmit to humans through the saliva at the wound. On the other hand, Tetanus, also known as “lockjaw,” is an infection that is caused due to a toxin that causes painful muscle contractions. As it affects the nerves, especially in the neck and jaw, it may create difficulty breathing and even lead to death. Therefore, whenever you have been a victim of an animal bite, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention to get tetanus and rabies vaccination at your nearest clinic in New York.

 What are the Signs of Infection from an Animal Bite?

 Following are the common signs of infections from an animal bite:

• Redness, pain, swelling, and inflammation at the bite wound
• Pus or fluid oozing from the wound
• Soreness in areas near the bite
• Numbness around the bite
• If the infected limb is hard to move
• Swallowing in the lymph nodes
• Fever, chills, or tremor in the body
• Night sweats
• Fatigue or weakness in the body
• Breathing problems

 

If any of these symptoms appear during the first 24 hours of getting bit and are not getting better, seek professional medical attention as soon as possible. You can simply visit for a walk-in consultation and immediate treatment at an emergency clinic or a travel clinic to get tetanus and rabies vaccination in New York City. Contact our team for any queries.