A senior medical professional from Himachal Pradesh has issued vital guidance for individuals who suffer dog bites, emphasizing immediate and correct first aid to prevent serious infections, including the deadly rabies virus. The advice comes as a crucial public health reminder for communities across the state and the country.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Dr. Ramesh Chand, the Senior Medical Superintendent (SMS) at the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMCH) in Shimla, has clearly outlined the protocol. The foremost action is to remain calm and not panic. Panicking can increase heart rate and potentially accelerate the spread of any virus through the bloodstream.
The single most important step is thorough wound cleansing. Wash the bite wound immediately and continuously with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This vigorous washing helps remove the dog's saliva from the wound, significantly reducing the viral load and the risk of rabies infection. After washing, the wound should be dried and covered with a clean cloth or bandage.
What Absolutely Not to Do
Dr. Chand strongly warned against several common but dangerous misconceptions. He explicitly stated that people should avoid applying substances like chilli, turmeric, oil, or soil to the wound. These traditional practices are not only ineffective but can be harmful, causing irritation and complicating proper medical treatment later.
He also advised against tying a cloth or tourniquet tightly above the wound. Such actions can restrict blood flow and cause tissue damage without preventing the spread of the rabies virus, which travels through neural pathways, not the bloodstream.
Seeking Medical Care and Rabies Prevention
After administering initial first aid, the victim must seek professional medical attention without delay. The next critical step is visiting the nearest health centre or hospital for proper assessment and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
The medical treatment typically involves:
- A course of anti-rabies vaccines administered over a specific schedule.
- In cases of Category III bites (deep wounds, bleeding, or licks on broken skin), an additional Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) injection is required at the wound site to provide immediate, short-term protection.
Dr. Chand highlighted that rabies is a 100% vaccine-preventable disease, but once clinical symptoms appear, it is almost invariably fatal. This makes timely medical intervention after a bite absolutely non-negotiable.
The doctor's advisory serves as an essential reminder for public awareness, especially in regions with stray animal populations. Following these clear, simple steps—staying calm, washing with soap, and seeking immediate medical care—can save lives and prevent the tragedy of a rabies death.
