rabies

I just got Mardi from her previous owner and a week later, she bit Bhong. Awtz! I so loved them both that I can't set the fact aside that they could both be in danger.

Rabies are really scary that should be taken seriously and treated immediately. It doesn't really matter how big the wound was or how old the puppy is - it is still rabies. For first aid procedures, here's what you need to do.

1> Wash the wound / affected area with soap and running water for 10 minutes to remove the sticky saliva of the dog which carries the rabies.

2> Apply betadine on the wound / affected area after washing.

3> Schedule to meet a doctor ASAP.

After doing all those first aid procedures, we went to San Lorenzo Ruiz Hospital the following day. This hospital is the only hospital in Manila that I know of, that caters to rabies and animal bites. Here's what we did when we got there.

1> Get a referral from the table around the back of the hospital where they would get your weight, age, basic information about the animal bite and provide you with fillable forms.

2> Submit the completely filled information sheet to the Records Section (located immediately at the back of the referral table in #1)for your hospital record especially if you are new.

3> Consult the physician. This is where you can ask your other concerns about the rabies. The doctor will provide you with a prescription on what needs to be injected, when and the doze of course.

4> Get an assessment from the pharmacy to know how much money you need to pay for the required drugs.

5> Find a pair. The medication is usually 1/2 doze or even 1/4 doze per session so getting a pair is really advised.

6> Pay for the medication needed at the cashier.

7> Claim the drugs you paid for including the syringes at the pharmacy together with your partner.

8> Proceed to the nurses' area and submit your papers (you and your partner) then wait for your name to be called.

9> Be sure that you have eaten before the injection is administered.

After the injection of the required drugs, you are free to go. You will have to return to the hospital on the specified date on you medication / schedule sheet. You will have to repeat steps 4 to 9 until you have complied with the schedule. Usually the second shot is given after 7 days. Third shot after a month and the last shot after 2 months. It's all so easy but guys you have to remember that a pint of prevention is better than an ounce of cure. Be safe!