Risk Bites

Risk Bites is an article relating to the prevention, signs and symptoms, and treatment of high
risk wounds. It also includes a discussion of hepatitis B and rabies.

Signs and symptoms

It's a good idea to know the signs and symptoms of risk bites to avoid infection. Whether you
were bitten by an animal or a human, the proper care and attention will ensure you recover
quickly.

Depending on the severity of your bite, you may need to see a doctor for treatment. In
addition to pain, you might experience bleeding, swelling, or even numbness. If you're unsure
about whether or not your bite is infected, call your local emergency number to find out.

A tetanus shot is often needed after a human bite, especially if the victim isn't vaccinated. It's
best to have a tetanus shot within 24 hours of the bite.

You might also need antibiotics to help reduce the risk of infection. While most human bites
heal on their own, infections can become a serious problem.

When you're bitten by an animal, you should wash your hands as soon as possible with soap
and water. You should also apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound.

Treatment for high-risk wounds

Infection after a risk bite can be devastating. These injuries can cause scars, amputation,
and even permanent damage to the area of the bite. Often, these wounds are overlooked in
emergency room diagnosis and treatment.

Although most bites heal without infection, complications can occur. Signs of infection include
redness, swelling, pus, or stiffness. Depending on the type of bite, the wound may need to be
opened and debrided. Some bites will also require stitches and may need to be treated with
an antibiotic.

The type of antibiotics used to treat an infection after a human bite depends on the type of
infection and the general medical condition of the patient. Common antibiotics for these types
of infections include amoxicillin, clindamycin, and tetracycline. If the patient is allergic to
penicillin, the doctor will likely prescribe a different antibiotic.

The amount of time you have to treat your bite will depend on the area of the bite. The longer
you wait to see a doctor, the greater the chance that the wound will become infected.

Prevention of rabies

Rabies is a viral disease that causes brain damage. It is almost always fatal if not treated
quickly. The virus is spread by the bite of a rabid animal. Symptoms include fever,
neurological problems and muscle spasms.
Vaccination is one way to prevent rabies. Vaccination should be considered by anyone who
lives in a remote area or in high risk occupations. In the U.S., rabies vaccination is available
for dogs and cats.

If you suspect you have been exposed to a rabid animal, you should get medical attention
immediately. Your doctor may perform multiple tests before deciding whether you have
rabies.

If you are bitten by a wild animal, you should wash the wound with soap and water as soon
as possible. You should also call the police and your local health department to report the
incident.

You should also try to locate the type of animal that bit you. Some of the more common
animals that carry rabies are bats, raccoons and skunks. Be aware that most wild animals
are not vaccinated.

Prevention of hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that infects many people. It causes acute and chronic infections.
Chronic hepatitis can cause liver cancer. The most common infection is in infants and
children. Acute hepatitis is not usually fatal, but it can be uncomfortable. In some cases, it
can result in jaundice.

Several factors contribute to the spread of hepatitis B. One of the main causes is sharing
needles for injection drugs. Another factor is sex without contraception. If Learn More are at
high risk for hepatitis B, you should get a blood test to determine your hepatitis B status.

Adults who are at high risk for hepatitis infection are also recommended to get a hepatitis B
vaccine. This vaccine is given in two or three doses.

The hepatitis B virus is transmissible via the blood and body fluids. It can be transmitted
through unsafe injections, shared needles, and contaminated vaginal or sexual contacts.

Hepatitis B is a major global health problem. Approximately 850,000 infections are reported
in the United States annually.