Yes, if you are exposed to rabies, there is a window of opportunity to get vaccinated before symptoms appear. Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through a bite or scratch.
After being exposed to the rabies virus, there is a period known as the "incubation period" during which the virus replicates and travels to the central nervous system. The length of the incubation period can vary, but it typically ranges from several weeks to a few months. In some cases, it can take longer for symptoms to appear.
During this incubation period, if a person receives rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) promptly, the development of the disease can often be prevented. Rabies PEP consists of a series of rabies vaccinations, which includes a rabies immune globulin shot along with several doses of the rabies vaccine over a specific time frame. The sooner PEP is administered after exposure, the more effective it is in preventing the onset of rabies symptoms.
Once the symptoms of rabies start showing, the disease is almost universally fatal, and there is no known cure. That's why it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after being bitten or scratched by an animal that may be infected with rabies. Prompt medical intervention can prevent the virus from spreading to the nervous system and save a person's life.