Firefox Radio tackles rabies risks, prevention in special broadcast

Earlier today, the TSU 87.5 Firefox Radio aired their Rabies Awareness Month program titled; Rabies-Free Zone: Maging Matalino Huwag Pabiktima with their guest from the TSU Medical Services Unit, Ms. Danielle Anne D. Estrada who gave insightful and informative discussion about rabies virus.

This program aims to enlighten the TSU Community about the effects, symptoms, and signs of animal and people who are carrying the rabies virus.

The program includes the origin of the rabies virus (from bats), how it spreads (animal bite to animal bite).

Ms. Estrada also enlightened some misconceptions about how rabies spreads saying that rabies can’t be passed down from an animal to its offsprings, she also cleared that the traditional option called “tandok” is not an ideal treatment for rabies patients, she also highlighted that the use of amoxicillin to treat an open wound would do nothing to the wound as amoxicillin is intended as oral (taken through mouth) medicine.

Ms. Dizon also explained the categories of rabies. Category 1 is through animal licking but no scratches or open wound involved, Category 2 includes through scratches from animal carrying the virus, and Category 3 includes animal bites with bleeding.

Preemptive measures and first-aid was also tackled such as the number of doses needed if you are bitten, the nearest Animal Bite Center within Tarlac City (TPH and Municipal Health Center) and Ms. Dizon also gave tips to prevent the spread of rabies which includes giving anti-vaccine shots to your pets, and avoid petting stray cats and dogs.