At the end of last year, the "2023-2024 China Pet Industry White Paper" was officially released. The white paper mentioned that the number of pet dogs in the country will increase by 1.1% in 2023 compared with 2022. With the increase in the number of pet dogs, it is inevitable that dog bites will occur. In case of injury, it is inevitable to go to the hospital to get rabies vaccine. However, in some cases, vaccination alone is not enough, and immune globulin is also needed. This is why?

Research shows that the rabies virus first replicates locally when it enters the wound. , and then transmitted to the central nervous system. Rabies vaccine can effectively stimulate the body to produce neutralizing antibodies for active immunity before the virus invades the nervous system, providing long-lasting protection to the body. However, it takes 7-14 days for effective antibodies to be produced after the initial vaccination. During this period before effective antibodies are produced, the virus may invade the nervous system, which is called the "high-risk infection period."

Immunoglobulins are a mixture of antibodies extracted from the blood of humans or animals. They contain already formed antibodies that can directly neutralize viruses in the body. Immune globulin is used in emergency situations, such as a serious animal bite, and can provide immediate, short-term protection until the body produces its own antibodies. By injecting rabies immune globulin, people can immediately obtain timely and effective passive immune protection during the high-risk infection period. The combination of the two can better prevent the occurrence of rabies.

In general, rabies vaccine provides long-term protection. Immunoglobulins, on the other hand, provide short-term emergency protection. Following a dog bite, both medications are used together, depending on the situation, to ensure maximum safety.