Hydrophobia Symptoms: Does a rabies patient really start barking like a dog? Know the truth behind from neurologist

News India Live, Digital Desk: Rabies is a very dangerous and fatal disease, which is usually spread by the bite of an infected animal (especially dog). In rural areas and on social media, it is often claimed that a person suffering from rabies starts barking like a dog or his actions become completely like animals. But is there any scientific truth in this? The country’s renowned neurologist has exposed this myth and explained in detail the actual symptoms of rabies. Does the patient really ‘bark’? Doctor’s Answer: According to the neurologist, it is a completely wrong belief that a rabies patient barks like a dog. Actually, the reason behind this is physical and not behavioral. Spasms in the throat muscles: In the last stages of rabies, the patient’s throat muscles (Laryngeal muscles) start getting intense spasms and paralysis. Change in voice: When the patient tries to breathe or speak, due to this tightness of the throat, the sound coming out of his mouth becomes no longer normal. This sound is harsh and broken, hearing which people unknowingly mistake it for a ‘barking’ sound. Real and scary symptoms of rabies: The rabies virus directly attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) of the human being. Its main symptoms are as follows: Hydrophobia: This is the most recognizable symptom of rabies. The patient becomes afraid of seeing or drinking water. When he tries to force water down his throat, he experiences unbearable pain and cramps. Aerophobia: The patient starts feeling fear and restlessness even with fresh air or gusts of fan. Excessive Salivation: Due to loss of ability to swallow, saliva starts accumulating in the patient’s mouth and it starts falling out. Confusion and aggression: The patient becomes very irritable, he has confusion. (Hallucinations) start occurring and he may behave aggressively. Prevention is the only treatment. Doctors say that once the symptoms of rabies start appearing, there is no cure possible and it proves to be almost 100% fatal. Therefore: Immediate vaccination: It is mandatory to get anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) immediately after a dog or wild animal bite (without waiting for the symptoms). Wound cleaning: Immediately wash the bite site with running water and soap for at least 10-15 minutes. Pet vaccination: Get your pet dogs and cats vaccinated on time.