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The Virus With A Greater Than 99% Death Rate: Rabies Explained

Talking With Docs

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In this episode, we sit down with infectious disease specialist Dr. Tom Warren to unpack one of the deadliest viral infections on the planet: rabies.

Rabies is rare in many countries but remains a global threat, with nearly 100% fatality once symptoms appear. That’s why prevention is critical. Together, the doctors and Dr. Warren break down what rabies is, how it spreads, and what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

You’ll learn:

What rabies is and how the virus affects the body

Who is most at risk of rabies worldwide

How rabies is transmitted and why even minor bites or scratches matter

The treatments that work if given in time, and why it’s almost always fatal once symptoms start

How vaccination and prevention save lives

Whether you’re a traveler, a pet owner, or just curious about infectious diseases, this episode gives you clear, doctor-approved insights into one of medicine’s most feared infections.

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🛑 DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor if you believe you’ve been exposed to rabies or any other infectious disease. Full disclaimer at talkingwithdocs.com.

#rabies #infectiousdisease #dogbites #viralillness #preventivemedicine #talkingwithdocs #doctorapproved #publichealth #rabiesprevention #globalhealth

20 Comments

@DaveBoudouris 1 year ago

Im a veterinarian. Raccoons, skunks, foxes and bats are the primary species carrying rabies. If a dog or cat has rabies virus in their saliva they will die within 10 days. There are different ways that rabies can present so you might not suspect it at first. That is why there is a 10 day quarantine for those species after biting people. Depending on the vaccine status of the pet the quarantine period could be longer. Other wild animals like skunks and raccoons can have virus in their saliva and not always show signs. The person who was bit by a stray cat should immediately go to their doctor. Since rabies is an always fatal disease you should take that bite seriously. If you would like more info there is a veterinary rabies compendium with recommendations.

@kellys6164 1 year ago

As an RN I took care of a little boy with Rabies in Africa (I was working in an Ebola unit, so he was in there for suspect Ebola, turned out to be Rabies). It was a HORRIBLE death for him. Absolutely terrible. I still remember him and all he suffered.

@janemack8852 1 year ago

I was a child when Ol' Yeller came out. I cried so much for that dog. I was so traumatized. I didn't know rabies had a virtual 100% death rate...

@randolphstead2988 1 year ago

I got bit by a stray dog when I was a kid. My eldest brother delighted in describing rabies to me and how I'd have to get a series of shots in my belly. I'm glad medicine has progressed since the 1960's.

@ellocodos 1 year ago

I was bitten on my calf by a dog in Thailand and got the full rabies treatment. The hemoglobin injections were veryeeeee painful.

@elainebradley8213 1 year ago

I had an uncle who was exposed to rabies twice in the 70's. He was a dairy farmer and each time thought his animal was choking and reached in to remove the offending item which didnt exist. It was rabies. An unexpected source.

@tomoreau15 1 year ago

We have Michael Scott to thank for his generous donation for Rabies Research.

@stevelanghorn1407 1 year ago

You guys always look so happy & delighted (in your thumbnails) talking about dreadful fatal diseases!

@-myal-8691 1 year ago

I've been afraid of rabbits ever since I saw the Rabbit of Caerbannog in Monty Python.

@DrArchanaRampuria 6 months ago

It's a rare disease but once you see it, you'll never forget that patient. I had a patient once and that night in the ER is still so fresh in my mind!

@larkendelvie 1 year ago

Thanks Docs -- my dad was bit by a rabid squirrel when he was a kid. I still have the newspaper article talking about the chase to hunt down all the squirrels in the park he was at. He had to get shots in his stomach over several days -- this was like around 1940.

@chrisvig123 1 year ago

RFK Jr can try his natural immunity approach…starting with him 😂

@Les-f6m 1 year ago (edited)

Such an important subject, thanks for covering it. I'm glad Dr. Zalzal mentioned that it's an issue of skin to skin contact and you don't have to be bitten. The news broadcasts last year about the death in Ontario indicated that there was no bite. Also, news broadcasts in the GTA this summer have asked people who had contacts with bats recently to reach out to public health as they had been exposed to rabies but not shown up to ask for care at the hospital.

@annebreitrick6116 1 year ago

There's a short video clip of a Ukrainian soldier with rabies. In desperation he tries to drink water, but his hydrophobia is so great his hand violently shakes and the water splatters into the air. The video ends with a medic telling him to sit down. They say it was a cat that bit him.

@zizzie4081 1 year ago (edited)

When I was in Vet School we had a rabid horse in the barn. One of the horrifying, disturbing and depressing things I ever saw. The chief of neurology, a crusty old bugger, it was reported, sat in the corner and cried.
Just a note from >50 years in the business; there are strict algorithms established by the state (I'm in Massachusetts) on how to handle a bite depending on the victim and the biter. Please, please, please take it seriously. If your pet needs to be quarantined don't brush it off. It is designed for the health of your family and pets in mind. As the good doctors point out, this is a serious disease, and it is out there.
Thanks Docs!!

@powertechnical 1 year ago

Something unusual happened here in South Africa. They discovered some seals to be infected with rabies which people didn't think is possible. About 4 people in my hometown got bitten by seals and they all had to go for rabies treatment.

@sandrak.robbins6305 1 year ago (edited)

Thank you. Totally scary!!! I saw 'Old Yeller' when I was a child and it was sooooo sad :(

@Melissa-SC73 1 year ago (edited)

Talking with Docs, thank you for this video. You had it put on here at the right time. It was like a sign at the time I was bit by that cat. Because of y’all (doctors) and the people who on my below comment who encouraged me to get right to the ER, I was saved before it got worse. I was told my infection could be life threatening. I have my last round of rabies shots on Wednesday. I see infectious disease/ wound doctor on Tuesday for a follow up appt. Thank you all so much! Because of you and the others I’m alive! ❤❤❤❤ Much respect to you!

@jaiezee1263 1 year ago

Very informative, especially about bats. Have had dogs my entire life and has always been mandatory they get rabies vaccination.

Bunnies 🐇🐰🐇🐰 You two are so knowledgeable and professional yet so silly sometimes. Do not ever change 😊

@menashakate 1 year ago

Excellent public service video, thank you for explaining rabies . My own near miss: I was bitten by a stray dog in downtown Sofia Bulgaria in the late 90s. The post - Soviet transition to capitalism resulted in many dogs being "released" by their owners who had to prioritise feeding themselves. Feral dogs in parks and on the streets bit indiscriminately. I immediately went to a clinic where a doctor showed me metal syringes in alcohol, and said, via an interpreter, that she could only offer a tetanus shot and " time will tell." Back in Sweden, I was not only apprehensive about the possibility of rabies, but also did an HIV test because of the impoverished conditions of the clinic and the shared unsterilised syringes. It was all the clinic could offer. Unfortunately many areas of the world today have conditions like that Bulgarian clinic, and can't prioritise hygiene, or even provide medical help which should be a basic human right. Your videos are always brilliant!