Your friend was bitten by an aggressive dog with a history of biting without cause, and it is suspected to have rabies.The city health department recommends the rabies vaccination, even though she has already been exposed to the infectious agent.Which statement best describes why the vaccine can be given post-exposure?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rabies virus has a long incubation period, which means that even after exposure, there is still some time to administer the vaccine and for it to have a protective effect. This is why the city health department recommends the rabies vaccine even after exposure to the virus. Option A is incorrect because the number of virus particles in the bite does not determine the effectiveness of the vaccine. Option B is incorrect because the vaccine is not a last resort; it is the standard treatment for rabies exposure. Option D is incorrect because all strains of the rabies virus are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease.

Your Friend Was Bitten by an Aggressive Dog with a History