Rabies has no cure once symptoms begin, but it's almost entirely preventable if you act before that point. Here's the sequence, in order.
Soap and running water, for a full 15 minutes if you can manage it. This alone measurably reduces the amount of virus at the wound site. Don't scrub aggressively or apply irritants like alcohol, chili, or soil.
Was skin broken? Did it bleed? Was there a lick on an open wound or mucous membrane (eyes, lips)? This determines whether you need vaccine only, or vaccine plus immunoglobulin. See the category breakdown below.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) works because it's started early — ideally within 24 hours. It does not need to wait for the animal to "show symptoms," and you should not wait either.
Whether it was a pet or stray, and whether it can be observed for 10–14 days, is useful information for the clinician deciding your treatment. It should never delay your first visit.
PEP is a 4-visit schedule (Day 0, 3, 7, 28). Immunity builds across the full course — a partial course can leave you exposed. See the full schedule.
Based on the WHO/DOH animal-bite management framework. A clinician will confirm your category on arrival — this is here so you know what to expect.
SureVax runs 15+ walk-in animal bite clinics across Metro Manila, with a 30-minute service standard.