Here’s the hard truth: You can’t diagnose yourself. The symptoms mimic the flu, anxiety, or even a hangover. And let’s be honest, we all think we’re dying after one too many IPAs. The only sure way is a lab test on your saliva, skin, or spinal fluid—yes, a lumbar puncture. Ouch.
But here’s the good news: if you get bitten by a wild or stray animal, don’t wait for symptoms. POST-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—a series of shots—works like magic if you start it before symptoms appear. Yes, even if the animal looks fine. Rabies can be “invisible” for months in animals too.
