Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services or go to an emergency department if someone develops confusion, severe agitation, seizures, new paralysis, breathing difficulty, or painful swallowing spasms after a possible animal exposure.
Tell staff about the exposure and where it occurred.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek urgent, same-day medical or public health advice after:
Any bite or scratch from a bat
Direct bat contact when you cannot rule out a bite or scratch
A mammal bite in a country or area where rabies occurs
Saliva from a possibly infected mammal entering your eyes, mouth, or broken skin
A bite from an animal behaving abnormally or unavailable for assessment
Wash the area immediately, but do not wait to see whether symptoms develop.
If you are travelling, seek local medical help as soon as possible.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate for completing scheduled vaccine doses, checking wound healing, and reviewing records from treatment received elsewhere.
New mild soreness after vaccination can usually be discussed at the next planned contact unless it is severe or accompanied by signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Rabies. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.