After suffering from a dog bite, you might think that the physical damage is your biggest concern. This is especially true if a familiar dog bites you. If that happens, you can easily ask the owner if the dog has all of its vaccines.
But this can create a false sense of security. After all, the diseases dogs get vaccinated against are not the only concerns you face after suffering from a bite. Infection is one of the biggest dangers, and vaccinations do not prevent them.
Onset of symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention take a look at Capnocytophaga infection and how it may affect you. This is just one of many types of infection you may suffer from after a bite attack. Not only that, but signs of infection can take anywhere from hours to 14 days to start showing up. In other words, you are not out of the woods simply because you have been “fine” for a week or more.
Signs of infection often start at the site of the wound itself. This can include swelling, redness, tenderness or pain. You may also notice pus or other fluid draining from the injury.
Signs of infection and complications
As time goes on, more signs may appear. This can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping and other forms of gastrointestinal distress. You may also experience headache, fever and confusion. If you allow infection to continue unchecked, you might experience severe issues like heart attack, organ failure, gangrene, necrosis or even sepsis.
The only way to ensure you do not suffer from an infection is by having a medical professional take a look at the injury immediately. If you feel worried about potential health costs, this is where seeking compensation for the bite can come into play. It is a tool to consider using if you must.
