Your Friend Was Bitten by an Aggressive Dog with a History

Multiple Choice

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?

A) The virus exhibits a long incubation period, and therefore, in many cases, this provides the vaccine adequate time to have a protective effect in the patient.
B) This particular strain of the rabies virus is probably nonpathogenic, so the vaccine is given to boost the immune system's protective functions.
C) Since there is no treatment available, they suggest the vaccine as a last resort.
D) There were few virus particles in the bite, so her immune system has enough time to respond.