Animal and human bites

There are some things you can do after being bitten by an animal or a person. Do clean the wound with soap and warm water gently squeeze the wound so it bleeds slightly (unless it's already bleeding) – this can help reduce the risk of infection press a dry dressing or clean cloth firmly onto the wound to stop the bleeding if it's bleeding heavily after cleaning the wound, gently pat it dry and cover it with a clean dressing take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease any pain and swelling – children under 16 should not take aspirin

If you've been bitten by an animal or person, a doctor or nurse will check the wound. They may: clean the bite thoroughly – if the wound is very dirty, some of the affected area may need to be removed to reduce the risk of infection close the wound with stitches, sticky strips or special glue, or leave it open to heal give you antibiotics to stop the wound becoming infected check your risk of getting tetanus and rabies – you'll be given treatment to prevent these serious infections if needed If you've been bitten by a person, you may also be offered a blood test to check for hepatitis B , hepatitis C and HIV .