why does rabies cause the so-called “hydrophobia” and how does the virus benefit from this symptom?

Question

I vaguely remember something about this, like it’s somehow a way for the virus to defend itself. But that’s it. Thanks in advance!

In: Biology

Answer 1

The virus ‘benefits’ because rabies reproduces in salivary glands and is transmitted via saliva, and if less saliva gets swallowed then more is available to transmit the virus.