Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in soil, manure, and dust that can enter the body through wounds. Immunization is the best defense, and injury prevention and immediate wound cleaning can also help. Symptoms include muscle spasms, fever, and lockjaw, and the disease can be life-threatening.
The most common source of a tetanus infection is through a puncture wound, and avoiding objects and environments that put you at risk for these injuries will help you avoid the disease. Even if you were able to completely eliminate the risk of puncture wounds, however, tetanus bacteria can enter the body through other types of injuries, such as cuts, burns or insect bites. The only truly effective method of preventing tetanus infection is through inoculation.
Tetanus bacteria could be present almost anywhere, but are most commonly found in soil, manure, and dust. While in these environments, tetanus exists as a spore, remaining dormant until introduced into a host. Once in the body, the spores become activated and the bacteria begin producing powerful toxins. Within a few weeks, or sometimes even four days, symptoms become apparent.
Patients may experience fever, sweating, diarrhea or bloody stools, headache, sore throat, and rapid heartbeat, but the main indicator of tetanus is muscle spasm. This starts as stiffness in the jaw and the muscle spasms eventually cause the jaw to clench. It is for this reason that tetanus infection is sometimes referred to as lockjaw. As the disease progresses, tetanus damages other muscle groups, including the diaphragm and other muscles essential for breathing, making it a life-threatening disease.
Immunization is your best defense against tetanus infection. Infants can be given their first tetanus shots when they are 2 months old, with periodic booster shots needed to maintain resistance. After they are inoculated, adults should receive booster shots every 10 years to maintain defense against a tetanus infection.
Injury prevention will also help protect you from tetanus infection. For example, one of the most common sources of tetanus is a rusty nail. If you are in an environment such as a construction site where the risk of injury is greatest, use heavy footwear and other protective clothing as appropriate. Keep an eye out for sharp objects like nails, thorns, and splinters that could introduce tetanus bacteria into your body.
When you suffer an injury, especially a puncture wound, cleaning the wound immediately will help prevent infection, whether your tetanus shots are up to date or not. Tetanus bacteria thrive in dirt, and cleaning the wound can wipe out the bacteria before it can start producing toxins. After cleaning the wound, a visit to the doctor for a tetanus immunoglobulin injection is also recommended, even if booster shots are up to date. If all of these preventive measures fail, hospitals can administer antibodies and antitoxins to fight the disease and offer life-saving treatments, such as respiratory assistance.
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