Helpful Info. Tetanus and Lockjaw

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Silent Bob

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Well may I remind you all to make sure you get your tetanus is up to date...

Tetanus is an infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Animal bites, abrasions (scrapping the knee when you fall off a cycle or bike), tattoo injuries and even eye injuries can cause tetanus. Tetanus shot prevents the body from the fatal tetanus infection. However, it is believed to be one of the most painful vaccinations. The pain accompanied usually lasts for a day or two to about a week. It is the most urged vaccination for infants since it helps to develop resistance against the harmful bacteria at an early age.

Tetanus Shot Frequency

In Children
The frequency of tetanus shots and its dosage varies depending on the age of the person. Tetanus vaccine is usually given to kids as a part of the regular immunization program. The vaccine is given in combination with other vaccinations like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio, etc. A full vaccine plan for children generally consists of the following doses as mentioned in the table below.

Course Tetanus Shot Frequency Combination Vaccines
Primary Course in Childhood 3 doses of the vaccine in the 6th, 10th and 14th week after birth Given along with DPT-Polio-Hib Vaccine
Fourth Dose 3 years after the primary vaccination Given as a part of DPT-Polio vaccination called pre-school booster
Fifth Dose Given to children aged 13 to 18 years as school leaver booster Td Polio vaccine

In Adults
Tetanus shots in adults is generally an extension of the vaccination that an individual has been administered during childhood. There is a high probability that if you haven't been immunized in your early childhood against tetanus, it may affect you in the later stages of life. A pregnant woman who hasn't received the booster vaccination for tetanus and delivers in unhygienic conditions, can risk the life of the baby. Also, people working in agricultural sector who frequently come in contact with manures, dirt, etc. require tetanus vaccination. The most frequent cases can be, if you have seriously injured or hurt yourself, then you may need a tetanus vaccination urgently. The general vaccination for adults is as follows.

Course Tetanus Shot Frequency Combination Vaccines
Initial course* 3 doses of vaccine each one month apart Td Polio Vaccine as a tetanus booster
Fourth Dose 10 years after the initial course Given as Td Polio vaccine
Fifth Dose 10 years after fourth dose As Td Polio vaccine

(*For those who were never immunized against tetanus during childhood).

Tetanus Shot Side Effects
Though tetanus shot is necessary, it has certain side effects. Some serious side effects of tetanus shot include seizures, numbness in the area of injection, allergies, headache and fatigue. Many of these rarely last longer, but in case the symptoms persist, a medical check up is a must.

The area where the tetanus shot is administered can remain sore for 1-2 days. The pain accompanied in these shots is generally administered by giving medicines like ibuprofen; however, it is advised to consult the medical expert before taking pain killers based on our own knowledge. In extreme side effects of tetanus shots, an individual may feel immense pain and loss of muscles in the upper arm(s). Although such cases are rare, it is best advised to consult a medical healthcare in such situations.

Tetanus shot is a vaccination that is essential for people of all ages especially for people working in sectors like agriculture and industrial/manufacturing units. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw can cause severe muscle spasms and breathing problems, in case it affects a person. So it is best to take precautions and get vaccinated against tetanus.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
 

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This is especially important if one does a lot of work with the ground such as gardens and certainly a must have prier to an SHTF event. One thing to keep in mind tetanus is in the ground (dirt) not always on rusty objects ;) tetanus is not from rusty/shiny objects unless the object came in contact with the ground and it also doesn't mean the object has tetanus even if it contacted the ground so always assume tetanus and get the shot!
 
Maverick,

So true my friend! Thanks for your input. I've only seen one case and it was in the early 80's when I worked the E.R. for my rotation time. I simply didn't see too much of it because the push by pediatrics to get parent to keep their kids shots up to date and in this case, it was an adult, who was a plumber and cut his hand open, didn't clean the wound site out very good and came in days later, complaining of the signs of tetanus. He was admitted and well went through the standard treatment phase.
 
Maverick,

So true my friend! Thanks for your input. I've only seen one case and it was in the early 80's when I worked the E.R. for my rotation time. I simply didn't see too much of it because the push by pediatrics to get parent to keep their kids shots up to date and in this case, it was an adult, who was a plumber and cut his hand open, didn't clean the wound site out very good and came in days later, complaining of the signs of tetanus. He was admitted and well went through the standard treatment phase.
That reminds me, I need to get my tetanus shot updated. I work around a lot of rusty barbed wire.
 

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