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An Alternative Medicine Network |
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| Common Illness
Amebiasis |
Tetanus (lockjaw) What is tetanus? Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. Due to widespread immunization, tetanus is now a rare disease. Who gets tetanus? Tetanus occurs more often in older people and in agricultural workers where contact with animal manure is more likely and immunization is inadequate. How is tetanus spread? Tetanus is contracted through a wound which becomes contaminated with the organism. It is not transmitted from person to person. Where is the tetanus germ found? The tetanus germ is present throughout the environment and is commonly found in soil contaminated with manure. What are the symptoms of tetanus?
Muscular Stiffness of Jaw How soon after infection do symptoms occur? The incubation period is usually eight days but may range from three days to three weeks. Shorter incubation periods are associated with more heavily contaminated wounds. Does past infection with tetanus make a person immune? Recovery from tetanus may not result in immunity. Second attacks can occur and immunization is indicated after recovery. What is the treatment for tetanus? Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned, and dead or devitalized tissue removed. If the patient has not had a tetanus toxoid booster in the previous 10 years, a single booster injection should be administered on the day of injury. For severe wounds, a booster may be given if more than five years have elapsed since the last dose. Tetanus immune globulin (TIG), antitoxin or antibiotics may be given if the patient has not been previously immunized with a series of at least three doses of toxoid. What are the complications associated with tetanus? Complications include spasm of the vocal cords and/or spasms of the respiratory muscles causing interference with breathing. Other complications include fractures of the spine or long bones, hypertension, abnormal heartbeats, coma, generalized infection, clotting in the blood vessels of the lung, pneumonia and death. Is there a vaccine for tetanus? An effective vaccine called tetanus toxoid has been available for many years. Tetanus toxoid in combination with diphtheria toxoid and pertussis vaccine (DTP) is given at two, four, six and 15 months of age, and between four and six years of age. Children who are seven years of age or older should receive Td (tetanus and diphtheria) toxoid. A tetanus booster shot is recommended every 10 years. What can be done to prevent the spread of tetanus? The single most important preventive measure is to maintain a high level of immunization in the community.
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