The tetanus (lockjaw) bacteria, Clostridium tetani, are spores that live in animal feces, dirt, soil, and even on human skin. Tetanus is an extremely serious and sometimes deadly condition that wreaks havoc on the human body. Usually, when the word "tetanus" is heard, we immediately think of someone who has stepped on a rusty nail or who has received a deep cut from another rusty or unclean source. If you receive a deep puncture wound or cut from a clean object, are bitten deeply by an animal (including human), or puncture your skin with needles used for drugs, you can still acquire the tetanus bacteria because they are found throughout our environment.
Vaccination and Side Effects
The tetanus vaccine, Td or TDaP (used in children), is almost 100% effective. For optimal protection, a tetanus shot should be given once every ten years; take comfort in the fact that it is never too late to receive the tetanus booster-even if you have not had one for over ten years. Tetanus shot side effects are usually localized and minimal but rarely moderate to severe.
Localized and mild reactions may include one or more of the following: redness or swelling or soreness at the injection site (both children and adults), low fever, fatigue, loss of appetite and other common but mild side effects as many vaccines.
Moderate reactions are rare but consist of the following: in children, though usually attributed to the pertussis side of the DTaP (diptheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine, crying for three hours or longer and a high fever. Moderate effects seen in adults are usually limited to headaches, body aches, and an overall feeling of fatigue.
The most severe reaction noted in children, though extremely rare, are seizures. Anyone who has ever suffered a severe reaction to a tetanus shot should not receive another.
Symptoms and Treatment
You should see your doctor immediately if you exhibit any of the following tetanus symptoms: stiffness in the neck and jaw, constricted muscles, difficulty swallowing, and spasms. According to the CDC the most common form of tetanus disease which affects eighty percent of all victims, is generalized tetanus (Clostridium tetani exotoxin). Generalized tetanus causes a condition known as Opisthotonos, which locks the body and causes the neck, back, and legs to arch backwards.
Once a clinical diagnosis is made, tetanus treatment will be administered. The most common treatment will include an initial dose of an immune globulin and an antibiotic. Medications will be given to relive pain, control spasms, and relax muscles.
Tetanus can remain in the system from one to twelve days, or more. A victim of tetanus can expect to be put on bed rest and may still endure spasms and tightening of the muscles-additional treatment may be required. Eating nutritional meals is crucial to aid in healing. Once recovered and for protection purposes, full tetanus immunizations will be given.