Contents:
Medical Video: What are the Symptoms of Tetanus?
1. Definition
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is different from diseases that can be prevented by other vaccines because it does not spread from person to person. These bacteria are usually found in soil, dust and dirt, and enter the body through cracks in the skin (usually scratches or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects).
What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms of tetanus include:
- Headache
- Jaw cramps
- Muscle spasms that appear suddenly and unwanted, usually in the stomach
- Stiffness in the muscles that aches throughout the body
- Difficult to swallow
- The seizures are jerking
- Fever and sweating
- High blood pressure and fast heart rate
2. How to overcome them
What should I do?
Doctors can diagnose tetanus by examining patients and looking for certain signs and symptoms. There is no hospital laboratory test that can confirm tetanus.
Tetanus is an emergency medical condition that requires:
- Inpatient
- Immediate treatment with human tetanus immune globulin (TIG) (or horse antitoxin)
- Tetanus vaccine
- Medication for controlling muscle spasms
- Treatment of aggressive wounds
- Antibiotics
Depending on how severe the infection is, you might need a machine to help you breathe. The tetanus vaccine must be given along with treatment.
When do I have to see a doctor?
Get medical attention immediately if you have a wound or wound caused by contaminated objects.
3. Prevention
Having complete immunization is the best way to prevent tetanus. The tetanus vaccine is recommended for people of all ages, with doses that can last a lifetime.
Treating wounds immediately can also help prevent infection. If you get a tetanus infection, you can still get it again someday if you are not protected by routine vaccinations.
Tetanus Prevention After Natural Disasters
In most cases, disasters do not increase the risk of tetanus. However, the risk of tetanus between disaster victims and emergency response can be minimized by following standard immunization recommendations and providing appropriate wound care.
