Sometimes the injury is so small the person never even sees a doctor. Another form of tetanus, neonatal tetanus , happens in newborns born in unsanitary conditions, especially if the umbilical cord stump becomes contaminated.
Routine immunizations and sanitary cord care have made newborn tetanus very rare in developed countries. Tetanus often begins with muscle spasms in the jaw called trismus. Someone also can have trouble swallowing and stiffness or pain in the muscles of the neck, shoulders, or back. The spasms can spread to the muscles of the belly, upper arms, and thighs. The symptoms can happen days to months after exposure to the bacteria. Someone who has tetanus will be treated in a hospital, usually in the intensive care unit ICU.
There, they usually get antibiotics to kill bacteria and tetanus immune globulin TIG to neutralize the toxin already released. They'll also get medicines to control muscle spasms and may need treatment to support vital body functions. If you have a tetanus-prone wound and it's considered to be high risk, treatment with tetanus immunoglobulin TIG is recommended.
TIG is a solution that contains infection-fighting cells antibodies that kill the tetanus bacteria. You'll need TIG even if you're fully vaccinated against tetanus. Page last reviewed: 5 December Next review due: 5 December Home Common health questions Accidents, first aid and treatments Back to Accidents, first aid and treatments.
Booster doses are conducted ten years and 20 years after the initial shot. To ensure that you and your family are protected from the serious health problems caused by tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, schedule an appointment at University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, TX.
Our skilled team can keep or get you on an immunization schedule with tetanus shots that is recommended by the CDC. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary. What causes tetanus bacteria? What is a tetanus shot? When to get a tetanus shot To decide if you need a tetanus shot, first decide if the object that caused the wound was clean or dirty. Most cases occur within 14 days. Generally, if symptoms appear very quickly, the infection is severe.
Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. Some wounds are more likely to encourage the growth of tetanus bacteria. Examples of these wounds are:. The diagnosis is usually made by physical examination and taking the medical history, including information about immunisation.
It is difficult to confirm a diagnosis through laboratory tests. Tetanus is a life-threatening disease and sometimes, death will occur even with prompt medical attention. The best way to reduce the risk of tetanus is by immunisation. You should also avoid skin injuries, for example, by wearing gloves while gardening.
Seek medical advice for dirty wounds or wounds where the skin has been penetrated such as with a rose thorn. The doctor may advise you to have a tetanus booster shot, depending on how long it is since your last tetanus dose. If you have not had any previous immunisations against tetanus, a full course of three doses should be given.
The doctor might also administer tetanus immunoglobulin depending on your tetanus vaccination history and if you are significantly immunocompromised. In Victoria, the tetanus vaccine is available in a number of combined immunisations that also contain vaccines against other serious and potentially fatal diseases.
The type of combined vaccine used will depend on your age. For the treatment of a tetanus-prone wound, the doctor or nurse will administer a dose of diphtheria and tetanus vaccine two in one vaccine. Protection against tetanus is available under the National Immunisation Program Schedule. In Victoria, immunisation against tetanus is free of charge for:. Immunity against tetanus decreases with time and further booster shots may be needed.
A course of tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended for anyone who has never been vaccinated. Immunisation may not be free of charge. Three doses are given at monthly intervals and two further booster doses are given 10 years apart.
A tetanus booster is recommended from 50 years. See your doctor or ask your local government immunisation service provider for more information. Combination vaccines containing diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough protection are recommended during the third trimester of every pregnancy or as soon as possible after delivery of the baby.
Women who are breastfeeding can also receive this combination vaccine.
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