Tetanus
Tetanus. Something we’ve all been getting immunizations for for years, but nobody really takes it seriously. Does it even happen anymore? Why do we give shots for it, anyway?
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by toxins hidden in the spores of a bacteria called Clostridium tetani. These bacteria live everywhere in the world, but are more common in soil and the intestines of animals and humans. When you get a cut, puncture wound, crush injury, or even just a little scrape, these bacteria can invade and leave the toxins behind. You won’t know that these bacteria have been there because the actual organism doesn’t interact with your immune system so there’s no redness or swelling.
This toxin then moves to different nerves and cause four different kinds of tetanus. The first is local, where the toxin just affects nerves near where the injury was on the body. It causes severe, painful muscle cramps occur which can last for up to three to four weeks. The second is cephalic (head) tetanus. It occurs when the wound is on the head, and affects the nerves that give sensation to your face, and move the muscles of the face and eyes. For the most part this version leads to loss of function of the muscles instead of cramping.
Both of the first two types can lead to the most common – generalized tetanus. This not only gives you the severe muscle cramping over all of your body, it can also cause convulsions. Generalized tetanus affects your sympathetic nervous system which controls your heart, blood pressure, and sweating, among other things. Again, this can last up to three to four weeks, and then will take several more weeks to recover from for the 80-90% of people who survive it.
The last type of tetanus is neonatal tetanus. This occurs most often in poor countries where proper hygiene isn’t or can’t be followed, and the mothers are not vaccinated for tetanus. The umbilical stump of the few day old infant can be a spot for tetanus to invade, and without good cleansing or antibodies from mother the baby develops tetanus. Thousands of infants die this way each year.
Can it be treated?
Somewhat. As well as supportive treatment in the hospital, there are antibodies against the toxin that can be given. However, even with modern medicine the mortality rate is 10-20%.
How can it be prevented?
The best way to prevent it is a regular tetanus shot. Generally you need one every ten years, but if you get an injury you will need a new tetanus shot after only five years. If you’re not sure when you had a tetanus shot last, go ahead and get one as it won’t hurt to get it early. Even if you’ve had tetanus and survived, you still need the shot regularly as your body will not naturally make antibodies to it.
Besides the immunization, good wound care can help. Make sure you flush the wound with lukewarm running water, and remove any obvious pieces of dirt or gravel. You can apply some antibacterial ointment if you have it handy. If the wound is large, deep, very dirty, or won’t stop bleeding make sure to get seen by a medical professional.
Bottom line.
Tetanus is like having a muscle spasm over your whole body for days on end, and may kill you. It’s worth it to get the shot.
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