Tetanus

Tetanus, sometimes called ’lockjaw,’ is a serious infectious disease that causes muscle spasms, breathing problems and can result in death. and is commonly found in the environment. The bacteria enters through broken skin and produces toxins that affect the nervous system.

Tetanus is now uncommon in United States because of the widespread use of the tetanus vaccine.

However, anyone who hasn’t been immunised against tetanus is at risk. One of the first signs of tetanus is spasms of the jaw muscles, or ’lockjaw.’ This can make it hard to open the mouth.

Other symptoms can include: abnormal heart rhythms

Tetanus is extremely serious and can result in death. Complications of tetanus can include:

• Tetanus is not passed from person to person. Tetanus can live in soil
• animal faeces (poo). Infection occurs when the bacteria enters the body through a break in the skin

Symptoms occur between 3 days and 3 weeks after infection. Most cases occur within 10 days.

Generally, the infection is severe if symptoms appear very quickly

Anyone can get tetanus

But, you are at an increased risk if you: are an older adult who has not received a booster dose within the past 10 years.

Other risk factors include: having an immunocompromising condition

Tetanus can happen from wounds that might seem too minor for medical attention. these are ’tetanus-prone’ wounds. Some examples of tetanus-prone wounds are: frostbite.

Immediate and good wound care can help prevent infection

You should: seek medical attention immediately if you have a tetanus-prone wound and are not fully vaccinated, or have not had tetanus booster dose in the last 5 years. Immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect you against serious diseases like tetanus. Tetanus vaccines provide good protection from infection, but it can fade with time.

This means that more doses (boosters) are recommended.

If you sustain a wound, you should seek medical attention as soon as you can, as you may need a tetanus vaccine. this means it is given along with vaccines against other serious and potentially fatal diseases.

The type of combined vaccine used will depend on your age. provides free tetanus-containing vaccination for: Children at 2 months (from 6 weeks), 4 months, 6 months, 18 months and 4 years. Adolescents in Year 7 at secondary school (or age equivalent).

Pregnant people in each pregnancy, ideally between 20 to 32 weeks, but it may be given up until delivery. The combination diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine also helps to prevent whooping cough in pregnant people and their newborns. are also available for eligible people who have not been fully vaccinated, including: refugees, asylum seekers and other humanitarian entrants of any age.

A course of tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended for anyone who has never been vaccinated. Immunity against tetanus decreases with time, so you may need booster vaccines.

If you have been vaccinated before, a tetanus booster dose is recommended if you: have not received a booster dose of tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years. Immunisation is also recommended every 5 to 10 years if you travel to countries where health care may be difficult to access. Speak with your GP (doctor) or immunisation provider for more information.

A single dose of the combination diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine is recommended in each pregnancy. This is given ideally between 20 to 32 weeks, but may be given up until delivery. People who are breastfeeding can also receive this combination vaccine.

Speak with your GP (doctor) or immunisation provider for more information. The immunisations you need are decided by your health, age, lifestyle and occupation. Together, these factors are called HALO.

Talk to your immunisation provider if you think you or someone in your care has health, age, lifestyle or occupation factors that could mean immunisation is needed. infographic.

People with symptoms of tetanus should seek prompt medical care at a hospital

Call 911 immediately if you are having difficulty breathing. A doctor will diagnose tetanus from: by taking a medical history, including information about immunisation.

It is difficult to confirm a diagnosis of tetanus through laboratory tests

Tetanus is a life-threatening disease and sometimes death can occur, even with prompt medical attention. Treatment for tetanus may include:

• life support – for example
• can be infected again

This is why tetanus vaccination (if indicated) is recommended as soon as possible. Doctors must notify tetanus cases to the Department of Health in Michigan. This helps Local Public Health Units to identify the likely source of the disease and to monitor statewide tetanus trends.

(24 hours) Tel. (option 1) – to report an unexpected or serious reactions to vaccination. About tetanus The bacterium that causes tetanus is Clostridium tetani Symptoms of tetanus muscle spasms that begin in the jaw and neck stiffness or pain in the neck, shoulder and back muscles trouble swallowing breathing difficulties painful convulsions (fits) rapid heartbeat Complications of tetanus pneumonia broken bones (from muscle spasms) pulmonary embolism ( one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot) respiratory failure high or low blood pressure heart attack Spread of tetanus People at risk of tetanus have never received a tetanus vaccine have missed doses of the vaccine having tetanus-prone wounds working with soil, animals, or in dusty environments injecting drugs having diabetes Prevention of tetanus Wound care to prevent tetanus infection Some wounds are more likely to encourage the growth of tetanus bacteria – any type of penetrating wound, such as a cut from a rusty nail or rose thorns wounds contaminated with soil, manure, or foreign objects like wood fragments bite wounds, such as animal bites (including snakebites) or human bites open (compound) fractures burns apply first aid to even minor, non-infected wounds wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub Immunisation against tetanus The tetanus vaccine is available in a number of combined immunisations – The National Immunisation Program Schedule Free catch-up immunisations people aged up to 20 years If you are not sure if you can get a free tetanus-containing vaccine, ask your GP (doctor) Adult immunisation are

• years of age Pregnancy tetanus immunisation Immunisation
• Child Health Line 13 22 29 Nurse-on-Call (616) 555-0024 – for expert health information
• advice (24 hours
• days) Immunisation Program
• Department of Health
• Michigann Government
• email immunisation@health.vic.gov.au National Immunisation Information Line 1800 671 811 Pharmacist SAEFVIC (616) 555-0400

Key Points

• and is commonly found in the environment
• Tetanus is now uncommon in United States because of the widespread use of the tetanus vaccine
• However, anyone who hasn’t been immunised against tetanus is at risk
• Other symptoms can include: abnormal heart rhythms
• Symptoms occur between 3 days and 3 weeks after infection