The tetanus vaccine is recommended by the world health organization, WHO, to be given routinely to children, adults, and tourists who will visit an area where the case of tetanus is spreading. Learn about the uses of the tetanus vaccine and the period of immunization at the Best Urgent Care in Macomb MI.
The tetanus vaccine is given to someone to prevent the infection of the Clostridium tetani bacteria which produces toxins and causes muscle stiffness. Tetanus infection can lead to serious health problems until death. Tetanus bacteria are generally found on the ground or mud and enter the body through wounds or open areas on the skin. But it can also be found in animal or human feces.
This disease can also attack infants whose umbilical cord care is inadequate. When the baby is born, cutting the umbilical cord using a non-sterile tool has the potential to cause tetanus infection in the baby. Other risk factors that can be the cause of tetanus in infants are those born to mothers who did not receive the TT vaccine (Tetanus Toxoid), or a history of tetanus infection to their siblings at birth.
Tetanus generally requires time (incubation period) of seven to eight days to develop up to 1-2 months. Symptoms of headaches and stiffness in the jaw muscles can appear first and then spread to the area of the hands, arms, legs, and back. Stiff neck and obstructed breathing ability can also appear afterward. If left untreated, this condition can cause respiratory failure. The tetanus vaccine is given to stimulate the body’s antibody production to tetanus poisons and protect you from the above symptoms or the pain that might be experienced due to this disease.
Getting a tetanus vaccine is highly recommended for all family members and can also be given to babies who reach the age of two months. You are also advised to complete a series of immunization periods because the possibility of you being infected with this bacterium remains and does not make you immune even though you have been infected before. You can find additional information or discuss with your doctor about tetanus, the tetanus vaccine, and the health and treatment risks.