Tetanus is an infectious disease transmitted by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can be found in the soil, dust and faeces of animals, as they live in the intestines.
Tetanus transmission occurs when spores of this bacteria, which are small structures not visible to the naked eye, enter the body through an opening of the skin, such as deep wounds or burns, for example; this type of infection is even more recurrent when the wound occurs due to contact with a contaminated object, such as a rusty nail.
- Since wounds are very common throughout life and cannot always be protected from contact with bacteria.
- The best way to prevent tetanus from onset is to vaccinate with the tetanus vaccine.
- During childhood and every 10 years.
- Also.
- Wash all cuts and scratches as well.
- Helps reduce the risk of getting the disease.
Learn more about the tetanus vaccine and when to take it
Although it is an infectious disease, tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. The most common ways to get tetanus include:
In addition to the usual forms, tetanus can be contracted more rarely through superficial wounds, surgical procedures, contaminated insect bites, exposed fractures, intravenous drug use, dental infections, and intramuscular injections.
Tetanus transmission occurs when your causing agent’s spores enter the skin through cuts, which can cause muscle stiffness and spasms. Learn what the symptoms of tetanus are.
Furthermore, tetanus can also be transmitted to newborns by contamination of the umbilical stump during delivery. Newborn infection is quite serious and should be identified and treated as soon as possible.
The most common and important way to avoid tetanus is vaccination during the first months of life, which is done in three doses and aims to stimulate the production of antibodies that defend the body against the disease-causing agent. doesn’t last a lifetime, so you should take a booster every 10 years. Learn more about the tetanus vaccine.
Another prevention medium is the dTpa vaccine, also known as an adult triple bacterial acellular vaccine, which ensures protection against diphtheria, tetanus and whoath cough.
In addition, to prevent the appearance of tetanus, it is important to pay attention and care for wounds, keep them covered and clean, always wash your hands, avoid delaying the healing process and do not use shared sharp objects, such as needles.