Are you afraid of getting tetanus after getting an injury? Let's be aware of this.

When you get a small wound, especially if you get stuck with something like a rusty nail or wire, you've probably heard your family members say, "Please get some medicine for the boil quickly." What exactly is this boil? Why should we be so afraid of it? Can this disease develop even from a wound that doesn't have rust? Today, we'll talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is tetanus? Why is it dangerous?

Simply put, ringworm is a very dangerous infection. It is caused by a bacteria . This bacteria usually lives in soil, dust, and animal feces . Even a small cut or scratch on our skin allows this bacteria to enter the body. This bacteria can also enter the body when bitten by some animals or when bitten by insects.

Imagine, when this bacteria enters the body , it directly attacks our brain and spinal cord, that is, the nervous system. Then, the muscles of the whole body start to tighten and twitch violently. The most severe case of this is "lockjaw" . This condition can even end in death, which is why we need to be so concerned about this.

There are two main ways to prevent breakouts.

1. Immunization

2. Proper wound care

Let's learn exactly about immunization.

There are two main methods of vaccination.

1. Active Immunization

What happens in this is that we teach our bodies to fight against a disease. We get a vaccine for this. When we get a vaccine, our immune system recognizes the disease and starts making special proteins, called 'antibodies', to fight it. This is like teaching an army to recognize an enemy and train them to defeat it. The protection they receive in this way lasts for years.

2. Passive Immunization

This is protection that comes from outside us, immediately. For example, a baby receives antibodies from a pregnant mother. Also, in an emergency, a vaccine called 'Tetanus Immune Globulin' (TIG) is given to someone who is at high risk of developing tetanus. What happens in this is that pre-made antibodies are given directly to the body. Although this provides immediate protection, it is only temporary.

If you are an adult and did not complete this series of vaccines as a child, there is a "catch-up" vaccine option for you. Talk to your doctor about it.

What do you do when you get injured?

Don't panic when you get injured. Do these things first.

1. Wash your hands: Before touching the wound, wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

2. Clean the wound: Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water. You can apply soap around the wound, but do not put soap inside the wound. Completely remove any dirt, dust, etc. from the wound. This is because these tiny particles of dust can harbor the germs that cause the infection.

3. Stop the bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze. If possible, keep the wound above the level of the heart.

If it's an injury like this, see a doctor immediately!

Some injuries require medical advice rather than home treatment.

• If the wound is deep (e.g., a nail being stuck).
• If the edges of the wound are together, if the gap is large.
• If the wound is very dirty (dirt, dirt, animal feces).
• If there are signs of infection, such as heat, swelling, and increased pain around the wound.
• If the injury is related to a burn, bruise, or fracture .

In any case like this, it is best to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Do I need to get vaccinated?

This is a problem that many people have. It depends on the nature of your wound and when you last had your shingles vaccine.

What if you can't remember the date of your last vaccination? No problem. Rather than harboring doubts, it is wiser to see a doctor and get vaccinated. Doing so will give you complete protection. It is best to get vaccinated within 48 hours (2 days) of the injury.

Ways to be careful without getting injured

Prevention is better than cure. So practice these simple things to stay safe from accidents.

• Wear gloves when working in the garden: Since soil contains bacteria, wearing gloves prevents germs from entering through small scratches.
• Use safety equipment when working with machinery: Be sure to use things like goggles and gloves.
• Keep things like knives sharp: When you hold a blunt knife tightly, there is a greater chance that it will slip and cut your hand.
• Keep things tidy: After using tools and equipment, put them back in their proper places. This will reduce the risk of them getting tangled and falling over, causing accidents.

Some people think that taking vitamin C can help prevent colds. Although vitamin C is good for the immune system, it has not been scientifically proven to prevent colds. Vaccination is the only guaranteed protection.