Let's learn more about tetanus. Don't worry, it can be prevented!

You've probably heard of 'tetanus' or 'lockjaw disease'. It's actually a bit serious, but fortunately, it's a preventable disease. So today, let's talk briefly about tetanus, how it develops, its symptoms, treatment, and especially how to protect yourself from it, okay?

What is Tetanus?

Simply put, tics is a serious, but preventable, disease that affects the muscles and nervous system of our body. Some people also call it 'lockjaw disease', because the main symptom is the inability to open the mouth due to the muscles tightening. In developed countries like America, this disease is very rare because babies are vaccinated against it from 2 months of age. However, in developing countries like ours, it is still a concern.

What are the causes of acne?

Okay, now let's see how this rash develops. It is caused by a type of bacteria. To be precise, a bacterial germ called `(Clostridium tetani)`. These usually live in places like soil and dust.

Clostridium tetani bacteria and the toxin it produces

When the bacteria Clostridium tetani enter our bodies, they produce a toxin, which is a poison. This toxin is very dangerous. It travels along the nerves at the site of the injury and travels to the brain or spinal cord. Once there, the toxin disrupts the normal functioning of our nervous system. In particular, it affects the motor nerves, which carry messages to our muscles. This is why our muscles become stiff and twitch.

How does this most commonly enter the body?

Most of the time, this bacteria enters the body through a dirty wound. Imagine, for example, a rusty nail stuck in your skin, or a wound that is dirty with dirt and dust. Sometimes the wound is so small that we may not even notice it. But even that small wound can introduce this bacteria.

There are several types of wounds that are more likely to develop an abscess:

• Wounds with dead skin: Examples include burns, frostbite, gangrene, or crush injuries.
• Wounds contaminated with dirt, spit, or feces: These are especially at risk if they are not cleaned properly.
• Injuries caused by dirty, unsterilized needles: For example, needles used in drug use, self-tattooing, or body piercing.

What is Neonatal Tetanus?

There is another special type of tetanus, which is tetanus that occurs in newborn babies. We also call this `(Neonatal Tetanus)`. This especially happens if the baby is born under unclean conditions, especially if the umbilical cord is not kept clean after cutting, through which the germs enter. However, in developed countries, due to the tetanus vaccine given to mothers and the advice given to keep the umbilical cord clean after the baby is born, this `(Neonatal Tetanus)` situation is now very rare. We are also very concerned about this in our country.

What are the symptoms of a miscarriage?

Okay, now let's see what symptoms appear when the rash develops. Symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to a month after this bacteria enters the body.

It often starts with a tightening of the jaw muscles . This is also called ``trismus''. It feels like the jaw is locked, and it is difficult to open the mouth. In addition:

• It's hard to swallow.
• Muscle stiffness or pain may occur in the neck, shoulders, and back .
• This muscle tightness can gradually spread to areas such as the abdomen, upper arms (arms), and thighs .
• Sometimes the muscles can become so tight that the entire body bends backwards like a bow. This can be very painful.
• You may also experience symptoms such as excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat.

How to treat eczema?

If someone has a stroke, they should definitely be hospitalized and treated. Most often, treatment is provided in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) .

There, the main treatments given are:

• Antibiotics are given to kill bacteria.
• A vaccine called Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) is given to inactivate the toxin that has already been produced in the body.
• Medication is given to control muscle stiffness and spasms.
• Also, if necessary, treatment is given to ensure that vital body functions, such as breathing, continue properly. It may also be necessary to connect the patient to machines to help with breathing.

The most important thing is that eclampsia is a very serious condition. Therefore, if you have symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate hospitalization.

Can you prevent a miscarriage?

Yes! This is the most important thing. Diarrhea is a disease that we can completely prevent . There are two main ways to do it:

1. Get vaccinated against smallpox. This is the best and most important protection.

2. If there is a risk of tetanus after an injury, get a vaccination (post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis).

Let's talk about these two in a little more detail.

Protection from vaccination

The vaccine to protect against diphtheria is also included in our country's national immunization program. This vaccine is usually given during childhood as part of a combination vaccine called `DTaP`. `DTaP` is a vaccine that protects against all three diseases: diphtheria (diphtheria), tetanus (tetanus), and whooping cough (acellular pertussis).

The usual schedule for administering these vaccines to young children is as follows:

• A series of four doses of the DTaP vaccine is given before the age of 2 years (at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months).
• Then, another dose of `DTaP` is given between the ages of 4-6 years .
• Next, a booster shot called `Tdap` is given at around 11-12 years of age . If this is missed, it can be given later. `Tdap` is also a vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, but it is designed for adults and young children.

After that, it is recommended to get either the Tdap vaccine or the Td booster vaccine, which only protects against tetanus and pertussis , every 10 years . This is something you should continue to do throughout your life. If you don't remember when you last got your booster, it's a good idea to ask your family doctor.

This vaccine is also very important for pregnant mothers!

Another very important thing is that every pregnant woman is recommended to get the `Tdap` vaccine during the second half of pregnancy, during every pregnancy. It is important to get this vaccine during every pregnancy, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated before or when you last got it. This will protect both the mother and the newborn baby from tetanus. This will help protect the baby from the `(Neonatal Tetanus)` condition that we talked about earlier.

Post-exposure Tetanus Prophylaxis

If you have a sudden injury, especially if it is a deep wound or a dirty wound that has been contaminated with dirt, dust, or feces, there is a risk of developing a tetanus. In such cases, it is important to see a doctor and ask if you need to take a treatment called ``post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis''.

The vaccination given at this time depends on several factors:

• How long has it been since you last had your measles booster shot?
• How many measles vaccinations have you received in your lifetime?
• The nature of the wound (things like how deep it is, how dirty it is).

Therefore, if you get a wound, it is wise to clean it properly and seek medical advice.

First things to do when injured

Any skin wound, especially a deep wound or one that is likely to become contaminated with dirt, saliva, or feces, is very important to clean it thoroughly, apply medication, and cover it immediately .

If possible, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. If there is dirt or debris inside the wound, remove it. Then, clean it with an antiseptic solution and cover it with a clean piece of gauze or a plaster. However, if the wound is deep, large, or very dirty, you should definitely see a doctor in addition to this home first aid.

When should you see a doctor?

If you are not sure whether you or your children have received the correct measles vaccine, or if you know that they have not received the full series of vaccines, be sure to see your family doctor and talk about it.

• If it has been more than 10 years since anyone in your family last received a measles booster vaccine, be sure to see a doctor and get your vaccinations updated.
• If you get a deep wound or cut, clean the wound immediately and call a doctor to ask about post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis.
• If your child or someone else has symptoms of lockjaw, or muscle twitching or tightening , especially after an injury, seek medical attention immediately. This could be an emergency.

Remember, although measles is a serious disease, we can protect ourselves from it by getting vaccinated and getting prompt treatment when we get injured.

Things to remember in brief

Okay, so let's look at some of the main things to remember from what we've talked about:

• Tetanus is a serious, but vaccine-preventable disease.
• This is caused by a toxin produced by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani, which lives in soil.
• It can be spread through dirty wounds, especially deep wounds, and things like rusty nails.
• Lockjaw, muscle twitching, and difficulty swallowing are the main symptoms.
• Treatment is provided in a hospital, in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
• The best way to prevent it is to get the pertussis vaccines (DTaP, Tdap, Td) on schedule. Don't forget to get a booster shot every 10 years.
• It is mandatory for pregnant mothers to receive the `Tdap` vaccine during every pregnancy.
• If you get a wound, clean it thoroughly and, if necessary, get post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis as directed by your doctor.
• If symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.

By being aware of these things and getting vaccinated properly, you can protect yourself and your family from the disease called measles. There is nothing to fear, awareness is the best defense!

` Tetanus, Lockjaw, Clostridium tetani, Vaccine, DTaP, Tdap, Wound, Neonatal Tetanus