How can we avoid catching tetanus?
27th January 2008
TETANUS is a killer disease, prevented by vaccination. The germs causing tetanus are found everywhere in the soil. They can get into a wound to produce tetanus poison.
Dear Doctor,
Over the last two weeks, we (in Gulu) have had cases of people dying of tetanus. How many times should one be vaccinated against tetanus? Can tetanus be cured? How can we avoid it?
Komakech
Dear Komakech,
TETANUS is a killer disease, prevented by vaccination. The germs causing tetanus are found everywhere in the soil. They can get into a wound to produce tetanus poison.
A victim’s muscles become rigid and the person fails to breath. The disease kills quickly, especially if intensive care is not available.
We can prevent tetanus through:
lImmunisation. All children should be immunised according to the national programme. Adults who have never been immunised should get at least three doses of the tetanus injection, each a month apart.
After that, all adults should get anti-tetanus booster dose at least once every 10 years. All pregnant women are immunised or given booster doses during pregnancy to protect their children at birth. If one gets a wound, it should be kept clean.
A doctor will give the patient antibiotics to prevent bacteria growth and an anti-tetanus injection. Tetanus can be prevented through immunisation and proper attention to all wounds.
Over the last two weeks, we (in Gulu) have had cases of people dying of tetanus. How many times should one be vaccinated against tetanus? Can tetanus be cured? How can we avoid it?
Komakech
Dear Komakech,
TETANUS is a killer disease, prevented by vaccination. The germs causing tetanus are found everywhere in the soil. They can get into a wound to produce tetanus poison.
A victim’s muscles become rigid and the person fails to breath. The disease kills quickly, especially if intensive care is not available.
We can prevent tetanus through:
lImmunisation. All children should be immunised according to the national programme. Adults who have never been immunised should get at least three doses of the tetanus injection, each a month apart.
After that, all adults should get anti-tetanus booster dose at least once every 10 years. All pregnant women are immunised or given booster doses during pregnancy to protect their children at birth. If one gets a wound, it should be kept clean.
A doctor will give the patient antibiotics to prevent bacteria growth and an anti-tetanus injection. Tetanus can be prevented through immunisation and proper attention to all wounds.