Tetanus Vaccine
Although Tetanus is a severe disease, it is very uncommon. The bacteria Clostridium tetani releases a toxin that causes Tetanus. The toxin enters the body through wounds or cuts on the skin. In England, there were only 4 tetanus cases in 2019. This is as a result of the effective tetanus vaccine that is part of the NHS childhood immunisation programme. In case you are travelling and are not sure of vaccination status, get a full Tetanus vaccine in Brighton by visiting Coldean pharmacy.
Tetanus Vaccine in Brighton
A lot of people who get infected have either not been vaccinated against the disease or did not finish the whole vaccination plan.
Transmission of tetanus
The Tetanus bacteria mainly live in soil and animal manure, for instance, cow and horse manure. Therefore, the bacteria can survive outside the body for a long time.
If the bacteria get into the body through a wound, they can multiply quickly. As a result, the toxin affects the nerves, resulting in symptoms like muscle stiffness and spasms.
The toxin can enter into the body through:
– Grazes and cuts
– Splits and tears in the skin
– Burns
– Animal bites
– Body piercings, tattoos, and injections
– Injuries on the eye
– Wounds from injecting contaminated drugs
However, Tetanus cannot be spread from one person to another.
Symptoms of tetanus
The symptoms of tetanus normally begin around 4 to 21 days after exposure to the infection. Averagely, they begin to show after around 10 days.
Common symptoms of tetanus include:
– Stiffness in jaw muscles (lockjaw), as a result, it may be difficult to open your mouth
– Painful muscle spasms, can cause breathing and swallowing difficulties
– A high temperature
– Sweating
– A fast heartbeat
When to seek medical attention
Immediately visit a GP or the nearest minor injuries unit if you’re concerned about a wound, specifically if:
– It’s a deep wound
– There’s dirt or something inside the wound
– You did not get a full tetanus vaccination, or you’re not sure of your vaccination status
Tetanus treatment
If a doctor thinks there’s a probability you could get tetanus from a wound, they will thoroughly clean it. You may also get either a tetanus immunoglobulin injection or antibiotics.
Contact us today to book your appointment for your Tetanus vaccine in Brighton.
