AOL: 'My jaw was completely locked shut': Doctors worry about rising tetanus cases as vaccine rates drop
'My jaw was completely locked shut': Doctors worry about rising tetanus cases as vaccine rates drop
This article explains how the Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, addresses the issue of waning immunity, and emphasizes the crucial role of this vaccine in preserving ...
Overview Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. The disease causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus is commonly known as lockjaw. Severe complications of tetanus can be life-threatening. There's no cure for tetanus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus ...
Overview Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The spores are found everywhere in the environment, particularly in soil, ash, intestinal tracts/feces of animals and humans, and on the surfaces of skin and rusty tools like nails, needles, barbed wire, etc. Being very resistant to heat and most antiseptics, the spores can survive for years ...
Diagnosis Doctors diagnose tetanus based on a physical exam, medical and vaccination history, and the signs and symptoms of muscle spasms, muscle rigidity and pain. A laboratory test would likely be used only if your doctor suspects another condition causing the signs and symptoms.
What you need to know Tetanus is a serious infection caused by exposure to the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium most commonly enters the body through a wound or cut, especially a deep wound contaminated with soil, dust or manure. Without prompt treatment, tetanus can lead to severe complications and even death, primarily due to respiratory failure when the muscles that control ...