Tetanus
The vaccine and infection
The Tetanus Shot
In Adults
Td: The Td vaccine is the one people commonly think of when they think of getting their tetanus booster. Like Tdap, it contains lesser quantities of diphtheria protein to reduce some side effects in adults. Adults were recommended to get this vaccine every 10 years.
In young children
DT: Usually referred to as a "double shot", this shot is used to prevent diptheria and tetanus.
Symtoms of the Tetanus infection
Tetanus often begins with mild spasms in the jaw muscles.
The spasms can also affect the chest, neck, back, and abdominal muscles.
Back muscle spasms often cause painful arching of the spine and back.
Prolonged muscular action causes sudden, powerful, and painful contractions of muscle groups. This is called tetany. These episodes can cause fractures and muscle tears.
Other symptoms include:
- Drooling
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Hand or foot spasms
- Irritability
- Swallowing difficulty
- Uncontrolled urination or defecation
Vaccines
There are two main vaccines for Tetanus. The DT &Td (For adults only)
Tetanus Symptoms
Tetanus causes convulsions and spasms of the muscles. Forcing them to contract and release and a fast rate. Most affect muscles around the back and heart area, causing (in serious cases) breathing problems.
How you can get Tetanus
Tetanus is most commonly spread through open cuts or sores.
Why does Tetanus specifically effect the muscles?
Reported Deaths
61,000 estimated deaths in <5 years (in 2008
11% mortality rate...today.
Can the vaccine itself kill you?
No, the vaaccine itself is not as effective as they make it out to be.
Does it even do its job?
There have been absolutely no controlled Scientific studies on the effectiveness of the vaccine
The vaccine has been weakened over the years to reduce the side effects of fever and swelling, (of course the additives are still there)
Statistics after the reduction of tetanus cases eventually showed that 40% of children had not been vaccinated despite the lowering number of cases in the U.S.
Bibliography
Works Cited
"DTaP: Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine | The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia." The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia | The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. <http://www.chop.edu/service/vaccine-education-center/a-look-at-each-vaccine/dtap-diphtheria-tetanus-and-pertussis-vaccine.html>.
"Immunization and Diseases." Immunization surveillance, assessment and monitoring. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 Dec. 2012. <www.who.int/immunization_monitoring/diseases/tetanus/en/index.html>.
Jr., DONALD G. McNEIL. "Tetanus - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment of Tetanus - NY Times Health Information ." Health News - The New York Times. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/tetanus/overview.html>.
"The Dangers of the Tetanus Vaccine - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com." Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012.< http://voices.yahoo.com/the-dangers-tetanus-vaccine-1041621.html>.
bacteria, contamination of wounds from. "Tetanus(lock jaw) | Physiotherapy blog." Physiotherapy Blog-All about physical therapy. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Dec. 2012.< http://physiotherapyblog.com/2011/07/tetanuslock-jaw/>.
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