As the weather gets cooler, more and more people are planning outdoor activities such as picnics and trips. It is common to get injured by falling or scratching while doing outdoor activities.
Tetanus bacteria found mainly in soil or animal feces
Tetanus is an infectious disease that causes muscle contraction and pain due to neurotoxin produced by Clostridium Tetani, a tetanus bacterium, invading the wound site. This fungus is mainly found in the soil or animal feces, and if there are foreign substances such as sand or wood chips or necrotic tissue in the wound, the fertility becomes stronger. It is also resistant to various environments, allowing it to live for years in soil without light, and can also be found in house dust, mites, and water.
Suspect if facial stiffness symptoms appear following an injury
When infected with tetanus, symptoms gradually appear following an average incubation period of 8 days. Most commonly, it shows abnormal symptoms of the nervous system in which the muscles around the mouth contract. The muscles of the larynx and respiratory system stiffen along with facial muscle spasms with a grinning expression on the face, making it difficult to open the mouth, and symptoms such as mild fever or chills may occur. 1 to 4 days following onset, convulsions appear throughout the body, and in severe cases, breathing difficulties may occur due to stiffness of the chest and pharyngeal muscles, so prompt treatment is required.
Immediate wound disinfection and periodic vaccinations
Yang Jong-min (Yonsei Cha Oreum Clinic), an emergency medicine consultant at Hidak, explains, “Because tetanus has a mortality rate of over 90%, it is more important to prevent tetanus than to treat it following getting it, and the best prevention is vaccination.” . Check your tetanus vaccination record and get vaccinated once every 10 years. should be vaccinated. For one of these, Tdap, a combined vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, is recommended.
In case of a wound, it is recommended to disinfect the wound area and wrap it with a bandage or bandage to prevent further infection. Above all, if symptoms of tetanus are suspected following an injury, do not delay and visit a hospital immediately.
If symptoms have already appeared
If symptoms such as muscle cramps appear, the tetanus toxin has already invaded the nervous system. Therefore, along with symptomatic treatment, treatment to prevent further intrusion of toxins into the central nervous system is carried out. Depending on the patient’s condition, antispasmodics, muscle relaxants, sedatives, etc. may be used to supply fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients and to prevent spasms. When you start treatment, the cramps disappear following 1 to 2 weeks, but it may take 1 to 2 months or more for all symptoms to recover.
Help = Hidak Consulting Doctor Jongmin Yang (Emergency Medicine Specialist at Yonsei Chaoreum Clinic)