Tetanus is a bacterial disease that is potentially life-threatening if left untreated. This disease affects the nervous system, resulting to sore muscle contractions, especially the jaw and neck muscles. Because of the muscle contractions, it can affect your ability to breath which is the reason why it is a life-threatening disease.
Tetanus has no cure but treatment focuses on managing the complications it causes until the effects of the toxin resolve.
What are the indications?
The signs and symptoms can appear anytime within a few days to several weeks after the bacteria responsible for tetanus enters your body through a wound.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Muscle spasms and rigidity at the jaw
- Rigorousness of the neck muscles
- Issues with swallowing
- Rigidity of the abdominal muscles
- Painful body spasms caused by various stimulants
Management of tetanus
The infection is due to the spores of a bacteria known as Clostridium tetani, this bacterium is found in soil, dust, and animal feces. These spores can produce a powerful toxin when it enters a deep wound where the spores grow. The toxin known as tetanospasmin impairs the nerves that control your muscles which causes symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms.
Immunization can prevent tetanus. Taking the shots every five to ten years reduces your risk of contracting the infection when you get a deep flesh wound from a dirty object such as a nail or splinter.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tetanus
https://medlineplus.gov/tetanus.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351625