Tetanus Injection: Know about the Disease Caused by, Its Vaccine, Side Effects

Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial infection that can lead to serious muscle stiffness, painful spasms, and even serious health ailments. Though it's rare in areas that have good access to immunisations, tetanus remains a big threat in areas that lack medical care and immunisations. It is very important to educate yourself on the tetanus injection, how it works, and how it can protect you and your family from this disease.

This comprehensive guide delves into tetanus, its early warning signs, how the tetanus vaccine provides immunity, what to expect from tetanus shot side effects, and the importance of timely tetanus treatment. This silent but deadly threat can be easily prevented with awareness and proper care.

What is Tetanus?

The bacterium Clostridium tetani causes tetanus, which is frequently referred to as lockjaw. This bacterium can be found in soil, dust, and animal faeces. It can enter the body through open wounds, cuts, scrapes, burns, or by penetrating the skin through a puncture. Once inside the body, the bacteria generate a neurotoxin known as tetanospasmin. This toxin targets the nervous system, resulting in painful muscle contractions, stiffness, and other severe symptoms.

It is essential to understand that tetanus is caused by the tetanospasmin toxin and not by the bacteria growing in the body. This is what makes tetanus different from many of the other infections that we experience.

Recognising Tetanus Symptoms

It can save a life by identifying the initial signs of tetanus.  The incubation period typically ranges from 3 to 21 days, but most symptoms manifest 8 days after the initial exposure. Symptoms of tetanus disease include:

• Lockjaw (the mouth cannot be opened because of stiffness)
• Stiffness in the neck and abdominal muscles
• Stiffness and other pain throughout the entire body
• Unable to swallow or breathe
• Fever, sweating, and increased heart rate
• Sudden, uncontrollable muscle contractions, especially in the back and legs
• Restlessness or irritation.

In severely affected individuals, it can be life-threatening by interfering with respiratory function, so they need to be hospitalised and put on a ventilator. It is also difficult to recover from treatment, even with treatment, it can often be long and physically tiring.

Tetanus Vaccine: Your First Line of Defense

The safest and most dependable means of safeguarding against tetanus is to get vaccinated. The tetanus vaccine contains inactivated tetanus toxin (toxoid), which causes your body to make antibodies without the risk of getting sick. This type of vaccination provides long-lasting immunity or cover against tetanus. 

In India and worldwide, the tetanus vaccines are often included in combined immunisation schedules:

• DTaP (Diphtheria Tetanus, Pertussis) - infant and early childhood shots.
• Tdap or Td - adolescent and adult shots.

Usually the immunisation schedule for childhood, adolescence and adult is:

• 5 doses in childhood
• 1 booster in adolescence
• Then every 10 years in adulthood.

After an injury including cuts, burns, puncture wounds, and other similar injuries, if it has been over five years since your last booster the doctor may give you a tetanus injection regardless.

Tetanus Injection and Emergency Protection

A tetanus shot provides protection at the time of injection, especially in an emergency. Many wound situations involve unclear vaccination history, so if the person has had a past tetanus vaccination, they typically will receive Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) with the tetanus vaccine for rapid passive immunity.

Tetanus vaccinations are often given when there is an increased risk or chance of developing tetanus infection, often based on the injury itself or how deep the injury is. The tetanus shot can be a crucial part of the intervention to stop the tetanus disease from developing before it becomes symptomatic.

Common injury events warranting a tetanus injection or vaccination are as follows:

• Stepping on rusty nails or other sharp, contaminated items.
• Deep puncture wounds and/or lacerations.
• Animal or insect bite.
• Severe burns or open abrasions.
• Injuries sustained in rural/agricultural areas.

If you receive the tetanus vaccine or tetanus shot fast enough in these situations, it can mean the difference between recovery and fatality from an illness.

Understanding Tetanus Shot Side Effects

As with any vaccination, the tetanus injection can result in side effects. However, these reactions are generally mild and short-lived, reflecting the body's immune response.

Side effects that are commonly encountered after a tetanus shot include:

• Localised redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site
• Low-grade fever
• Mild fatigue or malaise
• Headache and body aches
• Nausea and/or dizziness (very rarely)

Severe reactions are extraordinarily rare; allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing may occur. If these symptoms arise, consult a doctor without delay.

Tetanus Treatment: What to Expect if Infected?

Where vaccination is not given and tetanus treatment is required, the treatment of tetanus must be aggressive and comprehensive. Tetanus is severe and warrants immediate medical intervention in a systematic environment such as a hospital.

Tetanus treatment usually starts with the patient being admitted to an ICU, to monitor vital signs and provide 24-hour care safely. The patient will receive Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) administration to neutralise the circulating toxin, an antibiotic to eradicate bacteria, and sedatives or muscle relaxants to manage the painful spasms. If the patient has impaired breathing, assistance via mechanical ventilation may need to be considered. In addition, if further bacterial growth is to be prevented, the patient may require extensive wound care, including cleaning and debridement. Recovery can take weeks, be taxing physically, and include additional rehabilitation or physiotherapy. Treatment can be a physically demanding situation, compounded with treatment costs, and emphasises the importance of prevention.

Who Should Get a Tetanus Injection?

Tetanus does not discriminate by age, and almost anyone is at risk for this preventable illness, so protecting everyone's health through vaccination must be prioritised, as everyone is at risk. Specific populations that need to maintain their tetanus vaccine status include:

• Children and adolescents receiving routine immunisation
• Adults not having received a booster within the last 10 years
• Pregnant women (to protect their newborns against neonatal tetanus)
• Agricultural workers, construction workers, and others in high-risk jobs
• Those with recent injuries or wounds that may be dirt and rust-contaminated

Stay Ahead with Preventive Measures

The great news is that tetanus is entirely preventable with adequate immunisation. However, despite having various vaccines available, many individuals do not know their immunisation status or keep abreast of the recommended boosters. You can help yourself by keeping a personal health record, having and/or scheduling routine health checks, and knowing which vaccines you should have based on your age, health status, and other relevant considerations.

Furthermore, investing in health insurance also ensures that you can receive timely treatments, emergency medical treatment, and routine preventative care.

Conclusion

Tetanus might be an insidious threat, but its effects can be acute and severe. Knowing tetanus symptoms, receiving tetanus injections promptly, and remembering booster schedules are essential steps toward prevention. Knowing possible side effects of a tetanus shot and being aware of a suitable tetanus treatment plan can also be important, especially when there is an emergency, such as an unsafe wound.

As you experience this journey of prevention and preparedness, picking an adequate medical insurance scheme is essential. Niva Bupa provides schemes that cover emergency hospitalisation, cashless treatment at many hospitals, and preventive treatment assistance. Niva Bupa wishes to protect your health from routine tetanus boosters to emergencies. Be vaccinated and be informed.

People Also Ask

1. When should a tetanus injection be given?

A tetanus injection should be administered immediately after sustaining a cut, puncture wound, burn, or any injury prone to contamination, especially if your last booster shot was over 5 years ago. Additionally, tetanus vaccines are part of the routine immunisation schedule and should be updated every 10 years.

2. Can I take a tetanus shot after 24 hours?

A tetanus injection can be effective even after 24 hours, especially if the wound is still fresh or the risk of contamination is high. Ideally, it should be taken as soon as possible, but it may still protect if taken within a few days post-injury.

3. How long after a cut should you get a tetanus shot?

You should get a tetanus shot as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours of a cut or injury, particularly if it’s deep, dirty, or caused by metal. Consult a healthcare professional immediately if you’re unsure about your vaccination status.

4. What does a tetanus injection do?

A tetanus injection introduces an inactivated form of the toxin (toxoid) into the body, prompting the immune system to produce antibodies. These antibodies protect the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani, which causes muscle stiffness and spasms.

5. Is TT injection valid for 6 months?

A single tetanus (TT) injection doesn’t offer protection for just 6 months; its protection typically lasts around 10 years, however, in emergency cases where the last booster was more than 5 years ago, a repeat dose.