Tetanus, It is a disease that can affect people of all ages, but is most commonly found in newborns and young groups.

The European surveillance system In the data published on April 14, 2023; 92 in 2018, 73 in 2019, 32 in 2020 and finally lower than all of these in 2021 Number of cases reported that this had been observed. The report shows that the number of cases of tetanus has decreased over the years. Come on, let’s kill people silent killer Let’s learn together the details of the disease nicknamed tetanus.

Tetanus disease threatens our nervous system.

Tetanus, formed by a powerful bacterium contagious disease has been included in the literature. This disease our nervous system It can take over and cause severe muscle contractions. It is one of the oldest known diseases and has become a disease that has frightened societies throughout history because it can be fatal.

According to research, tetanus disease is clinical features watch 4 types divorced. This;

1. Generalized tetanus: It is the most common type. This type is seen in 80% of cases.
2. neonatal tetanus: It is the type that can be transmitted to the baby through non-sterile instruments during birth. It is seen in newborns born to mothers who have not been vaccinated against tetanus.
3. Localized tetanus: It is the rarest type that affects a single muscle group. It can develop into generalized tetanus and be fatal.
4. cerebral tetanus: It is the type that affects the central nervous system and is especially effective in the head, face and neck area.

The bacteria that causes this disease is Clostridium tetani bacteria.

Everyone thinks tetanus is caused by rusty iron pieces. However, contrary to popular belief clostridium tetani bacteria without oxygen Because it occurs in all environments, it can occur at any point in our lives.

This type of bacteria is more common in warm and humid climates where the soil is rich in organic matter. Special soil, dust, rusty surfaces, dirt and animal feces It can be found in many places such as.

Accordingly, by looking at hospital data farmers and workers in the iron and steel industry We can say that this disease is more common in certain occupational groups, such as:

If we have wounds, burns or cuts on our skin, or if we are injured by an object that contains bacteria. bacterial toxin We ensure that it enters our body. This bacterium negatively affects our nervous system and takes control of our muscles.

Our muscles contract at certain intervals. These contractions are positive contractions. But clostridium tetani bacteria prevent these positive contractions. For this reason, we may become stiff and feel like hundreds of needles are poking our bodies at the same time. For this reason, tetanus disease is common among the public. “sting fever” It is known as.

There are many symptoms of this disease that keep us in an arc shape.

bacterial toxinIt quickly begins to take over us from the moment it enters our body. Incubation period It generally lasts 3-21 days and varies depending on the type of wound. Certainly during this period symptoms observable. This;

• We experience significant problems with our swallowing function,
• Tensions in our facial muscles,
• Have seizures due to high fever and sweating,
• As our heart rate increases, our blood pressure increases and
• It is our difficulty to breathe.

The most obvious symptom while; It is the contraction and inability of our neck, neck, jaw and back muscles to relax, as in the photo that is the subject of our content. That is why our back contracts upwards our muscular system loses its shape and arc shape we can get it.

It is one of the types of diseases with very limited treatment options.

Tetanus disease can be diagnosed There are no laboratory tests. Considering the symptoms we mentioned, treatment should be started immediately once the diagnosis is made.

So the treatment of this disease only under hospital conditions Is possible. The intensive treatment process necessary to relax our nervous system must be started without wasting time.

Start after treatment rehabilitation Processes can continue for a long time. However, if we look at the statistics, we see that this disease exists with death seems more likely to be the result.

Way to prevent tetanus: vaccination

There are many issues that have negatively affected societies throughout history. contagious disease popped up. The number of deaths from these diseases began to increase society It was on the brink of extinction. Right now it is a miraculous invention that protects societies from disease. Vaccine, He began to participate in historical scenes.

So is Tetanus disease a social threat Due to the fact that babies have been given for many years tetanus shot is being done. This vaccination is repeated at a later age.

So much that World Health Organisation throughout our lives 6 doses of tetanus vaccine It is recommended that we are. Between doses have at least 4 years It is said that it must be done.

It cannot be said that we will be protected from this disease only if we get vaccinated at regular intervals after birth. We can be protected even in the womb. neonatal tetanus To protect against the species called expectant mothers during pregnancy It is very important to get a tetanus vaccine.

At the same time, our doctor must be sure that if we go to the hospital with a complaint of injury tetanus shot looks at our history And if he deems it necessary, he can decide at that moment that we get vaccinated.

Is tetanus disease as strong as before?

of countries vaccination in national programs Thanks to its coverage, the probability of developing tetanus is quite high compared to ancient times. is low. However, rates vary between countries levels of development varies depending on. Lack of resources problem This rate applies in countries where Unknown.

According to World Health Organization data, the majority of deaths from tetanus occur in underdeveloped countries. in a hygienic environment It is said to be seen in women who are unable to give birth and in newborns.

When we hear the name tetanus, we may be afraid. But we see that vaccination is the most important way to protect ourselves against disease. The negative consequences of tetanus disease are: It can be prevented by vaccination.

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