It is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani, a microorganism found in the feces of animals and man and then goes down and the land. Lives in spore form, are highly resistant to heat, disinfectants and antiseptics. When the bacteria contaminates a wound begins to produce a toxin that acts as a poison and spreads through the tissue and affects the nervous system causing the disease. Tetanus is not spread between people.

How is the disease?
Tetanus is a serious disease with high mortality rate. One in three adults and all infants with the disease die. There are three types of presentation: the widespread, local and cephalic, although the latter two are rare. The generalized form is the most common and occurs when the germ is introduced through puncture wounds, cutting or other injury to the skin.

It should be mentioned that a percentage of patients, about 10%, no history of so-called “entry points” (wounds or skin lesions, burns, injections with improperly sterilized needles “). The approximate time from the entrance of the germ to onset of symptoms is 20 days. When symptoms appear before this period, usually associated with severe disease.

The primary symptom, called “trismus” is the tightening (contracture) of muscles of mastication, which prevents opening the mouth. Accompanying trismus, insomnia, general aches that do not improve with analgesics, tightening the neck muscles caused by muscle spasms and convulsions produced by the tetanus toxin. All this box does the conscious patient.

Tetanus in newborns is severe, with high mortality rate. Usually occurs by contamination of the umbilical cord at delivery or in the first days of life. Furthermore, this disease often aggravated by complications, including infectious, which are the triggers of death.

How do I prevent tetanus?
Tetanus is an immune-preventable disease, we can prevent with a vaccine. The only safe and effective way to prevent it is to be vaccinated. The vaccine is made with tetanus toxoid, which triggers the production of protective antibodies against disease. is highly effective and safe.

Tetanus immunization is performed during infancy through the application of bacterial DPT triple vaccine (tetanus – diphtheria – anticoqueluche). This vaccine is given at 2, 4 and 6 months, with reinforcements at 18 months and school entry (4-6 years). Then, the immunity should be maintained through the application of reinforcements every ten years, for which vaccine is used adult double DTA (tetanus-diphtheria).
Unlike the vaccine, tetanus immune globulin provides protection only for brief periods.

Adults who were not vaccinated previously should receive three doses of vaccine separated by 4 to 6 weeks. Other schemes indicate the second dose one month after the first and the third year. In addition, immunization against tetanus is recommended especially in pregnant women. They should receive another dose on the fifth and the seventh month of pregnancy. The defense cross the placenta to provide protection to the baby from before birth. Vaccination of pregnant women is the best preventive measure against neonatal tetanus.

Regarding risk of developing tetanus are they all wounds equal?
All wounds should be considered risky, so always be cleaned with soap and water, antiseptic and view any place on tetanus prophylaxis. Some wounds, however insignificant they may appear, such as from thorns of roses or lemon, are highly risky and perhaps even more than other large open wounds.

When we submit to therapeutic procedures that require the application of injectables we should pay particular attention to four important ways:
* To use sterile and disposable.
* That a thorough skin cleansing with antiseptics.
* Knowing the origin or provenance and quality of products or preparations used and that are approved by Public Health.
* Have current tetanus vaccination (one dose every ten years).

What to do when a child is injured at school or while hiking?
Must disinfect the wound with soap and water and then put some antiseptic. If the vaccination of children up to date, management does not require reinforcement of anti-tetanus vaccine or gamma globulin.

To remember
* The person who is vaccinated is not at risk of contracting tetanus.
* If someone is cut, pricked or will undergo surgery and is not vaccinated, you should consult a doctor to verify their immunization schedule.
* The vaccination can occur in one third of those vaccinated, pain and redness of the application site. Not to worry.
* Few such serious situations are so easily preventable.