11.06.2025
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2 min. reading Tetanus: what you need to know about the deadly "scratch disease"
Tetanus is a serious infectious disease that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle spasms. Even when receiving medical help, the risk of death can reach 80%, it is reported Ministry of Health of Ukraine.
The causative agent of tetanus is a bacterium Clostridium tetani — enters the body through wounds, burns, animal bites, scratches or when using non-sterile instruments for piercing, tattoos or injections. The main source of infection is soil and animal excrement. It is important to remember that tetanus is not transmitted from person to person, and antiseptics cannot destroy the bacteria. In 2022-the first half of 2024, 21 cases of tetanus were registered in Ukraine, of which 5 were among children.
Tetanus: symptoms
The first symptoms of tetanus may appear 3-21 days after infection. The main signs include:
- painful muscle spasms that can make breathing and swallowing difficult;
- clenching of the jaws, which prevents the opening of the mouth;
- increase in body temperature more than 38℃;
- excessive sweating and increased heart rate;
- in some cases, bone fractures are possible.
If such symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. Complications of tetanus can be pneumonia and thrombosis of the pulmonary artery. Chances of recovery depend on timely treatment, general health and age of the patient.
Source: freepik
Treatment of tetanus
Treatment of tetanus is complex and requires urgent medical care. The main measures for the treatment of tetanus are:
Treatment of tetanus includes:
- Antitoxins: introduction of anti-tetanus immunoglobulin to neutralize toxins.
- Antibiotics: penicillin or metronidazole to kill bacteria.
- Cleansing the wound: surgical removal of infected tissues.
- Medications: muscle relaxants and sedatives to control spasms and anxiety.
- Artificial ventilation: if necessary, breathing support with an apparatus.
- Intensive therapy: constant monitoring in intensive care.
- Rehabilitation: restoration of muscle functions through physiotherapy.
Source: freepik
Protection from work
The most effective way to protect against tetanus is vaccination, which is included in the National Vaccination Calendar. It provides protection not only against tetanus, but also against diphtheria and whooping cough. To receive a free vaccination, you should contact your family doctor. Vaccines are available in all regions of Ukraine.
The first three doses of the vaccine are administered at the age of 2, 4 and 6 months, the first revaccination is carried out at 18 months, the next at 6 and 16 years, and then vaccinations must be renewed every 10 years. Even if you missed some vaccinations, it is important to complete the vaccination. If you are not sure whether you have been vaccinated, the doctor will help you draw up an individual vaccination schedule.
In case of injury, contact with mud or animal bite, you should immediately seek medical help. If more than 5 years have passed since the last vaccination, you may need a tetanus toxoid injection.
Since August 1, a campaign of additional immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis for those who missed scheduled vaccinations in previous years has been launched in Ukraine. All vaccines according to the National Vaccination Calendar are provided free of charge.
The opinion of the editors may not coincide with the opinion of the author of the article.
Use of photo: P.4, Article 21 of the ZU "On copyright and related rights - "Reproduction for the purpose of covering current events by means of photography or cinematography, public communication or communication of works seen or heard during such events, to the extent justified by the informational purpose."
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