The Terrible Disease That Makes People Bend over: Tetanus

Tetanus, It is a disease that has the potential to affect people of all ages, but it is seen at the highest rate in newborn 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 it was observed. The report reveals the decrease in the number of cases of tetanus over the years. Come on, let’s kill people silent killer Let’s learn the details of the disease nicknamed tetanus together.

Tetanus disease threatens our nervous system.

Tetanus, formed by a powerful bacteria infectious disease is included in the literature. This disease our nervous system It can take over and cause serious muscle contractions. It is one of the oldest known diseases and has become a disease that has frightened societies throughout history with its ability to be fatal.

According to research, tetanus disease is clinical features looking at 4 species separated. These;

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 during birth through non-sterile instruments. It is seen in newborns of 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 that tetanus is caused by rusty iron pieces. However, contrary to popular belief clostridium tetani bacteria without oxygen Since it occurs in all environments, it can exist at every point of our lives.

This type of bacteria is more common in warm and humid climates where the soil is rich in organic matter. Especially 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 iron and steel industry workers We can say that this disease is more common in certain occupational groups, such as:

If we have wounds, burns, cuts on our skin, or if we are injured by an object that contains bacteria. bacterial toxin We cause it to enter 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 prevents these positive contractions. For this reason, we may become stiff, feeling as if hundreds of needles are pricking our body at the same time. For this reason, tetanus disease is common among the public. “stake fever” It is known as.

There are many symptoms of this disease that causes us to remain in a bow shape.

bacterial toxinIt begins to take over us quickly from the moment it enters our body. Incubation period It is generally 3-21 days and varies depending on the type of wound. During this period, certain symptoms observable. These;

• We experience significant difficulties in our swallowing function,
• Tensions in our facial muscles,
• Having seizures due to high fever and sweating,
• As our heartbeat accelerates, our blood pressure increases and
• It is our difficulty in breathing.

The most obvious symptom whereas; It is the contraction and inability of our neck, nape, jaw and back muscles to relax, as in the photo that is the subject of our content. Therefore, our back contracts upwards our muscular system loses its form 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 as soon as the diagnosis is made.

So the treatment of this disease only in hospital conditions can be done. The intensive treatment process required to relax our nervous system must be started without wasting time.

Starting after treatment rehabilitation processes may continue for long periods of time. However, when we look at the statistics, we see that this disease with death appears to be more likely to result.

Way to prevent tetanus: Vaccination

There are many problems that have negatively affected societies throughout history. infectious disease appeared. Deaths due to these diseases began to increase and many society It was on the brink of extinction. At this point, it is a miraculous invention that protects societies from diseases. Vaccine, He started to take part in historical scenes.

Tetanus disease is also a social threat Due to the fact that, for many years today, babies are given tetanus shot is being done. This vaccination is repeated at later ages.

So much so that world Health Organization by throughout our lives 6 doses of tetanus vaccine It is recommended that we be. Between doses have at least 4 years It is said that it should.

It cannot be said that we are protected from this disease only by getting vaccinated at regular intervals after birth. We can be protected even while in the womb. neonatal tetanus To protect against the species called expectant mothers during pregnancy It is of great importance to get a tetanus vaccine.

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

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, the rates vary between countries levels of development varies depending on. Lack of resources problem This rate is in countries where Unknown.

According to the data of the World Health Organization, the majority of deaths caused by tetanus occur in underdeveloped countries. in a hygienic environment It is stated that it is seen in women who cannot give birth and in newborns.

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

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