Breaking the area of error: tetanus is not just a rusted nail
In everyday life, many people are in the wrong zone: only rusted nails can get tetanus. This misconception leads to the neglect of tetanus prevention in the face of other wounds, thus placing health risks. Today, let us completely lift the veil of tetanus and break this cognitive error.
Tetanus is a specific infection of muscle spasms caused by the penetration of tetanus pistococcal through a skin or mucous membrane wound, growing and breeding in an oxygen-depleting environment and producing toxins. Tetanus pox is widespread in nature, especially in soil, dust, human or animal faeces.
While rusty nail cuts are indeed one of the common causes of tetanus, they are by no means the only cause. Any trauma that can lead to defacement of skin or mucous membrane to an aerobic environment may cause tetanus. For example, stabbing of sharp objects, such as wooden stings, bamboo sticks, glass fragments, or car accidents, crashes leading to open fractures, extensive grafts, even animal bites, burns, etc. are at risk of tetanus if the wounds are not properly treated.
This is due to the fact that the tetanus pox is anaerobic, which is able to breed in large quantities and release toxins in anaerobic conditions. Rusted nails are considered a high-risk factor due to their chronic exposure to damp and dark environments, their susceptibility to tetanus and their often deep and narrow cuts, creating an aerobic environment conducive to the growth and reproduction of tetanus. Other wounds, however, would also provide a breeding ground for tetanus toxoids if they were also under aerobic conditions.
Tetanus is usually 3-21 days, mostly in about 10 days. In the early stages, patients may suffer symptoms such as inactivity, dizziness, headaches, lack of chewing, local muscle tightening, pain-throwing, reflexing, etc. As the disease progresses, there is a typical strong muscle contraction, with the first muscles being chewed, followed by facial facial muscles, necks, backs, abdominals, limbs and, lastly, musculos. Patients can close their teeth, have a bitter smile, have a straight neck, have a sharp bow, and die of asphyxiation due to respiratory cramps in serious cases.
Prevention was particularly important in view of the serious effects of tetanus. For the treatment of wounds, the wound should be washed with water or soap, and the alien and contaminants within the wound removed to the extent possible, and disinfected with disinfectants such as iodine volts. If the wound is deep or large, medical treatment should be done in a timely manner, and the doctor will be able to perform a case-by-case cleanup and determine whether tetanus antitoxin (TAT) or tetanus immunoglobin (TIG) is required.
TAT is capable of neutralizing tetanus toxoids, but it has a sensitization risk and is subject to a leather test before injection. TIG is more secure and does not need a test, but is relatively expensive. In addition, for those who have never been vaccinated against tetanus or who have been vaccinated in an unknown history, tetanus should also be considered for long-term immunization.
In short, we cannot mistakenly assume that only rusted nails can get tetanus. Please bear in mind that there is no oversight over false perceptions. Daily injuries require vigilance, proper treatment and timely prevention in order to protect oneself from the threat of tetanus and to make life more secure. In our daily lives, whatever the trauma, we must be vigilant, properly treat the wounds and prevent tetanus in a timely manner, in order to maximize our health and safety.
