In everyday life, we inevitably encounter small accidents, such as fall and scratches, scratches of foreign fingers or nails to the skin. In most cases, people may feel that the wounds are minor and choose to treat themselves instead of going to hospital. However, these small, seemingly insensitive wounds could become the entry door for the tetanus virus.
I. What is tetanus?
Tetanus is an acute, specific infection caused by the tetanus sprouts. This bacteria is widely distributed in nature, e.g. dust, soil, human or animal excreta, inter alia, through skin or mucous membrane wounds. Tetanus fungi reproduces in wounds infected with sepsis and produces extratoxins, leading to temporary changes in the central nervous system. The typical symptoms are the persistence of the whole skeletal musculoskeletal muscles and systolic spasms, larynxes, asphyxia, lung infections and organ failure, which are very serious and potentially fatal diseases.
II. Which wounds require special attention?
The anaerobic environment of the wound is an important condition for tetanus symbiosis, as it is anaerobic and cannot grow in the general wound. The following types of wounds require special attention: deep stab wounds, such as those caused by nails, sharp wood chips, broken glass or rusty tools. These wounds are usually deep, with small surface openings, but the internal damage is severe and prone to aerobic deficiency and suitable for tetanus fungi reproduction. Severely contaminated wounds: The risk of tetanus infection increases significantly when the wounds are exposed to soil, dust, faeces or other contaminants, especially during outdoor work or activities. Open fractures: Open fractures mean that broken bones are exposed to external skin, usually with severe tissue damage and contamination, increasing the risk of tetanus fungi intrusion. Torn and contusions: torn and contusions are common in traffic accidents or industrial accidents, and damage to skin and soft tissues can easily lead to local ischaemic oxygen and provide a living environment for tetanus fungi. III. What are the symptoms of tetanus?
Symptoms of tetanus usually occur between about a week and a few months after the infection, and include: muscle rigidity and convulsions: this is the most typical form of tetanus, starting with facial muscles and gradually extending to the whole body. Face expression is rigid: facial muscle spasms cause patients to look frivolous or mundane. Insorption and respiratory difficulties: convulsions in the stomach muscles and respiratory muscles cause difficulty in swallowing and breathing and may require respiratory support in serious cases. High heat and sweat increase: patients may experience high heat and excessive sweat. Increased sensitivity: more sensitive to touch, sound or light.
IV. First aid treatment of tetanus
When a possible tetanus risk wound is found, the following steps should be taken immediately: initial treatment of the wound: thorough washing of the wound using fresh water or physico-saline water, removal of stains and foreign matter. Avoid the use of excessively irritant disinfectants to avoid causing tissue damage. After cleaning, the wounds are covered with sterile dressing to prevent further contamination. (b) High-risk wounds, to be admitted as soon as possible: for high-risk wounds, call 120 immediately to the hospital, where the vital signs of the patient are monitored by a specialist first aid worker and the wound is properly treated. Assessing the history of tetanus vaccinations: Based on the patient ‘ s recent tetanus vaccinations, patients who have been vaccinated for more than 10 years or whose vaccination history is unclear should be admitted to the hospital as soon as possible, where medical personnel decide whether an tetanus antitoxin (TT) or tetanus immunoglobin (TIG) is required.
Tetanus
