Tetanus Shot Reactions

Tetanus Shot Reactions

You can get a disease called tetanus by getting infected with a bacterium known as Clostridium tetani, which exists on the surface of rusty nails and other metals. Tetanus can be life-threatening with a fatality rate that approaches 11 percent. In order to prevent getting tetanus, you should always get a tetanus shot if you have been cut by a rusty nail or have an injury that exposes to Clostridium spores. After a tetanus shot, you can get tetanus shot reactions, which are usually minor but can be serious in rare situations.

Tetanus Shot Reactions from Mild to Severe
A tetanus vaccination is made out of tetanus toxoid, a material from the organism itself. It causes you to make antibodies that fight off the tetanus microorganism. Tetanus shots are given to children as a portion of the DPT vaccine. If you have received all of your DPT vaccinations while you were a child, you will still need to get a booster vaccination every ten years. After the injection, somereactions can occur.

1. Mild

• ŸPain and stiffness. A typical mild reaction is pain or stiffness at the place where the injection was given. This is the most common reaction. More than 75 percent of people who get the tetanus shot will have stiffness and localized pain or pain that involves the entire upper aspect of the arm for a few days. About 1-3 percent of people will actually get some type of muscle wasting that causes an aching pain in the arm for several weeks or even several months. The pain is usually mild, however, and you can usually go about your daily activities. If the pain is persistent past a month or so, you may need to seek the advice from your doctor. Other common symptoms accompanied these include a hard lump in the area of the injection site and a brief period of numbness.


• ŸSwelling and redness. The tetanus vaccine is usually associated with redness, mild swelling or irritation near the site of the injection. This usually goes away on its own within a few days without having to do anything to treat it. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAids) or aspirin can bring down the inflammation and the swelling you may get if needed.

2. Moderate

• ŸVomiting. One of the tetanus shot reactions you can get involves having irritation of the stomach. When this happens, you can get vomiting, nausea, or Diarrhea that usually goes away by itself. In most situations, this is a mild to moderate reaction, happening only 3 percent of the time in teens and about 1 percent in adults receiving the vaccine.


• ŸImmune response. The tetanus shot is a shot that contains an immunogenic toxoid, meaning that antibodies are formed as a result of getting the shot. Some people can actually get reactions that include being extremely tired and having a fever as the body forms an immune response. Other symptoms are muscle aches that can be local or generalized along with sore lymph nodes. These symptoms are self-limited and go away on their own without treatment.

3. Severe

• ŸAllergic symptoms. It is rare to have tetanus shot reactions that are serious enough to need treatment. An allergic reaction to the shot is very rare but can be life-threatening. When you get an allergic response to the shot, you can get swelling of your face, swelling of the lips, limb swelling, and dizziness. This can be accompanied by a change in breathing pattern and heart rate. If you have a family history of tetanus shot allergies, you should talk to the doctor about whether or not you should be getting the tetanus shot.


• ŸOther severe side effects. It is possible to suffer from a coma, generalized seizures or brain damage following the getting of a tetanus shot. Fortunately, this is not very common.

4. Very Rare Reactions

• Blood in the stool or urine. In rare circumstances, you can get blood in the stool or urine after a tetanus shot. It can be caused by damage to the kidneys or from inflammation of the lining of the stomach or intestines. You should see a doctor if you get these side effects so that the doctor can find out what is going on and prevent it from happening again.


• Pneumonia. The shot causes the immune system to become overloaded, so you may get pneumonia. This is a rare side effect that usually happens in people who already have a poor immune system. If you have a high risk for pneumonia or have an immune disease, you should ask your doctor about the safety of getting a tetanus shot. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia after getting a tetanus shot, you should make an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation and management.

Despite these possible reactions, you'd better get tetanus shots if you need, learn why from the following video.

How to Deal With Tetanus Shot Reaction
The treatment of tetanus shot reactions depends on what type of reaction you get and on how severe the reaction is. Here are some tips:

• Put a cold rag on the site of the vaccination to lessen the swelling and pain.


• Take over the counter medications like ibuprofen and Benadryl to lessen the itching and fever you might get with the shot.


• If you are suffering from tiredness, nausea, or vomiting after getting a tetanus shot, treat it like a cold or flu and get plenty of rest, while taking in light meals and fluids until you improve.


• See a doctor if you develop anaphylaxis or an allergic reaction to the vaccine. If you have irritability, confusion, fever greater than 103 degrees, severe tiredness, blistering at the site, ongoing Headaches, swelling, severe vomiting, or swollen glands in the axilla, you should seek medical attention right away.

When to Get a Tetanus Shot

When to Get a Tetanus Shot

Tetanus is a very rare yet serious disease caused by the Clostridium tetani. Tetanus infection happens when the bacteria gets into the boy through cuts, puncture wounds or deep scrapes; this is especially possible when the wound is dirty, as the bacteria lives in soil, manure and even dust. When the bacteria invade the body, it can produce a toxin that leads to many dangerous symptoms, including severe muscle spasms of the neck, abdomen, stomach and arms and legs.Keep in mind that up to 10%-20% of those who develop tetanus will die from it. Keep reading to find more about tetanus.

When to Get a Tetanus Shot
If you have been inflicted with a dirty wound–such as cutting your arm on a rusty piece of metal or stepping on a nail–you might be open to developing tetanus. A shot must be given within 24-48 hours in order to protect you from the infection. Besides, wound cleaning is also essential. How do you know if you need a tetanus shot? The rule of thumb is to get a shot after you have suffered certain injuries. These might include:

• Puncture wounds, such as those caused by animal bites, wood splinters, glass shards, nails, needles and the like


• Second-degree or third-degree burns


• Any wound that hasnecrotic or dead tissue


• Any injury that crushes a body part–for example, an accident in which a heavy block is dropped on the leg


• Any wounds that are visibly contaminated, or that have pieces of foreign objects imbedded inside, such as splinters andgravel

In addition, if you aren’t sure when your last tetanus shot was, now is a good time to get a booster. Doctors recommend a shot if you have a dirty, contaminated wound but have not had a booster in five years, or if you have any type of uncomplicated wound but haven’t had a shot in ten years.

Symptoms of Tetanus Infection
A tetanus infection can incubate in the body for anywhere from three days to three weeks; the average time is eight days. There are no signs of the infection until symptoms start, which is why it’s very important to know when to get a tetanus shot. Some common symptoms are listed below.

• Tight jaw


• Stiff back, shoulder and neck muscles


• Swallowing difficulty


• Contracting facial muscles


• Stiff muscles in the chest, abdomen and extremities


• Fever


• Sweat profusely


• Increasing Blood Pressure


• Irregular heartbeat


• Seizures


• Breathe difficulty


• Fractured bones and ruptured muscles


• Secondary infections, such as Pneumonia


• Blood Clots in the lungs


• Death

Treatment of Tetanus Infection
Seek immediate medical care when you have doubt about when to get a tetanus shot. Even with prompt medical help, once the symptoms have begun, it can be very difficult to treat. Usually, you will be given a booster shot depending on the time of your last tetanus dose. For others who have never had a tetanus immunization before, three shots will be needed.

If you do develop tetanus, you will be treated in a hospital. Treatments include antitoxin that will help neutralize toxin in the body, sedatives to help relax the muscles, antibiotics to help slow the growth of the tetanusbacteria, and life support for those who have trouble breathing on their own.

Those who begin to improve will be given a series of tetanus shots to increase their resistance to the infection; unlike some other toxins, the infection of tetanus does not make you immune to getting it again.

Tetanus Vaccine
Although getting to know when to get a tetanus shot is important, the most effective way to prevent tetanus infection is still tetanus vaccine.

1. For Infants and Children
Children will get five doses of DTaP, given at two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age. DT is used as a replacement of DTaP for children who cannot receive Pertussis vaccine.

2. For Preteens, Teens, and Adults
Td protects preteens, teens and adults from tetanus and Diphtheria. Most need a booster shot every ten years.Tdap is similar to Td but also protects people against pertussis. A shot of Tdap should be given between 11 and 12 years of age, or at the age of 19 if the vaccination wasn’t given earlier. Pregnant women at 27 through 36 weeks should have it, as well as new mothers who have never gotten Tdap.Tdap should also be given to 7-10 year olds who are not immunized against pertussis. It can be given no matter when Td was last received.

Notes

If you have had a severe allergic reaction to the TdaP vaccine, you should not have another one. If you have a history of coma, seizures, Epilepsy, nervous system problems, pain or swelling after a previous shot, or a history of Guillain-barre Syndrome, you should talk with your doctor about whether it’s okay to take the vaccine.

Side effects of tetanus vaccineinclude soreness, swelling or redness at the injection site, fever, fatigue, body aches or Headache. These are mild and typically go away quickly.

However, some people might experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the shot. Get help right away if you suffer from any of these side effects:

• Flushed, itchy or swelling skin


• A rapid heartbeat, a drop in blood pressure, or severe dizziness.


• Trouble breathing


• Vomiting, Diarrhea, nausea or cramping in the abdomen

Tetanus Shot Side Effects

Tetanus Shot Side Effects

Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani that is transmitted by direct traumatic injury from rusty metals and nails. Tetanus is a life threatening medical condition that has a very high fatality rate (almost 11%). Once the bacteria gains access into the body, it quickly ascends to involve cerebral nerves leading to tetanic muscular spasms and death may occur if respiratory muscles (or diaphragm) get involved. In order to prevent this life threatening infection, it is indicated to take tetanus shots after exposure to a rusty metal or any injury that exposes you to the spores of Clostridium. Tetanus toxoids are considered a part of active immunity protocol; however, one dose does not provide lifelong immunity and boosters are required at intervals to maintain antibody levels in the serum.

Side Effects of Tetanus Shot
Tetanus vaccine is composed of tetanus toxoid that induces the production of antibodies within the human body and is usually given to all the pediatric aged children as part of DPT vaccination. If you have received tetanus toxoid as part of DPT vaccine during childhood, you will need a booster once every 10 years. Tetanus vaccination is widely available in all parts of the world and although fairly safe in most individuals, toxoid shots are associated with side effects in some genetically susceptible individuals. Most side effects are minor and resolve without requiring any medical intervention; however, a little percentage may develop life threatening reactions.

Common side effects reported with tetanus shots are as under:

1. Pain and Stiffness in the Injected Area
Pain and stiffness at the site of injection is fairly common with a lot of vaccinations that are introduced via intra-muscular route. Clinical data suggest that over 75% individuals develop localized pain or stiffness at the injection site after tetanus shots that may involve entire upper limb for a couple of days. 1-3% individuals develop localized muscle wasting that may present with deep aching pain lasting for weeks or even months. Generally the pain is not very severe and does not interfere with day to day activities; however, if pain lasts longer than a month or two, it may indicate an adverse reaction to vaccination that requires medical management. Other common symptoms that may be associated with pain includes localized tenderness, feeling of a hard lump or temporary numbness.

2. Swelling and Redness
Vaccination is associated with mild swelling, redness or local irritation that resolves spontaneously without requiring any medical intervention within a couple of days. You can take aspirin or other non- steroidal anti-inflammatory agents to manage the moderate swelling and inflammatory signs.

3. Gastrointestinal Reaction
Like most vaccinations, sometimes tetanus shots are also associated with mild gastric irritation, marked by nausea, vomiting or Diarrhea that resolves spontaneously without requiring any intervention. Most cases are extremely mild. Statistical data suggest that gastric irritation is reported in 3% of adolescents and about 1% of mature adults after vaccination.

4. Immune Response
Tetanus shot contain toxoid that is immunogenic (i.e. it has the propensity to form antibodies). After vaccination, some people may develop mild fever and physical fatigue as part of the immunologic response of the body. Some people may also develop generalized or localized muscle aches and body pain along with tense and tender lymph nodes. Once again, symptoms do not require any therapy or management in most cases.

5. Allergic reaction
Allergy to tetanus toxoid is extremely rare and is characterized by life threatening sequence of events that require emergent and urgent medical intervention. Allergic response is characterized by dizziness, swelling of face, lips, limbs and other parts of the body that may or may not be associated with changes in heart rate and pattern of breathing. Family history of allergy to tetanus vaccination should be discussed with the doctor and any allergic response to tetanus vaccination is a contraindication for future vaccinations.

Precautions for Tetanus Shot
Side effects and adverse reactions to tetanus shots can be minimized by taking a few precautions like;

Introducing the vaccine in correct dosage

A dose of 0.5 mL should be introduced as a booster that is given mostly after every 10 years.

Drug interactions

Sometimes tetanus toxoid may cross- react with certain drugs and bio-chemicals. Drugs like corticosteroids, radiations, alkylating agents, Cancer chemotherapy and similar classes of drugs may affect the patency of vaccination and may induce adverse reactions. It is highly recommended to speak to your doctor regarding drug history.

Medical conditions to watch for

Certain medical conditions increase the risk of adverse reaction and thus may require dose or drug modification to prevent life threatening sequelae. Following medical conditions should be watch for:

• Blood clotting disorders (or history of recent bleeding episode)
  
• Guillain-Barre syndrome
  
• Recent history of thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
  
• If you have high fever (more than 103 deg. Farenheit).
  
• Seizure activity or current neurological infection.

Precautions for children

In addition to all the conditions listed above, it is recommended to maintain further caution in pediatric aged children. Vaccination should be avoided in children younger than 7 years due to significant levels of mercury that may induce a state of toxicity. A history of known allergy to thimerosal or latex is also a contraindication for tetanus shots. Moreover, a previous history of paralysis, encephalopathy or seizures with tetanus vaccination or any other vaccination should also be discussed with your healthcare provider.

Precautions for pregnant mothers

It is strictly recommended to avoid tetanus shots during first trimester of pregnancy. Since pregnancy is a high risk state in which exposure to clostridium is fairly high (at the time of child-birth) a booster is usually advised during second trimester of pregnancy if 10 years have elapsed since last vaccination. There is no restriction or contraindication for breast feeding mommies.

Tetanus Shot After Injury

Tetanus Shot After Injury

Tetanus is a very acute form of a bacterial disease that can cause significant impairments within the central nervous system. The effects spread gradually, eventually leading to various immensely painful muscle contractions, particularly in the areas surrounding the jaw and neck muscles. Because of tetanus’ extreme and dangerous side effects, tetanus shots are highly recommended for anyone who has sustained a skin rupturing injury.

When to Get a Tetanus Shot
Tetanus originates through a form of bacteria called Clostridium Tetani which is found primarily in soil, animal fences and dust. This bacteria is topically safe, however, when it enters the body through an open flesh would, it releases “Tetanospasmin,” a toxin that is very lethal to the human body.

Tetanus-prone Wounds
To prevent tetanus, a tetanus jab is strongly recommended after sustaining the following types of injury:

• Crush Injuries


• Compound fractures


• Gunshot wounds
  
  


• Puncture wounds – including body piercings, splinters, injection drugs, tattoos, etc.


• Surgical wounds


• Burns


• Ear infections


• Infected foot Ulcers


• Injection drug use

Of note, in some cases, the umbilical stumps present in newborn babies are infected as a result of scantily immunized mothers.

Risk Factors
As it pertains to the proliferation of tetanus bacteria within the human body, there are some additional circumstances, beyond flesh wounds, that may put an individual at risk. Some of these factors include:

• The presence of select bacteria apart from Clostridium Tetani


• Scarce immunization or irregular tetanus booster shots


• Injury in which the skin is penetrated by spores at the site where tetanus jab has been administered


• Any form of swelling in the vicinity of the injury


• Ruptured tissue


• A puncture from a splinter, nail, or any other form of foreign body

Signs of Tetanus
The length of time it takes for a victim to feel the primary effects of the tetanus bacteria ranges from a few days following the injury to a few weeks. Usually, the symptoms are quite evident by the end the first week after the injury, as this happens to be tetanus’ incubation period. The typical progression of tetanus symptoms is as follows:

• The patient starts to feel a painful stiffness in their neck muscles


• The stiffness progresses upward to the jaw, giving rise to spasms


• Since the jaw goes numb, the patient will begin to experience difficulty swallowing food


• The stiffness then spreads to the abdominal muscles


• The patient may feel body spasms which can be immensely painful. These spasms can be triggered by a variety of things, such as a loud noise, draft, physical touch, or even light.


• There are also several less significant symptoms of tetanus – some of the more minor symptoms include:


• The victim may experience a very high fever which can fluctuate with time


• Just after sustaining a wound, a tetanus victim may experience an increase in perspiration


• Some victims experience acceleration in their resting heart rate soon after sustaining a tetanus-invoking injury


• The normal count of Blood Pressure increases

Preventions for Tetanus
Tetanus can be easily prevented by preemptive measures to ensure immunity against relevant toxins. Generally, people become victims of tetanus are those who have not received a tetanus jab in 10 years or more. Additionally, persons who have never ever been immunized stand an increased risk of becoming tetanus victims.

Medical Measures

• Primary Vaccine Series. The tetanus jab is generally administered during infancy in the form the DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis) vaccine package. There are a total of three diseases which this vaccine tackles: Whooping Cough, tetanus and Diphtheria. As per this vaccination scheme, a total of five jabs are administered to the child either in the thigh or the arm over a several year-long time span.


• Booster Shots. Usually tetanus booster jab is given in conjunction with the Diphtheria vaccine. The DTaP vaccine scheme for children and adults below the age of 65 was launched in 2005 in order to safeguard against Pertussis. Doctors usually recommend that patients receive the first jab between 11 and 12 years of age, and then every 10 years thereafter. If someone has never ever been jabbed with a DTaP, then they can alternately receive a Diphtheria vaccine booster.

Home Remedies for Injuries
After sustaining a flesh injury, there are several ways to treat your wound at home in a way that will cleanse the area and reduce the risk of tetanus infection. To treat a wound at home, follow the below steps:

Control the Bleeding. First, make sure that you have ice packs with you so that the blood around the portion of injured skin can be frozen and controlled.

Clean Wound. Once the blood is controlled, clean the wound using an antiseptic; make sure that the entire wound is fully cleaned.

Apply Antibiotic Cream. Liberally apply an antibiotic cream over the wound’s surface; do not touch the wound after applying antiseptic cream.

Cover the Wound. After applying the antibiotic cream, cover the wound so as to keep it cool and clean.

Change Dressing. Isolate the wound for a few hours or perhaps a day, then change the wound’s covering to keep the area clean.

Tetanus

Tetanus






Tetanus is a type of deadly infectious disease affecting the nervous system and is caused by bacteria. The bacteria get into the body through cuts, wounds and insect bite spots. Vaccination is available for preventing tetanus. It can cause painful muscle contractions and the infection can affect your normal breathing. Tetanus is prevalent in under developed countries and each year many cases of death occur in spite of awareness.

How a Bacterium Gets Into Your Body?

Tetanus causing bacteria can enter the human body through cuts or wounds. If there are any deep wounds or dead tissue in the body, it is ideal for entry of bacteria. The sites of skin where there is insect bites and splinters are favorable spots. Even the area of small burns is enough for the bacterium to cause infection. The spot where a shot of injection is given can also give room for infectious bacteria.

As such tetanus causing bacteria is not harmful, but the potent toxin released during the growth of bacteria can be very serious and fatal. Tetanus infection is called as “lockjaw” in common terms, since it affects the neck and jaw muscles by causing contraction.

How Does Toxin Produced Affects Your Nervous System?

As the bacteria grow rapidly inside your body it releases harmful toxin called as ‘tetanospasmin”. This would seriously impair your nervous system and motor neurons. Such effect of toxins on the motor neurons is the major cause for muscle spasms.

Tetanus infection can cause contraction of muscle at the point where it attacks your body. It affects the communication between the muscle and nerves by directly acting on neuromuscular junction. Subsequently a signal is sent from the affected nerve to the muscle causing contraction of muscle. This is called muscle spasms. This infectious disease can affect the fetus on the womb of the mother also. Unfortunately tetanus infection is causing death among newborn babies worldwide.

Incubation Period :

Incubation period can be described as the time between the entry of bacterium and the onset of first symptom. It might take as less as 2 days for the bacteria to infect or sometimes it may take even 2 months for producing potentially serious toxins in the body.

Symptoms :

Initial symptoms can start anywhere from 2 days to 2 months after the bacteria has entered your body. On average, it may take a week for causing symptoms. Symptoms of tetanus infection include difficulty in swallowing due to stiffness of neck muscles and jaw region, muscle spasms in the jaw and stiffness of abdominal muscles. In severe cases it can cause painful spasms in the body for minutes together. Even a small touch of the body or loud noise is enough for triggering such spasms. It may cause fever, intense sweating and increased Blood Pressure.

Causes :

Clostridium tetani is the name of bacterium that causes tetanus. It lives in dampened soil and on animal feces. It can enter your body when you accidentally come in contact with soil or dust.

Risk Factors :

People who have not taken vaccine against tetanus are likely to get infected. Those with inadequate immunization and taking improper booster shots are more prone to develop tetanus than others. A person having penetrating wound for long term or with an injured tissue (without taking antibiotic) is at risk. Presence of foreign body in your body such as splinter puts you at increased risk. Often, tetanus bacterium would enter your body if you have puncture wounds like body piercings, insect bites, burns, compound fractures, ear infections, surgical wounds (not treated properly) and through infected foot ulcers.

Complications :

Tetanus can affect your nerve endings making you impossible to move particular part of the body. New nerve fiber need to grow in that area for complete recovery, which can take several months. Tetanus can cause complications of breaking the bone causing fracture, disability to move muscles and in severe cases it can cause death, interfering with normal breathing.

Tests :

Your doctor will investigate your immunization history and look for symptoms of muscle spasms and stiffness.

Treatment :

• Tetanus cannot be cured and treatment can be given only for improving the symptoms.


• If you have any wound, take precautions that dirt and foreign particles do not settle on it.


• Based on your symptoms, your doctor may give antitoxin drugs to neutralize the toxin produced by bacteria.


• Powerful antibiotics are prescribed to destroy bacteria.


• Strong doses of sedatives are given to the affected individual to prevent muscle spasms.


• Supportive medical care and close supervision is needed for the person to prevent any complication of breathing.


• You may need active immunization since having tetanus infection once does not guarantee that you will not get future infections.

Home Remedies :

Tetanus infection can occur only if you have open wounds in your body. So always take medication precaution for deep wounds. It is better to take a booster shot of tetanus vaccine. Firstly control the bleeding on the wounds and keep it clean and dirt-free. You can apply an antibiotic cream on the wound to make healing easy. Visit the nearest clinic to change the dressing daily if it gets wet or dirty.

Tips for Prevention :

You can totally prevent tetanus by taking immunization shots. You need to take a shot of tetanus booster for every 10 years. Protect your child from tetanus and other infectious diseases by giving him/her periodic vaccination right from his birth. Adolescents and elderly people can take a booster shot of Td for getting protection against diphtheria and tetanus. Consult your doctor for getting Tdap vaccine regularly.