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How To Prevent Tetanus ?
By: Wong Lai Teng
1) How to protect your child?
a) By being immunized with DTP vaccine.
b) Less contact with soil, dust and manure.
c) Be alert if your children have any wound.
d) Make sure the mother gets immunized before pregnant.
e) Meet a physician immediately, if your children have any deep cut.
The tetanus vaccine usually is given to the children as part of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) shot. This shot provides protection against three diseases; diphtheria (a throat and respiratory infection), pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus. The latest version of this immunization is known as diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine.
The DtaP vaccine consists of a series of five shots, typically administered in the arm and given to children at ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years.
Having had a tetanus infection does not provide immunity. Following recommendations for vaccinations is necessary to prevent recurrence of tetanus. If you never vaccinated against tetanus as a child, see your doctor about getting the Td vaccine. You cannot get tetanus from the vaccine. A pregnant woman should not be concerned if she inadvertently received a dose of tetanus toxoids. In fact a previously unimmunized pregnant woman who may deliver her child under unhygienic circumstances should receive two doses of the adult formulated tetanus and diphtheria toxoid vaccination. The doses should be spaced as usual, 4 to 8 weeks apart, during the last two trimesters. Incompletely immunized pregnant women should complete the 3 dose series. Those immunized more than 10 years previously should have a booster dose. The children of a pregnant woman can receive tetanus toxoid. This will pose no risk to the pregnant woman.
2) Adult prevention
a) All adults who have not had a Td booster shot in the last 10 years.
b) Adults who have recovered from tetanus (lockjaw) disease.
c) Adults who have never received immunization against tetanus.
Vaccination is the best way to protest against tetanus. Adults who never received immunization against tetanus should start with a 3-dose primary series given over 7-12 months.
3) General preventive steps
a) Keep the wound clean.
b) Consider the source the wound occurred.
c) Use an antibiotic cream, ointment.
d) Cover the wound allowing air to go through.
e) Change the dressing.
About the Author
www.medical-explorer.com
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