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TETANUS DISEASE AND TETANUS VACCINE The following information is provided to help you understand the disease
tetanus and the tetanus vaccine so you can make an informed decision regarding
the use of this vaccine. You are encouraged to read our website, the package
inserts and information from doctors and the government as you make up your
mind. This is what being informed is all about. TETANUS DISEASE: Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is caused by a bacterium that is mostly present in soil, manure, and in the digestive tracts of humans and animals. Tetanus bacteria enter the body through a wound - sometimes as small as a pinprick or deep scratch but most often through a deep puncture wound or laceration such as those made by rusty nails or dirty knives. Such wounds are difficult to clean adequately and, if tetanus bacteria were present on the nail or knife, the bacteria can remain deep in the wound where they can grow and produce several toxins that attack the body's red and white blood cells and central nervous system. Tetanus bacteria do not grow well in the presence of oxygen, which is why deep puncture wounds are a perfect environment for them to grow in. The incubation period for symptoms of tetanus to begin can range from one to three weeks. The first symptoms are likely to be headache, irritability, fever, chills, and muscular stiffness of the jaw and neck. As the poison increases and spreads, the body becomes rigid and locked in spasm with head drawn back, legs and feet extended, arms stiff, hands clenched and the jaw unable to open with difficulty in swallowing. The stomach muscles also become rigid and convulsions may occur. Immediate hospitalization and the use of tetanus antitoxin and powerful tranquilizers and anti-spasmodic drugs are used to treat the disease. The symptoms last for several weeks. Complications of tetanus include pneumonia, bone fractures from violent muscle spasms and death. In 1948 there were 601 cases of tetanus reported in the U.S., the highest number of cases reported in one year. In 2002 there were 25 cases of tetanus and 3 deaths reported in the U.S. Tetanus is a much more serious problem in underdeveloped countries, especially among newborn babies born in unsanitary conditions whose umbilical cords can become infected with tetanus. TETANUS VACCINE: The most common reactions reported to occur following DT vaccine include swelling and pain at the injection site; sleepiness; irritability; vomiting; loss of appetite; persistent crying; and fever. Paleness, cold skin, collapse, rash, and joint pain have also been reported. In 1994 the Institute of Medicine concluded that there is compelling scientific evidence to conclude that tetanus, DT and Td vaccines can cause Guillain-Barre syndrome including death; brachial neuritis; and death from anaphylaxis (shock). Because either no studies or too few scientific studies had ever been conducted to investigate tetanus, DT or Td reactions, a determination could not be made as to whether DT, Td or tetanus vaccine can cause other serious health problems which are reported following tetanus, DT and Td vaccination including residual seizure disorders, demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (transverse myelitis, optic neuritis and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis), peripheral mononeuropathy, arthritis, and erythema multiforme (lesions of the skin or mucous membranes). Vaccine makers state that tetanus, DT and Td vaccine provides protection for
at least ten years after three or four "primary series"' doses have
been given. If there is a serious wound and a person has had less than two doses of
tetanus vaccine, an injection of Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) is recommended.
This vaccine contains antibodies that will fight the tetanus bacteria. In most
cases, antibodies will be produced that will protect against tetanus if it is
given within 72 hours of the injury. THIMEROSAL IN TETANUS CONTAINING VACCINES. DT Tetanus Toxoid
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