Tetanus

School Research Paper

Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious(if it intensifies, lethal) infectious
bacterial disease caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria.
Spores of the bacteria are found everywhere in the
environment, including soil, dust, etc.

Cause of Tetanus:
When these spores develop into bacteria and enter the bloodstream
of the body via a break in the skin, they produce a toxin which
causes pain in the muscles. Tetanus is also known as ‘Lockjaw’ as it
often causes a person’s jaw and neck muscles to lock, making it
difficult to open the mouth and swallow.

Symptoms of Tetanus that people may experience

include:

● Your whole body may experience fever, high blood pressure, nervous system
dysfunction, or sweating
● Your muscles may experience cramping or stiffness
● You may have a shortness of breath or no breathing

Cure for Tetanus:

Unfortunately, no cure for tetanus has been found yet. If a person has a tetanus
infection, they require long-term emergency supportive care while the disease runs its
course. The treatment of tetanus consists of wound care and taking medication to
ease symptoms.

However, tetanus can be prevented via a tetanus shot vaccine once every 10 years.

If you have a minor cut, doing these things greatly reduces chances of tetanus:
 School Research Paper
● Control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound
● Clean the wound after the bleeding stops, rinse it with clean water or any saline
solution
● Apply an antibiotic cream on the wound
● Cover the wound using bandages/band aids (If you cannot clean the injury thoroughly,
don’t cover it and seek medical help)
● Change the dressing everyday, repeat the steps above

If you're unsure when you last had a tetanus vaccine or it has been more than 5 years
since you got your last tetanus shot, seek medical care.