Question 1

i just cut myself on some rusty metal, should i be ok?  how rare is tetanus in the u.s.?

Accepted Answer

Tetanus: Tetanus shot if not had one, and ofcourse cleansing the wound.

Question 2

what causes tetanus?

Accepted Answer

Germs produce toxin: Tetanus is produced by germs that exist as spores (eggs) in the dirt worldwide. The contamination of any open wound by these spores allows them to germinate and multiply. They produce a toxic chemicle that circulates locally or throughout the body to produce the symptoms of tetanus.If vaccinated, your body is protected from this chemical.

Question 3

how is tetanus spread?

Accepted Answer

From the Dirt: Tetanus spores live in the dirt.  It is contracted through a cut or wound that becomes contaminated with the organism.  This could be a naturally curious question.  However,  If you are not immunized or have unimmunized children, run don't walk to your nearest pediatrician's office to rectify this situation!    You are quite close to the Measles outbreak epicenter, tetanus could be next!

Question 4

how serious is tetanus?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Survival from tetanus depends on a variety of factors. Case fatality rate runs 30% or so with older and very young patients more likely to die. Personal fitness, access to antitoxin and other interventions can improve outcome.

Question 5

how does tetanus spread?

Accepted Answer

Dirty wound: Tetanus spores exist in the dirt worldwide. A wound in dirty skin or touched by contaminate fingers can transfer spores to the wound that then germinate. The germs produce a toxin as they grow that gets in the blood to produce tetanus. Tetanus is not spread person to person.

Question 6

how dangerous is tetanus?

Accepted Answer

Serious Disease: Tetanus is very serious disease and although many will recover with treatment others may be fatal
It is a preventable disease with proper immunisation

Question 7

what are tetanus shots for?

Accepted Answer

Prevent tetanus: Tetanus is a germ that exists all around us.It's spores spread the germs and can enter any break in the skin.A classical risky wound would be from a rusty nail or garden implement.The germ spores enter the wound and fester into an infection.Over time the germs begin to make a neurotoxin that enters the blood and causes the symptoms of tetanus. A simple tetanus shot, protects people from this toxin

Question 8

is tetanus common in the us?

Accepted Answer

No: The pattern of  immunization has reduced the frequency of tetanus in the US to 40 or less cases per year. These cluster with the unimmunized or incompletely immunized populations.

Question 9

does tetanus  have a vector?

Accepted Answer

Dirt: The vector is dirt that contaminates a wound.

Question 10

how can  tetanus cause death?

Accepted Answer

Tetanus: Tetanus can cause death, that why doctors aggressively recommend immunizations.

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Doctor answers about:

Tetanus

A member asked:

I just cut myself on some rusty metal, should i be ok? how rare is tetanus in the u.s.?

A member asked:

What causes tetanus?

A member asked:

How is tetanus spread?

A member asked:

How serious is tetanus?

A member asked:

How does tetanus spread?

A member asked:

How dangerous is tetanus?

A member asked:

What are tetanus shots for?

A member asked:

Is tetanus common in the us?

A member asked:

Does tetanus have a vector?

A member asked:

How can tetanus cause death?

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