Tetanus describes rare bacteria that attack wounds. Most tetanus cases are a result of a lack of vaccination, or not completing the vaccination dose. It’s important to research Tetanus and its vaccination before going abroad. You need full protection through vaccination, as this will ensure you have complete immunity against the infection. At The Travel Health Clinic, we offer the Tetanus Vaccine in Tamworth to help you stay protected along your way.
A man reading a map on a motorbike
Tetanus can survive outside the body for a long while and is mostly located in animal manure and soil.
Tetanus can attack the body through an exposed wound and can spread at high speed. Consequently, it will release a toxin that messes with nerves, leading to symptoms like muscle stiffness and spasms.
Your body may get exposure to tetanus through:
– Skin tears or splits
– Grazes and cuts
– Burns
– Body piercings, injections, and tattoos
– Injection of contaminated substances
– Animal bites
– Eye injuries
Tetanus can’t move from one person to the other.
Symptoms that come with Tetanus usually start to show after 4 to 21 days from the day of exposure.
The main symptoms that accompany Tetanus include:
– Sweating
– Increased heart rate
– Painful muscle spasms, resulting in difficulties in breathing and swallowing
– Jaw muscle (lockjaw) stiffness, making it difficult to open the mouth
– Fever
These symptoms can get worse without medical attention.
A woman feeling sick in bed
The doctor will thoroughly clean your wound if you suspect that it has a Tetanus infection. You may also get an injection of Tetanus immunoglobulin.
You may also get a Tetanus jab if you didn’t get full vaccination before. Antibiotics may be provided to you as well.
The tetanus vaccine is available to every UK resident, thanks to the NHS childhood vaccination programme.
A complete vaccination plan includes 5 injections, usually administered in the following order:
– As part of the 6-in-1 vaccine, 3 doses are given at the ages of 8, 12, and 16 weeks.
– At the age of 3 years and 4 months, the booster dose is administered as part of the 4-in-1 pre-school booster.
– As part of the 3-in-1 teenage booster, the final dose is provided to 14-year-olds.
The 5 injection vaccine plan should be able to offer long-term protection against Tetanus. However, it’s advisable to seek medical advice in case of a dirty or deep wound, even if fully vaccinated.
You can get Tetanus anywhere across the globe; this makes it vital to get full vaccination before travelling abroad.
In case you are planning to visit a foreign country and don’t have full vaccination against Tetanus, consult with your pharmacist for further guidance before travelling.
You will be given the 3-in-1 teenage booster, which is usually free thanks to the NHS and protects you from polio and diphtheria as well.
If you’ve never received any tetanus vaccine, you may have to get it before travelling. The vaccine doses are normally a month apart. However, you can complete the full dose when you return in case there is not enough time for the full dose.
Contact us today to book your appointment or you can simply use the booking calendar below.
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This blog post was written on behalf of The Travel Health Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.
