Tetanus is stiff and tense condition throughout the body due to bacterial infection. This stiffness and tension throughout the body is painful and can cause death. Tetanus symptoms will appear within 4-21 days after infection.
Tetanus germs or bacteria enter the body through wounds on the skin, and will release toxins to attack the nerves. This bacterium is named Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in soil, dust, or animal waste.
To prevent tetanus, a person can get a tetanus vaccination or get antitetanus if there is a wound.
Symptoms of Tetanus
Tetanus is a dangerous disease and symptoms appear within 4-21 days after exposure to the tetanus germ. See a doctor immediately if you have a wound and are not receiving tetanus anti-toxin, especially if you have symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Dizzy
- Excessive sweating
- Heart beat
Moreover, the typical symptoms for tetanus have appeared, including:
- Tightness and stiffness in the jaw muscles (trismus)
- Stiff neck or abdominal muscles
- Difficult to swallow
- Difficult to breathe
Tetanus Treatment
There is no specific treatment for tetanus. But the symptoms can be relieved with antitetanus injections, drugs, and the tetanus vaccine.
In addition to relieving symptoms, the tetanus vaccine is also given as a prevention. Tetanus immunization is mandatory in Indonesia, and must be carried out according to a predetermined schedule.