Emergency tetanus prophylaxis may be required in emergencies involving breach of skin integrity. For this, several drugs are used. The introduction should be carried out strictly by a specialist, taking into account the general condition of the victim. What drugs are used? What is prevention for?
Tetanus
This disease is caused by a bacterial pathogen. Infection occurs by contact, when microorganisms enter the bloodstream through damaged skin. The disease is dangerous because its target is the central nervous system. Her defeat is characterized by severe generalized convulsions and a general tension in skeletal muscle tone.
Clinical manifestations are associated with the fact that, getting into the human body, the bacterium begins to produce tetanus toxin. Tetanospasmin, which is part of it, causes pronounced tonic muscle contractions. Moreover, in the bodytetanohemolysin accumulates, which causes damage and death of red blood cells (hemolysis). An uncoordinated distribution of impulses is noted, and the excitability of the cerebral cortex increases. In the future, the respiratory center is affected, which can cause death.
Anatoxin
Purified and adsorbed on aluminum hydroxide gel, tetanus toxoid is used to form immunity to the pathogen. It is used for planned and emergency prevention.
After recovery, the patient does not acquire immunity to the pathogen. This suggests that there is a risk of re-infection. That is why it is necessary to use tetanus toxoid. Outwardly, it is a yellowish suspension. During storage, it is divided into two parts - a clear liquid and a precipitate. Available in 0.5 ml, which is one vaccination dose. This amount contains tetanus toxoid - 10 EU. It also contains a sorbent and a preservative. Liquid for injection is in ampoules of 1 ml.
Emergency prevention
To prevent the development of the disease, the following drugs are administered: tetanus toxoid, tetanus immunoglobulin and tetanus toxoid. The choice of one or another drug, their combination depends on the clinical case. If routine vaccinations have been delivered and the person has documentation confirming this fact, preventive injections are not carried out. Skipping only one last scheduledvaccination is an indication for the introduction of toxoid. If several injections were missed, then a combination of toxoid and immunoglobulin is required. Serum is administered to children under 5 months of age, in whom planned prophylaxis has not yet been carried out. The most difficult situation is with pregnant women. In such cases, any introduction of prophylactic drugs in the first half of pregnancy is prohibited, and in the second, only serums are contraindicated. That is why planned disease prevention is so important.
Tetanus toxoid is often used. Although the instruction is simple, it can only be entered in specialized institutions.
Planned Prevention
Prevent the occurrence of such a formidable disease as tetanus, helps the timely introduction of a combined vaccine, carried out in a planned manner. Tetanus toxoid is the neutralized toxins of tetanus bacteria. They cannot harm the body, on the contrary, they contribute to the formation of substances to combat the active toxin. The use of toxoid is at the heart of prevention.
At the moment, the DTP vaccine is used for routine prevention - not only against tetanus, but also pertussis and diphtheria.
Tetanus toxoid: instructions for use
The vaccine is administered routinely and intramuscularly, subcutaneous injections are not allowed, as they lead to the formation of seals. It is preferable to inject the drug into the deltoid muscle in the adult population and into the anterior-lateral surface of the leg (middle) inchildren under 3 years old. The routine prophylaxis procedure includes three vaccines. They are introduced, observing the interval of 1.5 months and starting from 2 months of the baby's life. Revaccination - one year after the third.
Side effects
Vaccinations often result in mild side effects. This indicates the correct formation of the immune system and will soon pass. However, parents should be alert and contact their pediatrician if the reaction to the vaccine is severe. At the injection site, a local reaction may normally occur - a slight swelling, hyperemia and soreness. The child is concerned about loss of appetite, vomiting, fever and diarrhea. If necessary, antipyretic drugs are allowed. Among the complications, an allergic reaction is distinguished. It is not harmful if it manifests itself only as a skin rash. However, if the baby has developed Quincke's edema or convulsions, you should immediately call an ambulance. In any case, planned prophylaxis should be supervised by a pediatrician at all stages. This will avoid serious complications. Specialists will ensure the correct administration of a drug such as tetanus toxoid. It must be used strictly according to the instructions.
Prevention is a mandatory event that is carried out in a planned manner. Such a complex helps prevent the development of tetanus, which is considered an extremely dangerous disease.
