Topic: Tetanus Jab

[teresa]

Just a reminder to all gardeners. ;)
Have you checked that you have got protection. :-/
With digging your lottie soon accidents can happen. :'(

 
Below copied from a doctors web page to explain why we all need the jab.

It's important to have tetanus immunisation because of the serious illness tetanus infection can cause.

A toxin made by the bacterium called Clostridium tetani is responsible for the effects of tetanus infection. When this toxin enters the body, usually through a wound, it initially causes headache, fever, and muscle stiffness in the back, neck, arms, and jaw. The other name for tetanus is 'lock-jaw'.

Without treatment the toxin causes further problems of painful muscle spasms. If the muscles of the chest and throat are affected then difficulties with breathing may result in suffocation and death. Those who develop tetanus infection need urgent treatment. This usually includes anti-toxin, antibiotics, and muscle relaxants to get relief from the muscle spasms.  

The bacterium Clostridium tetani lives in the soil and also in human and animal intestines. Many people cut themselves whilst gardening or doing DIY, for example, and this is why doctors and nurses will ask, when someone who has injured themselves in this manner, whether they have kept their tetanus immunisation up to date.

Fortunately a very safe and effective vaccination is available to protect people. Babies are immunised against tetanus at 2, 3, and 4 months of age. Booster doses are given between ages 3-5 and again between 16-18 years of age. After that people are advised to maintain their protection by having booster doses every ten years.

Some of you may have seen the thread started by Eric and a reminder by Tim. Thanks to you both 8)



Teresa  

[mysticmog]

Good advice teresa, but I reckon people would be happy if I got lockjaw, would stop talking then  ;D

[Muddy_Boots]

Perish the thought mystic!  What would we do without you?  ;D ;D ;D

Kate

[Gardengirl]

Just as well my tetanus jabs are up-to-date as with all the things that have happened to me, cuts, rose thorns and a dog bite (not my dogs I hasten to add) I think I would have been a goner ages ago :o

Thanks for the reminder though Teresa :D

[Mrs Ava]

agh agh agh agh agh agh.  How long have I been putting this off!  Must must must get it sorted, before it sorts me!  :'(

[aquilegia]

Also - if you let yours lapse, you have to have an injection once a month for three months, rather than just the one. I had to do that before as I'd forgotten to get mine done again. I must remember to get another one this year as it'll be 10 years since the last.

[flowerbaby_uk]

so does that mean i will get to have 3 p     injections that is instead of one as have let mine lapse will get in touch with doc as have got to get a hep jab too for work  ta for reminder tend to forget how serious it can be

flower :)