Prevention of tetanus

Prevention of tetanus

Tetanus is one of the most preventable serious infections - yet it still strikes unvaccinated people in India after minor wounds. Prevention has three pillars.

1. Vaccination (the cornerstone).

• Children: complete the routine immunization schedule (DPT/pentavalent series with boosters) - it includes tetanus.
• Adults: a Td or TT booster every 10 years. Most adults in India are overdue - check yours.
• Pregnant women: TT/Td during each pregnancy as advised protects mother and newborn.
• After a wound: if the wound is dirty or deep and your last booster was over 5 years ago - or you never completed vaccination - get a booster the same day. Unvaccinated people with dirty wounds also need tetanus immunoglobulin.

2. Wound care.

• Wash every wound immediately with soap and running water for several minutes; remove dirt and debris; apply antiseptic.
• Take these wounds to a doctor the same day: deep punctures (nails, thorns), wounds with soil, rust or manure, crush injuries, burns, frostbite, animal bites, and wounds with dead tissue.
• Do not seal dirty wounds with home pastes; do not ignore small wounds - tetanus often follows trivial injuries.
• Never use unsterile needles or blades for any procedure, including ear piercing, tattooing or traditional practices.