Tetanus is a special infectious disease that occurs through the ingestion of clostridia - harmful organisms, bacteria, in the human body. They “live” in the earth, saliva and feces of the animal, and they can penetrate the human body through cuts and open wounds. Throughout life, both children and adults receive many different injuries that lead to ruptures of the skin or mucous membrane. It is such unpleasant moments when particles of contaminated soil get into the wound, and can lead to the development of the disease.
In order to develop protection against tetanus, a person should be regularly vaccinated with a vaccine that contains toxoid and neurotoxin, which activate the immunity to the disease.
Tetanus vaccine
A special vaccine is effectively used to immunize people of all age categories: from infants to the elderly. Vaccination of pregnant women is especially important, this gives a guarantee that the baby will not get infected even in the womb. After all, the expectant mother during pregnancy is especially at risk of contracting various infections and is most vulnerable. Therefore, do not be surprised if, after vaccination against tetanus, the injection site hurts - this is a completely natural reaction.
Maternal protection
Due to the fact that babies have maternal protection against the disease, it is recommended that they be vaccinated no earlier than three months after birth. In order for the infection to completely recede, at least 5 doses of the vaccine should be administered: three of which are up to 1 year old, then at 1.5 years old and another at 7 years old. This cannot be stopped - vaccination is given every 10 years until the end of a person's life. If a child cannot be vaccinated for any reason, then it is given immediately after solving the problems that have arisen.
Proper vaccination
When it comes to an adult who has never been vaccinated, then the vaccine can be administered at any age, if there are no contraindications. The scheme is as follows: a month after the first injection, a second one is necessarily put, and another 6 months later - the third. Then the vaccine is done once every 10 years.
How the body can respond to vaccination
After a vaccine is given to a person, various reactions or side effects may occur. This is not considered something unusual and wrong, because such symptoms only indicate that the body responds to antibodies and “fights”.
Vaccinations are often tolerated without any complications. But do not exclude the possibility of redness at the injection site of the needle, edema and "bumps". It happens that after a tetanus shot is given, the injection site hurts. Such a reaction is quite natural and disappears in just a few days. In addition, lethargy, fatigue, fever, mood swings and a constant desire to sleep may appear. Do not panic, this will also pass.
Vaccination against tetanus: the injection site hurts. What to do?
Consider the main unpleasant moments that occur after the introduction of the vaccine:
- Where the tetanus vaccine was given, the injection site hurts. This phenomenon is quite real. But if the specialist did everything right, then the pain will subside on the third day. Painful sensations occur most often when part of the medicine has come under the skin, and not in the proper place. This is because it is more difficult for the vaccine to penetrate the bloodstream from under the skin of the person, which may result in a slight inflammation.
- If a tetanus shot is given, the injection site hurts, how to treat the problem, the doctor will tell you. Standard tips are: take anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen or Nimesil.
- When the whole arm hurts, this also indicates that the vaccine has passed under the skin. Here the pain goes away when the drug is absorbed into the blood. Use the following ointments: Troxevasin, Ekuzan, Diclofenac, or Nimesulide.
- The vaccine is usually given to children in the arm. Adults are vaccinated against tetanus under the shoulder blade. Such an injection is painful in itself, so it happens that, after a tetanus shot is given, the injection site hurts. In this case, a damp cloth or heating pad can be placed under the shoulder blade. This should ease the discomfort.
A small bump or swelling may also appear, which should disappear after 3-4 days. As a prophylaxis, doctors recommend applying a sterile bandage to the bump (you can also use a bactericidal patch), oiled with a special ointment, or drinking the Suprastin course.
Complications after vaccination
When a person is given a tetanus vaccine, the body's response to the injection may be different, but serious complications are almost impossible. But there may still be such exceptions: allergies, edema, or anaphylactic shock. In addition, diarrhea, bowel problems, itching at the injection site and increased sweating are possible. More often, such problems relate to a weakened body, so strengthen your immune system and lead a healthy lifestyle.
If we talk about neglected side effects, then it should be clarified about the possible occurrence of seizures, dermatitis, rhinitis, otitis media and pharyngitis. Therefore, if any discomfort appears after you have been vaccinated against tetanus (the injection site hurts, the temperature rises, a bump or swelling appears), you should consult a doctor and not self-medicate.