Conducting emergency tetanus prophylaxis may be required in emergency situations, accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the skin. 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? Why is prevention done?
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 general tension of the skeletal muscle tone.
Clinical manifestations are associated with the fact that, entering the human body, the bacterium begins to produce tetanus toxin. Thetanospasmin, which is part of it, and causes pronounced tonic muscle contractions. In addition, tetanhemolysin accumulates in the body, 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
The tetanus toxoid purified and adsorbed on an aluminum hydroxide gel 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 suspension of yellowish color. During storage, it is divided into two parts - a transparent liquid and sediment. Available in 0.5 ml, which is one vaccination dose. This amount contains tetanus toxoid - 10 EU. Also included are a sorbent and preservative. The injection liquid is in 1 ml ampoules.
Emergency prevention
To prevent the development of the disease, the following drugs are administered: tetanus toxoid, tetanus toxoid immunoglobulin and tetanus toxoid . The choice of a particular drug, their combination depends on the clinical case. If the planned vaccinations were given and the person has documentation confirming this fact on his hands, preventive injections are not carried out. Missing only one last routine vaccine is an indication for the administration of an toxoid. If several injections were missed, a combination of toxoid and immunoglobulin is required. The serum is administered to children under 5 months of age, in whom routine prophylaxis has not yet been carried out. The most difficult situation is with pregnant women. In such cases, any administration of prophylactic drugs is prohibited in the first half of pregnancy, and only serum is contraindicated in the second half. That is why planned prevention of the disease is so important.
Often used tetanus toxoid. Although the instruction is simple, it can only be entered in specialized institutions.
Routine prevention
To prevent the emergence of such a formidable disease as tetanus, timely administration of the combined vaccine, carried out in a planned manner, helps. Tetanus toxoid is the neutralized toxins of tetanus bacteria. They can not cause harm to the body, on the contrary, they contribute to the formation of substances to combat the active toxin. The use of toxoid is the basis of prevention.
At the moment, DTP vaccine is used for routine prophylaxis - 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 introduce the drug into the deltoid muscle in the adult population and in the anterolateral surface of the leg (middle) in children under 3 years of age. The routine prevention procedure includes three vaccines. They are administered, observing an interval of 1.5 months and starting from 2 months of the baby's life. Revaccination - a year after the third.
Side effects
Vaccinations often lead to mild side effects. This indicates the proper formation of the immune system and will soon pass. However, parents should be alert and consult a pediatrician if the response to the vaccine is intense. At the injection site, a local reaction may normally occur - a slight swelling, hyperemia and soreness. The child is concerned about decreased 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 is manifested only by a skin rash. However, if the baby has developed Quincke's edema or convulsions, an ambulance should be called immediately. In any case, the planned prevention should be monitored by a pediatrician at all stages. This will avoid serious complications. Specialists will ensure the correct administration of a drug such as tetanus toxoid. Its use should occur strictly according to the instructions.
Prevention is a mandatory activity, which is carried out as planned. Such a complex can prevent the development of tetanus, which is attributed to extremely dangerous diseases.