Rusty nail, this. Rusty nail, that. It seems like every time someone is barefoot in NYC, there’s someone screaming, “Watch out for rusty nails!” or “Don’t step on a rusty nail—you’ll get tetanus!” Well, we’re here to tell you that rust does NOT cause tetanus. We know it’s hard to comprehend because of how many times we’ve heard this old wives tail growing up but in the following article we will explain what DOES cause tetanus and how helpful a simple vaccination is towards protecting ourselves from catching it.
What is tetanus?
It is a dangerous bacterial disease common all over the world. Many people refer to it as “lockjaw,” as one of its symptoms is a tightening of mouth muscles. Tetanus cannot be spread from person to person, it must be caught firsthand. The tetanus bacteria are found in soil and can enter the bloodstream through the tiniest of cuts and wounds. One can even become infected with tetanus through a scratch on the skin surface.
The reason that we have been warned against rusty nails our entire lives is that rusty nails are most commonly found outside in the dirt where the bacteria resides. Rust is a rough surface when looked at under a microscope, thus it is the ideal place for the bacteria to cling to. Infection can occur if your skin is punctured by the nail. Because of the tetanus vaccination, the cases of “lockjaw” have been dwindling in NYC and across the country.
The first sign of tetanus infection is muscle stiffness, especially around the mouth, jaw and neck. Once infection takes hold severe muscle spasms may occur. The muscles may spasm so severely that they “lock” up and can cause difficulty swallowing and even breathing. It is possible to die from suffocation if suffering from a severe case of tetanus. According to the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention, tetanus will be fatal (death) in one in ten cases!
Because tetanus is so dangerous and can cause severe autonomic nervous system disorders, the vaccination is the most important step in protection. Individuals should know that it is not one simple shot but a series that are spread over months. Depending on the amount of time spent outdoors, adults should receive the vaccination every ten years.
Chances are the vaccine was administered as a child with other more common vaccinations such as measles and whooping cough. If you have a child attending summer camp—or who spends a great deal of time outdoors playing—a vaccination is highly recommended. The recommendation includes children in NYC.
Who should NOT receive the tetanus vaccination?
Individuals who have an already comprised immune system due to existing health problems such as cancer or HIV, and/or anyone undergoing radiation treatment should not receive the vaccine. If suffering from a neurological disorder, speak to your doctor about the risks associated with the vaccine.
Pregnant women CAN receive a tetanus vaccine but the need should be great. Once again, a doctor should be consulted. Many times a doctor will hold off administering the vaccine to a pregnant woman unless there is a significant outbreak in her area and there is a serious threat that she will become infected.
Tetanus is too dangerous to take chances with. Therefore, if you live in the NYC area and need to visit a certified travel clinic, log onto NYC Travel Clinic for more information and to arrange an appointment today. Travel Clinic of New York is located mere blocks from Grand Central Station, making it easily accessible by all modes of public transportation. Call 1-212-696-5900 to speak to a person and to get more information. It makes good sense to protect against tetanus then to have to treat it once infected.
Tetanus is rare because we no longer raise cows who defecate on rusted nails. Cleanliness has more to do with the decline in infection than vaccines.
ReplyDeleteTetanus is rare because we no longer raise cows who defecate on rusted nails. Cleanliness has more to do with the decline in infection than vaccines.
ReplyDeleteTetanus is rare because it is rare, Vaccinations have nothing to do with stopping infection once a cut deep enough to create anoxic conditions for the bacterium to thrive has been experienced. This is like getting a parachute after falling. If the tetanus vaccine is effective it has to be BEFORE the cut, scrape, puncture or wound. As to why tetanus is rare; we live in a cleaner world with access to cleansers, lotions, sprays, gels and any number of anti-bacterial products. Cleanliness has more to do with stopping the spread of disease than vaccinations.
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