Have you ever known someone who had polio or rubella? You probably haven’t because vaccines have helped decrease the occurrence of these and other dangerous diseases for centuries.
There are two major types of vaccines: live attenuated and inactivated. Live attenuated vaccines contain a weakened version of a disease, and an inactivated vaccine contains a dead version. Both versions expose your body to a small amount of an illness to develop antibodies that will recognize the disease in the future and destroy it before it makes you sick.
This probably sounds great, right? Unfortunately, the emergence of the COVID-19 vaccine disrupted confidence in their safety and effectiveness making vaccines a hot topic. One common misconception of vaccines is that they cause autism, which caused national concern after Andrew Wakefield’s 1998 article. This article has since been retracted and shown to be fraudulent. No credible publications or evidence has been made to link vaccines and autism. As a nurse, this is the most important misconception for me to explain to patients because science tells us they are a safe way to manage and prevent potentially life-threatening illnesses.
With weather temperatures rising, you may find your outdoor activities increasing too. Small activities like walking around barefoot, washing the car or digging in the garden can create space for tetanus infections. It easily enters the body through breaks in the skin that are as small as a papercut or insect bite. That’s why I’m here to share the importance of tetanus vaccines.
What is a tetanus shot, and how does it support wellness?
A tetanus booster is suggested every ten years in adulthood. You may have heard the vaccine referred to as DTaP or TDap. The “P” stands for pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Most tetanus vaccines cover both. Even though tetanus is not contagious, there isn’t a cure and the World Health Organization considers it a medical emergency. Those suffering from the disease can only be treated for the symptoms until they go away. Once infected, the body unfortunately doesn’t become immune, meaning continued vaccination is needed to prevent further infections.
Some people are worried about side effects. However, the most common ones are mild pain or tenderness at the injection site and a low-grade fever. You can take Tylenol and see the side effects resolve within a few hours. One thing to keep in mind is that it’s always important to know if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in a vaccine. Some are available egg-free or preservative-free.
What are the warning signs of a tetanus infection?
Tetanus gets its name from the way it causes muscle contractions. Commonly seen as stiff muscles in the neck and jaw, a tetanus infection can cause what is commonly called lockjaw. It even has the potential to lead to seizures, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, headaches, and muscle spasms throughout the body. It can be especially dangerous for babies, so sometimes adults who are regularly around babies or new parents choose to stay vaccinated.
All to say, just like all vaccines, tetanus and pertussis vaccines safely help prevent diseases. Take time to speak to a trusted medical professional and do research to know the facts and myths about vaccines so you can make the best decision for you and your family.
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