I’ve Been Diagnosed with Prediabetes: Now What?
If you’ve recently been diagnosed with prediabetes, you might be wondering what the next steps are. We review how to manage — or even reverse — your prediabetes here.
When Was the Last Time You Had a Tetanus Booster?
Tetanus is a severe bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and causes muscle stiffness, spasms, and lockjaw. It can even be fatal.
The good news is that tetanus is rare and highly preventable. If you’re not current on your tetanus shots, the primary care providers at Healthstone Primary Care Partners in Weston, Davie, and Pembroke Pines, FL, can help. Here’s what they want you to know about this serious infection and getting vaccinated against it.
What causes tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, found in soil, dust, and animal feces. The bacteria can enter the body through a wound or cut, releasing a toxin that affects the nervous system. If you think you have been exposed to tetanus, seek medical attention immediately.
How the tetanus vaccine works
The tetanus shot is a vaccine that helps prevent tetanus by producing antibodies that fight the bacteria if it enters the body. The vaccine also protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). The tetanus vaccine is highly effective, with a 97% effectiveness rate for preventing tetanus.
How often do you need a tetanus shot?
The CDC recommends that adults get a tetanus booster every ten years. If you have a deep or dirty wound and haven't had a booster in five years, you should get one. Everyone should get a tetanus shot, regardless of age, unless they have a medical reason not to. Infants and children get tetanus shots starting at two months of age.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
The symptoms of tetanus usually appear within ten days to 3 weeks after infection. They include:
- Stiffness in the jaw muscles
- Stiffness in the neck muscles
- Difficulty swallowing
- Muscle spasms and stiffness in the abdominal muscles
- Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
As the disease progresses, other signs and symptoms may include:
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Extreme sweating
What are the risks of tetanus?
Tetanus can be life-threatening, especially for older adults and people with weakened immune systems. Even with treatment, the mortality rate is around 10%.
Don't let tetanus catch you off guard. Make sure you're up-to-date on your tetanus booster, and get one if you have not had one in the past five years. Protecting yourself from this serious and potentially deadly infection is a simple step.
To schedule your tetanus booster and for all your primary healthcare needs, call us or request an appointment online today.
You Might Also Enjoy...
How High Cholesterol Puts You at Risk for Heart Disease and What You Can Do About It
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in our bloodstream. While necessary, it can cause health problems when levels remain too high, particularly in your heart. Read on to learn more.
Can the Flu Trigger a Heart Attack?
Having the flu is miserable. But did you know it can trigger a heart attack or cause other serious heart issues? Read to learn more, including steps to protect yourself.
How Often Do I Need Pap Smears?
Every year, over 4,000 women in the United States lose their lives to cervical cancer. Early detection through a straightforward test known as a Pap smear can be a lifesaver. Since January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, take a minute to learn when and
7 Ways Airplane Travel Affects Your Body and How to Prepare
There’s no quicker way to traverse the country — or world — than flying. However, your body can pay a price for air travel. Learn how flying impacts your body and the steps you can take to mitigate the effects.
Understanding RSV in Older Adults
The CDC recommends that adults age 60 and older get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with the first-ever vaccine designed to mitigate this highly contagious respiratory virus. Read on to learn more.