Q. Who should not be given Tetanus Immunoglobulin?
Tetanus Immunoglobulin should not be given to someone who is suffering from any blood disorders which interfere with clotting or if a person is allergic to any of the ingredients of Tetanus Immunoglobulin. Consult your doctor if you are not sure.
Q. How is Tetanus Immunoglobulin stored?
Tetanus Immunoglobulin is stored in the refrigerator (2-8°C). However, it may be stored at room temperature (25°C), in the dark for a short span of time (about a week), and this will not damage the medicine usually. But, it should be protected from direct sunlight and must not be freezed either.
Q. The solution looks discolored. Can I still use Tetanus Immunoglobulin?
No. You should not use Tetanus Immunoglobulin if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Normally, Tetanus Immunoglobulin is a clear to slightly cloudy, colorless to pale yellow sterile solution, available as single dose vials. The discolored solution may be contaminated and may not be as effective as it is expected to be. Also, it may cause additional side effects. So, it is better that you discard the solution and go for another vial.
Q. How is tetanus caused?
Tetanus is caused by a toxin (poison) produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The C. tetani bacteria cannot grow in the presence of oxygen. They produce spores that are very difficult to kill as they are resistant to heat and many chemical agents.
Q. How does tetanus spread?
C. tetani spores can be found in soil, dust and manure of many household and farm animals and humans. The bacteria usually enter the human body in the presence of anaerobic (low oxygen) conditions through an open wound or puncture in the skin . These are the only favourable conditions for C. tetani to grow. It must be noted that tetanus does not spread from person to person.
Q. How long does it take to show signs of tetanus after being exposed?
It may take around 3 to 21 days for the first symptoms to develop (incubation period). On an average, the symptoms usually appear on day 8. However, the time depends upon the site of infection which means if the injury site is far from the central nervous system, the longer will be the incubation period. The rate of risk with tetanus increases with a shorter incubation period.
Q. What are the symptoms of tetanus?
An early symptom of tetanus includes spasm of the jaw muscles which is then followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing and stiffness of the abdominal muscles. Other signs include fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate. Spasms often occur, which may last for several minutes and continue for 3–4 weeks. Complete recovery, if it occurs, may take months altogether.
Q. Is tetanus fatal?
Yes, tetanus can be fatal. In recent years, tetanus has been fatal in about 10% to 20% of reported cases.
Q. Is tetanus curable?
No, there is no cure for tetanus once a person develops symptoms, just supportive treatment and management of complications. The best treatment of tetanus is its prevention through immunization.
Q. How is Tetanus Immunoglobulin given?
Tetanus Immunoglobulin is administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor only and should not be self-administered. It is given either in the thigh muscle (for infants and young toddlers) or in the deltoid muscle (for older children and adults). Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Tetanus Immunoglobulin.
Q. Can Tetanus Immunoglobulin be given to pregnant women?
Yes, Tetanus Immunoglobulin can be taken by a pregnant woman. Cases of any fetal abnormalities in pregnant women have not been reported with the use of Tetanus Immunoglobulin. All pregnant women should receive Tetanus Immunoglobulin combined with other vaccines during pregnancy, preferably early between 27 and 36 weeks’ gestation. If a new mother hasn’t been vaccinated with Tetanus Immunoglobulin, she should receive it before hospital discharge. She can take Tetanus Immunoglobulin even if she is breastfeeding.
