Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Tetanus, also know as lockjaw, is a condition affecting the nervous system. It is contracted when spore of the tetanus bacteria enter the body and can produce a powerful poison. Tetanus spore are found in the soil, dust, animal waste, and rust. The spores can enter the body through a small pinprick, a scratch, a deep puncture wound, or cuts made by nails, knives, rusty sharp metal objects, the hard ground, and sharp wooden objects. Spores can even enter the skin when it is damaged by burns.

Symptoms Of Tetanus
When tetanus spores enter a wound they produce a nerve poison that spread through the body causing painful symptoms. The tetanus infection in its early stages can cause headaches spasms and cramping of the jaw muscle, which is know as lockjaw. As the tetanus infection spreads more muscle spasms occur in the neck muscles, arms muscles, legs muscles, stomach muscle, and back muscles.

Junkyard And Trash Dump
The junkyard and garbage dump hold a vast collection of discarded waste of all kinds. They hold tons of rusty, sharp, scrap metal and old tin cans. The soil is thoroughly contaminated. Junkyards and trash dumps are places where scratches, cuts and serious wounds can easily occur if one is not careful.

Construction Sites
The construction site is another place where tetanus can easily be contracted. Construction sites are cluttered with rusty metal objects such as nails, staples, and metal building material. There is also splintered wood, sawing and cutting tools, dirt, and dust. Often scratches, cuts, and accidents causing deep wounds occur.

Landscape, Farm, and Field
Tetanus spores dwell in soil and in animal feces. Working with the soil and domestic animal waste places a person is at risk of contracting tetanus when injured during work.

Protection From Tetanus
People who work in the type of environment that puts them at risk of contracting tetanus can take steps to protect themselves from the bacterium.

Immunization
The main action a person should take to protect him or herself is to get the tetanus immunization shots. A tetanus vaccine is available. The vaccine can protect a person against infection if an accident occurs resulting in wound or skin abrasion.

Protective Wear
A person should wear long denim pants to protect the legs and long and wear long sleeves to protect the arms. Thick sole boots that reach above the ankles are the best footwear protection. When working one should always wear work gloves to protect the hands. When working in junkyards, garbage dumps, and on construction sites, a person should wear protective eye wear and breath mask.

Cover Wounds
All skin abrasion, such as scratches or cuts, should be covered in water resistant bandages to protect from infection. Be sure to bandage sores and busted pimples as well.

Hygiene
Wash your work clothes daily. Use hot water and a good anti bacteria disinfectant detergent. When at work, do not put unwashed hands in ones mouth, nose, eyes, and face. Also do not touch skin abrasions and wounds. When returning home from work immediately take a shower and change into clean clothes. Be sure to clean beneath the finger nails. Seek immediate treatment for skin abrasions and wounds once they occur. Seek medial help for deep wounds. Keep wounds clean, and use antibiotics on wounds when cleaning and dressing them.

Tetanus is a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious harm. If a person is careful he or she can protect him or herself from being infected by the bacteria..