Which types of wounds are most susceptible to tetanus infection?

Experts advise that if you are stabbed or stepped on by a sharp object (glass, nails, metal, etc.) causing a skin tear and bleeding, you should not be careless because this wound can easily lead to tetanus infection.

Typically, people often underestimate the severity of injuries caused by foreign objects such as thorns, glass shards, splinters, or metal fragments piercing their hands or feet, thinking they are minor and not serious. However, according to Dr. Nguyen Trung Cap, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department (Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases), these seemingly small wounds can be harmful if not treated properly and promptly.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Cap, if someone is unfortunately stabbed by a sharp object, after treating the wound, they should go to a medical facility to receive a tetanus shot because it is unknown whether the foreign object contains tetanus bacteria.

Many people mistakenly believe that only stepping on nails or rusty metal can cause tetanus, but in reality, even minor scratches can easily lead to this condition.

Experts advise that if you are stabbed or stepped on by a sharp object causing a skin tear and bleeding, you should not take it lightly because this type of wound can easily lead to tetanus infection.

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease with a mortality rate of 25 to 90%. It is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. The tetanus bacteria are found everywhere: in soil, sand, animal feces, sewage, etc.

Here, tetanus bacteria easily enter open wounds, even minor scratches. They thrive in anaerobic conditions (crushed, dirty wounds, lack of air, tightly bandaged wounds, etc.). They then invade the body, travel to the nervous system, and cause muscle stiffness or spasms upon stimulation, which is very dangerous.

The majority of tetanus infections today occur primarily in young and middle-aged adults. These individuals often lack awareness of tetanus infection and therefore do not get vaccinated, or have been vaccinated many years ago but their protection has now diminished.

When infected with this disease, patients are usually hospitalized with fever, difficulty breathing, requiring a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation, body stiffness, and convulsions... If not treated promptly, the disease will progress and the risk of death is very high.

According to medical specialists, tetanus bacteria are incredibly resilient; neither boiling nor sun exposure can kill them. When they enter a wound, even small ones like scratches or abrasions, patients should not underestimate the risk of tetanus bacteria. In this environment, tetanus spores can still break free from their outer shell to develop into tetanus bacteria, multiplying and releasing toxins without causing swelling. This explains why even small, dry, and closed wounds can still develop toxins and cause tetanus.

Tetanus spores are very dangerous and can be found everywhere on Earth, such as in soil, sand, and animal feces. Therefore, anyone with a wound, even a small one, is at high risk of tetanus spores entering the body and causing tetanus. People should not let their guard down, as this can lead to tetanus infection.

Therefore, as soon as a sharp object penetrates the body, proper first aid should be administered to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.

Here are some things to do in case of stepping on or being pricked by a sharp object:

- Do not attempt to pull out a sharp object if it is deeply embedded in the body; this can worsen the wound and cause bleeding.

- Use a completely sterile gauze pad to wrap around the sharp object (a long, deeply embedded sharp object).

- Place padding around the sharp object to prevent it from moving.

- Minimize strenuous physical activity.

- Take the patient to a medical facility for prompt first aid.

- In the case of shallow wounds that can be removed directly by hand, wash your hands thoroughly before touching the wound. If the wound is bleeding only slightly, hold the bleeding area under cool running water for a few minutes. This will remove and wash away any potential sources of infection, reducing the likelihood of them entering the bloodstream.

- Do not scrub the wound while washing, as this may worsen it. Do not use your mouth to suck out dirt from the wound. Dry and cover the wound.

- Use sterile instruments to dry the wound and immediately cover it with a waterproof bandage. Many people don't bandage wounds because they think they're not too serious. But it's best to bandage them to prevent infection and dirt from getting in later, especially if you've been stabbed in the sole of your foot or hand.

The tetanus vaccine is effective for 10 years.

Cases where tetanus vaccination is necessary

Pregnant women:Pregnant women should be vaccinated against tetanus to protect their newborns from neonatal tetanus. Just two injections are enough to keep both mother and baby safe.

Farmers, people who work on farms:These individuals are susceptible to tetanus due to frequent contact with environments such as fields, mud, animal and poultry manure, and foreign objects where bacteria thrive. Therefore, even minor injuries like scratches or bleeding during work can easily lead to tetanus infection. Vaccination is essential for prevention.

Construction workers building structures:People who frequently come into contact with metal, concrete, and steel are at risk of injury from sharp objects. Therefore, getting a tetanus vaccination is recommended to protect yourself from unfortunate incidents.

According to Family & Society