Tetanus vaccination and first aid save lives: Experts warn

While children play happily in parks during the summer months, there's a vital issue parents should be aware of: the risk of tetanus. Even minor injuries sustained on metal, glass, and rusty surfaces in parks can lead to serious infections. Experts emphasize the importance of both tetanus vaccination follow-up and basic first aid knowledge.

'NO IMMUNITY'

Speaking to Cumhuriyet, Dr. Emrah Kırımlı, President of the Family Medicine Branch of the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), emphasized that vaccination is the only way to prevent tetanus, stating that those who have completed their vaccinations do not need to worry about the disease. Kırımlı explained that tetanus bacterium spores are widely found in nature, saying, "They can survive for years in dust, soil, and manure. In the event of an injury, these spores enter the body and the disease occurs. Because there is no immunity to the disease, the only method of protection is vaccination. In our country, as part of the immunization program, combination vaccines are administered in the first 18 months of life, and tetanus vaccines are administered at family health centers at ages 4 and 13. After that, the vaccine should be repeated every 10 years. Newborn babies are protected by antibodies from their mothers. Therefore, vaccinating mothers during pregnancy will protect their babies."

'THE WOUND MUST BE WASHED QUICKLY'

Kırımlı stated that minor injuries that may occur in parks are the primary means of transmission. "Especially deep puncture wounds (thorns, ingrown nails, etc.), animal bites and scratches, and soil-contaminated wounds pose a risk of tetanus," he said. "Because tetanus bacteria is very common in nature, children playing in parks, gardens, or on the street are vulnerable to injury if they are unvaccinated. If you are not vaccinated or don't know your vaccination status, you should seek medical attention immediately after any injury." He emphasized that the wound should be washed immediately with plenty of soap and water. "If your vaccinations are up to date, there's no need for further action. If the injury is associated with an infection or needs care other than tetanus, appropriate care should be provided."

WHAT IS TETANUS?

Dr. Emrah Kırımlı defined tetanus as follows: "Tetanus is a bacterial disease that affects the brain and nervous system, causing muscle spasms and death. Thanks to widespread vaccination, this disease and related deaths are very rare in our country. Unlike other vaccine-preventable diseases, the disease is not spread from person to person."