Reprinted from the ACJ - May, 1999
When was the last time you got a Tetanus shot? Last year, five years ago, twenty years ago? If the doctor gave you a lollipop for being such a good boy, it may be time to get another.
Tetanus, or `Lockjaw`, as the infection is often called, is caused by a bacteria (Clostridium Tetani) present in manure, dirt, dust, and Latin medical journals. It can attack our bodies through any open wound. Puncture wounds are the most dangerous, because the dirt from whatever stuck us rubs off beneath the skin and is trapped there. So, farmers, auto mechanics, butchers and sword swallowers are all at increased risk for tetanus infection. The underside and engine compartment of a car are prime spots for sharp objects covered in dirt, just waiting to stab us.
Now I know what you are thinking. "I've cut myself a million times and never had a problem". That may be true but, just like breaking a window, once it happens there is little chance of putting the pieces back together again. The infection starts at the wound site, with swelling, redness, pain and puss. Those are just the party favors! It can then travel through your blood stream causing fever, severe joint pain, and difficulty swallowing. The full frontal assault involves your muscles and nerves. Especially those muscles in your neck and upper back. Causing spasms, pain and continuous contraction. That is where the `Lockjaw' name comes from (I guess `Lockback' or `Lockneck' weren't sexy
enough for the disease marketing department). The death rate from a "body wide" tetanus infection is 50%! The lucky half of that group get massive antibiotic doses, hospitalization, surgical removal of the infected tissue, and a lovely open back hospital gown as a parting gift. I'll bet, right now, you are looking at the cuts on your hands, thinking "Does that look a little red and swelled up?" Don't worry, you're probably fine. Has your jaw always twitched like that?
Now the good news. Tetanus infection is completely preventable. As kids, sometimes as young as one year, we get a series of three tetanus vaccines. This builds up the antibodies in our systems to combat the bacteria. All we have to do is occasionally get a `booster' dose, to keep up the protection. It is suggested that we get a booster shot every ten years. For folks that cut themselves often, like us grease monkeys, getting a booster more often is advised. I think sword swallowers coat the blade with vaccine. That way they inoculate themselves with every mistake. For the rest of us, it just takes a shot in the upper arm. Which, by the way, remains sore as the dickens for a couple days.
So, I would recommend that if you can't remember when your last tetanus booster shot was, take a quick trip to your doctor. He will enjoy causing you pain and you will get peace of mind. If, after he gives you the shot, you notice no one else around, go ahead and ask for the lollipop.
The above article was written by David M. Brown, Chief Engineer of Johnson Manufacturing Company, Inc. and is published by JOHNSON with the expressed approval of the National Automotive Radiator Service Association and the Automotive Cooling Journal. Other reproduction or distribution of this information is forbidden without the written consent of JOHNSON and NARSA/ACJ. All rights reserved.
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