Tetanus is a severe disease that is caused by a bacterial toxin. This leads to painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus shots in NJ are recommended to folks who are planning to travel outside the country. There are diseases like tetanus which are very common in the areas you are traveling in. Hence it is important to visit a clinic and get travel shots before you start traveling.
Mentioned below are facts you should know about Tetanus Shots in NJ.
What is Tetanus? Tetanus, also known as “Lockjaw” is a disease that is contracted through exposure to the spores of bacteria. This bacteria is found in soil, manure, and other environmental agents. In the United States, there are about 30 cases each year. The people who fall sick are the ones who have not been vaccinated against tetanus.
Where can you catch Tetanus? Tetanus is very common in countries like Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal, Turkey. But because of tetanus shots, it has been eliminated in more than 30 countries with previously had high rates of the illness.
Symptoms of Tetanus: The indications of tetanus may appear anytime from a few days to several weeks. Some of the common symptoms of tetanus consist of the following:
- Stiffness in your jaw muscles
- Stiffness of your neck muscles
- Difficulty in swallowing food
- Stiffness of your abdominal muscles
- Fever
- Sweating
- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
What is the Tetanus vaccine? Tetanus vaccines are of two types:
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine: This vaccine is basically given to children and it provides protection against three diseases including a throat and respiratory infection, whooping cough and tetanus. The DTaP vaccine is a series of five shots, typically given to children at ages 2 months,4 months,6 months,15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years
The booster: A booster of the tetanus vaccine is typically given in combination with a booster of diphtheria vaccine. This vaccine is used in teens and adults under the age of 65.
How can you pay for Tetanus vaccines? There are various healthcare insurance plans that cover the number of vaccinations. However, do not forget to check with your insurance provider before going to the doctor. In cases where you do not have any insurance that covers the vaccines of your child, you can take help from Children Vaccine Program. This program helps families who are not able to afford and do not have access to vaccines.
To know more about tetanus shots in NJ, Contact NJ Doctors Urgent Care.
