Temagami Family Health Team
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Mission, Vision and Values
    • Office
    • Quality Improvement
    • Privacy Statement
    • FAQ
  • Programs and Services
    • TFHT Programs
    • Allied Service Providers
  • NEW Online Booking
  • News
  • Partners & Links
  • CAREERS
  • Survey
  • Contact

Tetanus and Gardening

7/10/2015

 
The disease, which used to kill about 40 to 50 Canadians a year in the 1920s and 30s, is now only rarely reported.  But doctors who have seen what tetanus does do not forget it. 

The bacteria multiply and start producing toxins that force muscles into painful contractions.  One of the first places where those contractions take hold is in the muscles of the jaw -- that’s where tetanus’ other name, lockjaw, comes from.  Between 10 and 20% of tetanus cases die.

The disease is caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, which are found in soil all over the world.  Because the bacteria are in soil, they are also in dust, so the spores can settle on objects like the thorns of a bush or a fence.  Typical tetanus stories involve gardening, which is why health care providers aggressively promote tetanus vaccination in the spring and summer.

Tetanus is among the immunizations given in childhood.  It’s bundled in vaccines that protect against diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and polio.  Any child who has had all of his or her shots will be protected against tetanus. 

Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years to maintain the needed level of protective antibodies.  For adults, the vaccine comes in a serum that also protects against diphtheria and pertussis.

Think about tetanus this time of year, especially if you’re a gardener.  And make sure your booster is up-to-date!

The Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team ...
committed to keeping you as healthy as possible!

Comments are closed.

    Author

    Ellen Ibey

    Archives

    August 2022
    April 2022
    November 2020
    March 2020
    April 2019
    November 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All
    Awareness
    Clinic
    Nutrition
    Preventative Care
    Procedures
    Programs

    RSS Feed

Temagami Medical Centre and Family Health Team provides quality inter-disciplinary health care to Temagami and area.

Patient Survey


If you're a Temagami FHT patient, we want to hear your input! Click below to fill out our Patient Experience Survey.

Survey

What's New?

There's always something going on at the Temagami FHT. Check out our calendar for up-to-date events, and click below for our news page, updated weekly with the latest tips and information!
News

Further information

Association of Family Health Teams in Ontario

Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

Health Services for North East Ontario

About 

Team
Mission
Privacy

Programs

Foam Roller
Smoking Cessation
Cancer Screening

Support

Contact
FAQ
Office Hours & Location
© COPYRIGHT 2015. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Picture
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Mission, Vision and Values
    • Office
    • Quality Improvement
    • Privacy Statement
    • FAQ
  • Programs and Services
    • TFHT Programs
    • Allied Service Providers
  • NEW Online Booking
  • News
  • Partners & Links
  • CAREERS
  • Survey
  • Contact