Question 4
List some important prevention strategies for tetanus. (Type your answers in the box provided then clock Next to view author's answer)

Answer
In Nepal tetanus toxoid is incorporated into the DTP vaccine given at 6 weeks and every subsequent month for two months (total 3 doses).  A booster dose of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (DT) is given at 4-6 years of age, but thereafter every 10 years. Booster doses more frequent than this can lead to more severe local reactions.

Government guidelines in Nepal recommend that all pregnant women should receive two doses of Tetanus toxoid in their first pregnancy and one dose in each subsequent pregnancy.  Immunity is passively transferred to the foetus and the antibodies produced will remain long enough to protect the baby during the neonatal period.

Local women should be educated in the importance of aseptic technique when cutting the umbilical cord, and addressing dangerous health beliefs, such as the use of cow dung on the cord.

People should be encouraged to wear protective footwear to prevent puncture wounds.

Thorough and careful wound management is also an important prevention strategy for tetanus.