Tetanus Essays (483 words) - Tetanus, Clostridium Tetani, Antitoxin

Tetanus Tetanus Tetanus is a serious, sometimes fatal, disease caused by the infection of a puncture wound in the skin by spores containing the bacterium, Clostridium tetani. These bacterial spores are commonly found in soil, animal excrement, house dust, operating rooms, contaminated heroin, and most surprisingly the human colon. The bacteria that causes tetanus cannot grow in the presence of oxygen. That is why the bacteria do not grow in shallow or wide wounds exposed to air. The way these spores enter your body is through a wound that penetrates the skin and extends deeper than oxygen can reach. The spores then produce a nerve toxin as they multiply and enter the bloodstream. The newly produced nerve toxin causes spasms and convulsions by interfering with the nerves that control muscles. The toxin moves inward towards the spine at about 10 inches a day. Once tetanus has spread, the mortality rate is approximately 40%. The tetanus bacteria commonly live in the intestines of both animals and humans. As mentioned earlier, tetanus is found in soil, animal excrement, house dust, operating rooms, contaminated heroin, and the human colon, but the most prevalent way of communication is through animal bites. Wild animals are perfect carriers for tetanus, and with nature's constant unpredictability there is always a chance of infection. There is also many unknown ways of infection that you may never have thought were possible for tetanus; such as stomach ulcers and infected umbilical cords. Symptoms are extensive and painful, some of which include uncontrollable spasms, stiff jaw and neck muscles, difficulty swallowing, slight fever, headache, chills, involuntary contraction of muscles, and irritability. Typically the first symptoms are felt eight to twelve days after infection. In severe infections it takes only a minor stimulus to trigger s seizure. If muscle spasms develop early, chances of recovery are poor. Some of the most common risk factors occur in people who have not had recent booster vaccinations against the disease. Fortunately there are only about 50 cases a year that are reported in this country. Of those 50 about three quarters are elderly people or people who have never been immunized. Though an estimated one million infants die of tetanus in developing countries each year because of poor hygiene. If tetanus ever develops in your body you must seek medical attention immediately. You may receive a course of antibiotics and an injection of tetanus antitoxin. Other treatments include medications such as chlorpromazine, diazepam, and you may even require the aid of an artificial respirator or other life support measures during the first couple weeks. Prevention is of the most importance since tetanus is often fatal, even with expert treatment. The two major means of prevention are immunization and wound care. Immunizations should be given at least every 10 years and possibly sooner. When you have a wound, even a tiny scratch there is always a possibility of contracting tetanus. You can never be too careful, so take every precaution and take care of yourself. You never know when you could have tetanus. Bibliography Works Cited 1.)http://www.metrokc.gov/health/prevcont/tetanus.htm 2.)http://www.health-net.com/tetanus.htm 3.)http://www.onhealth.com/home/resource/conditions/fulltext/item ,670.asp Medicine and Health Care

Prostitution Should Be Legal essays

Prostitution Should Be Legal essays Prostitution: It Should Be Legalized Argument: Men have been paying women for sex for hundreds of years and continue to keep the business of prostitution alive. Prostitution should be legalized because the government can help regulate the industry by periodically testing for diseases to help reduce the spreading of STDs amongst customers and prostitutes. Many Americans find prostitution immoral because the idea of paying for sex does not seem ethical. This is a matter of taste versus opinion. There is no difference between a legal one-night stand and an illegal solicitation for sex. Meeting a woman and spending money on her in order to lead to sex is a variation of prostitution and is legal. Sex is a natural part of the human psyche. Men and women will find ways to have sex even if it means paying another person to participate. Prostitution has thrived for hundreds of years because of this concept and reality. By legalizing prostitution, the government can help regulate the spread of diseases amongst prostitutes and paying customers. Periodic blood testing can ensure that most prostitutes are not carrying STDs that can be passed along to other people. The governments involvement in prostitution is very important. A license will be awarded to people that want to offer sex for a fee. Every month, this license must be renewed by taking a blood test and proving that you are disease free. This helps prostitutes maintain a clean bill of health and helps control the spread of diseases from worker to customer. These tests will help determine if a prostitute is physically healthy to have sex with other strangers for money. If a prostitute is found to be carrying an STD, she can seek out customers with similar diseases. This will prevent the spreading of unwanted STDs. Plus, if a prostitute has contracted a fatal STD, she can probably meet another man that has the same disease. A man with AIDS will feel loved and sa ...