Why is Rabies Different than Tetanus

[TonyaW]

Why is it after a person has been exposed to rabies that they can get a vaccine that will prevent it within a certain time period but this is not the case with tetanus? I was just pondering tetanus and this thought came to mind.

[mamadelbosque]

Because your not getitng a vaccine. Just like if you have a wound thats *ACTUALLY* a risk for tetanus, they aren't going to give you the vax. In both places they'll be giving you immunoglobin - the TIG in the case of tetanus, what we *call* rabies vaccine in the case of rabies, but its actually rabies immunoglobin.

[Otto]

Originally Posted by mamadelbosque

Because your not getitng a vaccine. Just like if you have a wound thats *ACTUALLY* a risk for tetanus, they aren't going to give you the vax. In both places they'll be giving you immunoglobin - the TIG in the case of tetanus, what we *call* rabies vaccine in the case of rabies, but its actually rabies immunoglobin.

Postexposure rabies prophylaxis generally includes both HRIG and the vaccine series. The immunoglobulin provides short-term passive immunity, the vaccine more lasting active immunity. (Remember that symptoms can take over a month to develop.)

[thepeach80]

It's the same type of thing for tetatnus though right? They get away w/ giving the vax after an injury b/c the chances of you having tetanus are slim. Isn't there a possibility of death if they gave the tetanus vax (DTP or whatever it is now for adults) to someone who actually had tetanus?

[Fyrestorm]

Originally Posted by thepeach80

It's the same type of thing for tetatnus though right? They get away w/ giving the vax after an injury b/c the chances of you having tetanus are slim. Isn't there a possibility of death if they gave the tetanus vax (DTP or whatever it is now for adults) to someone who actually had tetanus?

This depends on the persons previous vax status. If they are up to date, tetanus should not be a problem. They give the vax after injury as a booster.

If the person has either never sero converted, never been vaxed, or the vax has worn off then the vax would be useless in an actually tetanus situation. I'm not sure HCPs are actually aware of this.

Here is a chart that actually describes what should be given in what situation:
http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/Dat...aladultvac.htm

[Otto]

Originally Posted by thepeach80

It's the same type of thing for tetatnus though right? They get away w/ giving the vax after an injury b/c the chances of you having tetanus are slim. Isn't there a possibility of death if they gave the tetanus vax (DTP or whatever it is now for adults) to someone who actually had tetanus?

First I've heard of this.

[newmum35]

Originally Posted by Otto

First I've heard of this.

Perhaps what she meant to say is that if someone actually WAS at risk of tetanus and was given tetanus VACCINE after their injury instead of TIG then they could/would actually go on to get tetanus and die from it. Because of the ignorance or misunderstanding and misuse of the terms, assuming some are calling the tetanus tig a "vaccine" .. not sure if I am right but I assume thinking was along these lines

[Fyrestorm]

Originally Posted by newmum35

Perhaps what she meant to say is that if someone actually WAS at risk of tetanus and was given tetanus VACCINE after their injury instead of TIG then they could/would actually go on to get tetanus and die from it. Because of the ignorance or misunderstanding and misuse of the terms, assuming some are calling the tetanus tig a "vaccine" .. not sure if I am right but I assume thinking was along these lines

That was my understanding of what she was asking

[Otto]

Originally Posted by Fyrestorm

That was my understanding of what she was asking

Ah, that makes sense, thanks. Does anyone have an idea how long it generally takes after immunization with tetanus toxoid for the body to mount an effective response on its own?

[caned & able]

ON one of the threads here I read that it was at least two weeks...or more.

[thepeach80]

Thank you, yes, that's what I meant.