Check tetanus shot booster before travel

BETHESDA, Md., Jul 16, 2005 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases is urging U.S. travelers to make sure they are up to date on their tetanus shots before traveling.

Tetanus bacteria are common in the environment and can be found in dust and dirt. The bacteria can enter the body through even the tiniest wound from a foot blister, a scrape when packing the car or a cut caused when changing a tire -- and can lead to an infection and an incapacitating disease.

"When someone gets a tetanus infection, it usually leads to a long hospital stay, a machine to assist with breathing and weeks or months of rehabilitation," said NFID Medical Director Dr. Susan J. Rehm. "That's why we want to reinforce the importance for everyone in the family to make sure they are up to date with the tetanus booster."

The majority of children up to age 11 are vaccinated against both tetanus and diphtheria, but protection fades with time and by age 20 only 47 percent are protected against these diseases. Booster vaccination is required throughout life to guard against infection and its consequences.