DOH advises firecracker victims to get anti-Tetanus shots

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) urged those who sustained burns and injuries from firecrackers to get anti-Tetanus shots. 

DOH Assistant Secretary Dr Eric Tayag said this is a cheaper and life-saving measure. 

Tayag said two shots of toxoid and anti-tetanus serum cost from around P300 in a government hospital to as much as P2,000 in a private hospital.

This is significantly cheaper than a treatment for tetanus which could cost P5,000 for mild complications or as much as P30,000 for serious cases. This excludes lost productivity of patients and those who accompany them to the hospital.  

“Mas mura pa ding magpa-anti-tetanus shots kaysa magpagamot sa tetanus (It is still cheaper to get anti-tetanus shots than undergo tetanus treatment). It (tetanus) can also be fatal so you should not take the risk,” Tayag said.

Tayag warned against ignoring even small wounds because these could still be infected. Fireworks contain various substances that are harmful to humans. 

He added that as long as symptoms have not yet manifested, a person who sustained wounds or burns can still be vaccinated against tetanus.

The DOH recorded only one case of tetanus, that of a 32-year-old man from San Pedro, Laguna. He injured his right hand when a sparkler exploded in his hand. He eventually died.

The agency on Saturday, January 5, ended its registry for “Action Paputok Injury Reduction: Iwas Paputok” campaign. The surveillance covered 50 sentinel hospitals across the country.

Data showed there were 862 accidents related to the New Year celebrations. There were 835 firecracker-related injuries, 25 stray bullet injuries, and two incidents of fireworks ingestion. 

The DOH also said there was one death reported due to a stray bullet – 7-year-old Stephanie Nicole Ella of Malaria, Tala, Caloocan City who was hit at the height of New Year revelry. – Rappler.com