Question
A pediatric patient asked about a newborn who is not eating or drinking, requires oxygen for breathing, and is unable to move. The question is whether there is hope for treatment.
Answer
The incubation period for tetanus can range from two weeks to several months, even up to several years. Its occurrence is difficult to predict, and once it occurs, the mortality rate remains relatively high, although it has decreased in recent years. Tetanus can now be completely prevented through the administration of tetanus antitoxin. If unfortunately infected with tetanus, treatment will require more effort and resources, making prevention the top priority.