The WOW (Wellness on Wheels) van made its monthly stop in Delano Tuesday, Feb. 12 by Coborn’s. As a Wright County Public Health service, they would like to remind adults of the area the importance of adult boosters for tetanus and diphtheria.

The following information is from a brochure WOW hands out to Wright County residents;

What is Tetanus?
A severe infection that is not contagious but often ends in death. Tetanus is caused by bacteria which is found almost everywhere- soil, dirt and even within our bodies. When the environment is right the bacteria can cause severe illness in those who are not properly vaccinated. Deep and/or dirty wounds provide the ideal place for tetanus infections. Symptoms include painful spasms and stiffness, including lockjaw.

What is Diphtheria?
A contagious, deadly disease that spreads through direct contact with an infected person,, usually by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, chills, difficulty swallowing and a swollen neck.

How to protect yourself:
The tetanus and diphtheria vaccine can help protect against both of these serious infections. Unfortunately, too many adults forget their booster vaccinations and let their Td protection run out. In fact, as many as 53% of American adults over 20 years old are unprotected for both tetanus and diphtheria because they haven’t kept up with their boosters. That means that any puncture wound or close contact with a coughing person could lead to tetanus or diphtheria, respectively- and to a possibly fatal infection. One booster shot every 10 years protects against both tetanus and diphtheria.

The next time the WOW van will be in Delano, by Coborn’s is Tuesday, March 11 from 2-6 p.m.
There are many other services they offer, for more information contact Wright County Public health at (763) 682-7717 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7717.