TB v. Tetanus

Because this is something everyone should know:

Tuberculosis is a deadly infectious disease caused by bacteria. The disease is characterized by a persisting cough lasting a few weeks, chest pain, and perhaps even coughing up blood. Also, such oldies but goodies, as chills, night sweats, appetite loss, weight loss, and easy fatigability. Yay...

Did you know that over one third of the people on this planet have TB bacteria in their system and that one person per second gets it? Luckily for us, most of the bacteria is asymptomatic.

Tetanus is "the medical term indicating prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers." A common symptom is lockjaw. Most people in the US (maybe all....) are vaccinated for Tetanus and get booster shots every ten years.

Most people think that you will get tetanus if you scratch yourself with something rusty (ie, step on a rusty nail). Rust, however, has very little to do with tetanus. Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that can often be found in the same environments are rusty objects (its mostly found in soil and animal feces). However, a non-rusty piece of metal (is there a word for the opposite of rusty?*) or a stick or whatever can cause an open wound that can be just as easily infected. If you are in an urban environment, where not as much bacteria may be present, you will likely have a much lower chance to catch tetanus.

Many people, back in the day, associated vampirism with TB. It gave people red eyes, pale skin, sensitivity to light, and coughing blood.

*Loyal reader anonymous pointed out that the opposite of rusty could be uncorroded or unoxidized. Thanks.