Tetanus

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial infection. The bacteria usually get into the body through a cut or wound in the skin. The bacteria make a powerful poison that causes muscles to contract uncontrollably in spasms. Tetanus is especially dangerous in young children and older adults.

Tetanus is also called lockjaw because the most common early symptom is tightening of the jaw muscles caused by spasms of the neck and jaw muscles.

How does it occur?

The bacteria that cause tetanus are found in soil, dust, and manure. The poison made by the bacteria travels in the bloodstream to nerves. The poison irritates the nerves and causes muscle spasms you cannot control.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may appear 3 days to 3 weeks after an injury. The first symptom is usually stiffness of the jaw. The stiffness is caused by muscle spasms. Other symptoms are:

• stiffness of the neck
• trouble swallowing
• stiffness of the muscles in your belly
• fever
• sweating
• fast pulse.

How is it diagnosed?

Your provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you.

How is it treated?

Treatment usually includes:

• thorough cleaning of all wounds
• a tetanus booster shot
• a shot of tetanus immune globulin
• antibiotics.

In cases when symptoms are severe, treatment may include:

• muscle relaxants to relieve spasms
• use of a mechanical ventilator if you need help breathing
• physical therapy to prevent muscle contracture, which is a permanent shortening or tightening of muscles and tendons caused by constant spasms.

How long will the effects last?

The spasms can last for several weeks. Tetanus can be fatal, especially in the very young and very old, but most people recover completely. However, it is much easier to prevent tetanus than to treat it.

How can I take care of myself?

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions.
• Complete your physical therapy to help your body get back its strength and flexibility.

How can I prevent tetanus?

In the US, shots of a vaccine against tetanus are routinely given during childhood. The vaccine is called DPT. It protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) as well as tetanus. After childhood, you need a booster shot for tetanus every 10 years.

Whenever you have a dirty cut, animal bite, or puncture wound, check to see when you last had a booster shot. Get a tetanus booster shot within 3 days of the injury if:

• The wound is dirty or involves rusty metal AND
• It has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus shot or you do not know when you last had a tetanus shot.

Try to get the shot the same day as the injury if possible. If you cannot get the shot within 1 to 3 days of the injury, get it as soon as you can. The bacteria multiply quickly if they become trapped in a wound and you are not immunized.

Make sure you stay up to date with your tetanus shots even if you have had a tetanus infection. A previous infection does not protect you against another infection.