It’s often referred to as “lockjaw” because it can cause painful spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles. Tetanus is a serious infection that can be life-threatening, and is easily prevented with vaccination. Any time you get a wound that may become contaminated with soil or environmental contents, you are at risk for tetanus. The disease can lead to serious complications, and even death. Tetanus is a medical emergency that requires treatment in a hospital. Most cases occur in people who have not been vaccinated.
Sudden, involuntary muscle tightening (muscle spasms) — often in the stomachPainful muscle stiffness all over the bodyTrouble swallowingJerking or staring (seizures)HeadacheFever and sweatingChanges in blood pressure and heart rate
The bacteria that causes the disease are usually found in soil, dust, and manure and enter the body through breaks in the skin. These cuts or puncture wounds can be caused by contaminated objects (for example, cutting your foot on a rusty nail).
Puncture wounds — including from splinters, body piercings, tattoos, and injection drugsGunshot woundsCompound fracturesBurnsSurgical woundsInjection drug useAnimal or insect bitesInfected foot ulcersDental infectionsInfected umbilical stumps in newborns born of inadequately vaccinated mothers
Prognosis of Tetanus
The prognosis generally depends on incubation period and the time from first symptom to first muscle spasm. In general, if symptoms develop and progress rapidly, the prognosis is worse. A person who has tetanus will be treated in a hospital, usually in the intensive care unit. In addition, you may also be given medicines to control muscle spasms and may need treatment to support vital body functions.
Prevention of Tetanus
Being up to date with your tetanus vaccine is the best tool to prevent tetanus. All women who become pregnant should receive the tetanus vaccine during the pregnancy (and any following pregnancies). This reduces the risk of neonatal tetanus infection by 94 percent. If you weren’t vaccinated against tetanus as a child, you should see your doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine. (Like DTaP, Tdap protects against tetanus, but in adults). Puncture wounds or other deep cuts, animal bites, or particularly dirty wounds put you at increased risk of tetanus infection. Seek medical attention if the wound is deep and dirty, particularly if you’re unsure of when you were last vaccinated. Leave unclean wounds open to avoid trapping bacteria in the wound with a bandage. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have a minor wound, these steps will help prevent tetanus:
Control the bleeding. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding.Keep the wound clean. After the bleeding stops, rinse the wound thoroughly with clean running water. Clean the area around the wound with soap and a washcloth. If something is embedded in a wound, see your doctor.Use antibiotics. After you clean the wound, apply a thin layer of an antibiotic cream or ointment. These antibiotics won’t make the wound heal faster, but they can discourage bacterial growth and infection.Cover the wound. Exposure to the air might speed healing, but bandages can keep the wound clean and keep harmful bacteria out. Blisters that are draining are vulnerable. Keep them covered until a scab forms.Change the dressing. Apply a new dressing at least once a day or whenever the dressing becomes wet or dirty to help prevent infection.
A great source for up-to-date health information for many diseases, including tetanus. Mayo Clinic Here you can find helpful information on the symptoms and treatment for tetanus, as well as immunization schedules and details on vaccinations. Additional reporting by Cathy Cassata.
