What is tetanus?

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a disease caused by bacteria (germs) that affects the nervous system.

Who gets tetanus?

Older people and agricultural workers who have contact with manure and people who are not vaccinated against tetanus are more likely to get tetanus.

How is tetanus spread?

People get tetanus when a wound is contaminated with the germ (has the germ in it).  Tetanus is not spread from person to person.

Where is the tetanus germ found?

 The tetanus germ is found everywhere, but is most commonly found in soil that has manure in it.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

A common first symptom is a stiff jaw, followed by a stiff neck, difficulty swallowing, stiff abdominal (belly) muscles, spasms, sweating and fever.

How soon after coming into contact with the germ will a person show symptoms of tetanus?

People usually start to show symptoms eight days after coming into contact with the germ, but it may take three days to three weeks to show symptoms.  People can start to show symptoms sooner if their wounds are contaminated with a lot of the germ.

If I had tetanus once, can I get it again?

You can get tetanus more than once.

What is the treatment for tetanus?

Wounds should be cleaned well.  Dead skin should be removed.  If the person has not had a tetanus booster shot in the past 10 years, a single booster shot should be given on the day the person gets the wound. For bad wounds, a booster shot may be given if the person has not had a booster shot in the past five years.  Tetanus immune globulin (TIG), antitoxin or antibiotics may be given if the person has not already gotten a tetanus shot with a series of at least three doses of toxoid.

Are there other complications (problems) from having tetanus?

A person could have spasm of the vocal cords and/or spasms of the muscles used in breathing. Other complications include breaks of the spine or long bones, high blood pressure, abnormal (not normal) heartbeats, coma, generalized infection, clotting in the blood vessels of the lung, pneumonia and death.

Is there a vaccine (shot) for tetanus?

There is a vaccine for tetanus called tetanus toxoid.  Tetanus toxoid along with diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) is given at two, four, six and 12-15 months of age, and between four and six years of age. Children who are seven years of age or older should receive Td (tetanus and diphtheria) toxoid. A tetanus booster shot should be given every 10 years.

What can I do to stop from getting tetanus?

The best way to stop from getting tetanus is to have the tetanus vaccine.