Learning About Tetanus

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is an infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria make a toxin, or poison, that causes severe muscle spasms. Tetanus can be deadly, but you can get the tetanus vaccines to prevent it.

Tetanus is also called "lockjaw." It gets that name because muscle spasms in your jaw make it hard to open your mouth.

The bacteria that cause tetanus may enter your body through a wound, cut, splinter, or burn. Deep wounds, such as a puncture wound caused by a dirty nail, are a common way for tetanus bacteria to enter your body.

How can you prevent it?

You can prevent tetanus by getting all your recommended vaccinations. There are three different vaccines that protect you from tetanus.

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis). It's given in a series of 5 shots starting at age 2 months and ending at ages 4 to 6 years.
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). Tdap is the first booster shot for tetanus. It's given at age 11 or 12. It's also given to teens and adults who never had the Tdap shot. People who are pregnant can get a Tdap shot during each pregnancy.
• Td (tetanus and diphtheria). Td is given as a booster shot every 10 years.

If you never had tetanus shots as a child, or if you're not sure if you had them, you can get 3 tetanus shots in about a 1-year span. Your doctor will tell you which shots you need. After that, 1 booster shot every 10 years will protect you.

You'll need a tetanus booster right away if you have a dirty cut, wound, or burn and if 5 or more years have passed since your last tetanus shot (or if you aren't sure when your last shot was). The doctor will clean the wound and may give you antibiotics.

What happens when you have tetanus?

In most cases, symptoms of the disease start within 14 days. But it might take longer. Symptoms often start with a headache and stiffness in the jaw. You also may have a stiff neck, back, or shoulders. Some people have seizures, and it may be hard to swallow.

As the toxin spreads, it can be deadly. It can cause problems with your blood pressure and heart rate. It can cause severe and painful muscle spasms in your neck, arms, legs, and belly.

You'll need to stay in a hospital so you can get medicines and fluids to control muscle spasms and pain. Any wound will be fully cleaned. Treatment may include a tetanus shot. You may get antibiotics to kill bacteria. And you may get medicines and fluids to control muscle spasms and pain. If you need to be in the intensive care unit (ICU), you may get treatment to help with breathing and other body functions.

What can you do if you have a reaction to a tetanus shot?

If you have a reaction to a tetanus shot, your symptoms may include warmth, swelling, and redness at the site where the shot was given. You may have a fever.

Home treatment can help reduce the discomfort.

• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Teens should not take aspirin. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.