Tetanus
Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to painful muscle contractions. The infection is commonly referred to as “lockjaw” due to its characteristic effect of tightening the jaw muscles. You can protect yourself from tetanus by getting vaccinated — visit today!
Tetanus bacteria are found in soil, dust, and animal feces. It enters the body through open wounds, cuts, or punctures, especially if they are contaminated with dirt. Tetanus is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
While the disease can occur anywhere, the risk of tetanus is higher in areas where access to medical care is limited, and vaccination rates are low. It is a global concern, particularly in environments where injuries from tools, accidents, or animal bites are more common.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tetanus usually begin about 7-10 days after infection and include:
- Jaw cramping and stiffness (lockjaw)
- Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms (often in the abdomen)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stiffness of the neck, arms, or legs
- Difficulty breathing in severe cases
Without treatment, tetanus can lead to complications like fractures from muscle spasms, pneumonia, and even death. The fatality rate is especially high in people who are not vaccinated or who do not receive medical treatment in time.
Prevention
Tetanus can be easily prevented with vaccination. The tetanus vaccine is part of routine childhood immunization and is often given in combination with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines (DTaP or Tdap). It is important to keep your tetanus vaccinations up to date, as immunity wanes over time. Adults should get a booster shot every 10 years.
Vaccination is strongly recommended for:
- People who work in environments with potential exposure to soil, rust, or animal bites (e.g., agricultural workers, construction workers)
- Travelers to regions with limited access to healthcare
- Individuals who have sustained injuries and are not up to date with their tetanus vaccination
If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years, or you have sustained an injury that may put you at risk, contact us today. We offer the tetanus vaccine at to keep you protected.
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