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Tetanus
What is tetanus?Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” is a bacterial infection affecting the nervous system. It causes severe muscle spasms that can lead to, among other things, “locking” of the jaw so the patient cannot open his/her mouth or swallow. The bacteria that cause tetanus are found in soil and can enter the body through any cut or wound. Did you know...
almost all cases of tetanus occur in people who have never been immunized or who have not had a tetanus booster shot within the preceding 10 years? What are the symptoms of tetanus? The most frequent symptom is a stiff jaw, and muscle stiffness all over the body may follow. An infected person may also have other symptoms such as difficulty swallowing; restlessness and irritability; stiff neck, arms or legs; fever; headache; and sore throat. As the disease progresses, later symptoms may include severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity and severe autonomic nervous system disorders. Which adults should get vaccinated? All adults who had the primary series of vaccines as children should get a booster dose of tetanus-containing vaccine every 10 years. Tdap, a three-in-one combination that also includes protection against pertussis (whooping cough), should be used in place of one Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster for any adults up to 64 years of age. Once fully immunized, the Tdap or Td vaccine provides nearly 100 percent protection against tetanus. Download PDF
Click below to download a PDF of this page for easy printing or emailing. Tetanus Information
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