Tetanus (Lock Jaw)

A disease caused by bacteria (tetanus bacillus), which live in dirt, dust, and animal or human feces (stool).

The germ usually gets into the body through an open cut.

Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination.

Antibiotics are used to treat tetanus, but people who survive the disease may have long-lasting problems with speech, memory, and thinking.

Tetanus first affects the muscles near the wound, and can also spread to other parts of the body. As it spreads, muscles may lock in place or go into spasms (get very tight). This can be very painful.

In most cases, the first muscles affected are in the jaw. You may not be able to swallow or open your mouth.

If the disease gets to the muscles that help you breathe, tetanus can be fatal.

Later symptoms also include fever and increased blood pressure.

Tetanus is spread when dirt or dust carrying the germ gets into a cut. It is not possible to spread tetanus through person to person contact.

Make sure your immunization record is up to date. Tetanus vaccine is routinely given at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months, followed by a booster dose at 4-6 years. After that, a booster dose is recommended every 10 years through adulthood.

If you get a cut or a deep puncture wound, make sure to clean it thoroughly.

Contact your doctor to see if your tetanus immunization needs to be updated.

If you develop symptoms such as lockjaw or muscle spasms, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

People who survive can still get tetanus again. For this reason, they should get the vaccine to protect them in the future.