Tetanus Overview

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus (or "lockjaw") is a potentially fatal disease caused by a neurotoxin produced by a bacterium which lives in dirt, dust, soil, manure, and human stool. The bacteria may enter the body through an open wound, and the neurotoxin travels up nerves from muscles, causing extreme pain, and causing muscle stiffness.
The first muscles affected are typically the jaw muscles, which is why Tetanus is sometimes called "lockjaw".

How do you get Tetanus?

Tetanus is a relatively common bacteria that lives in dirt, dust, soil, manure, and human stool. The Tetanus bacteria can enter our body through a cut or wound in our skin. Animal bites are also known to cause Tetanus sometimes. It is possible to catch Tetanus more than once.

What are the symptoms of Tetanus?

Initial symptoms of Tetanus include muscle stiffness which progresses rapidly through the body from the jaw and neck. As the neurotoxin spreads, it can cause extreme pain, and can cause problems with breathing and swallowing as it progresses to those muscles involved in respiration. Eventually, Tetanus can cause seizures and death.

What are the treatments for Tetanus?

Tetanus can be treated with aggressive antibiotics and other supportive medicines such as muscle relaxants and sedatives. Nevertheless, Tetanus requires immediate hospitalization and contracting Tetanus is considered a life-threatening emergency.
Even with modern intensive care, 10%-20% of patients may still die from this potent disease.

How can you prevent getting infected with Tetanus?

Tetanus is part of a routine vaccination schedule for children in Canada, as part of a 5-in-1 vaccine, and is covered by Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) for example. Make sure your immunization is up to date.
You may be required to receive a Tetanus Booster shot, especially if it is more than 10 years since your last Tetanus vaccine dose.

Tetanus Symptoms

The first signs of a Tetanus infection usually appear as a stiffness in the jaw or neck area, about 3 days to 3 weeks after first infection. If left untreated, this stiffness of the muscles will spread rapidly throughout the body, causing intense pain as muscle stiffness progresses to muscle rigidity and muscle spasms. The muscle spasms may progress further into seizures or convulsions. In about 10%-20% of patients, Tetanus can lead to death, even with intensive modern hospital care.

Tetanus Prevention

A very safe and very effective vaccine for Tetanus is available and is part of the normal immunization schedule for Canadians, and is covered by Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) for example.
If it has been more than 10 years since your last Tetanus vaccine dose, you may be advised to receive a Tetanus booster shot to fortify immunity.