If you have been to our office recently, you may have been asked this question. Several of our providers want to know this information, knowing that a tetanus shot when necessary may make the difference between life and death.
What is Tetanus?
Tetanus is a disease caused by Clostridium Tentani, a bacteria that lives in soil, animal feces and dust but animal bites, frostbite, gangrene, crush injuries, burns and non-sterile injections may also cause the bacteria to manifest. This bacteria produces a toxin called tetanospasmin and will affect the nerves, causing spasms in the neck and limbs. These spasms are called “lockjaw” because the spasms do not allow the patient to open their mouth.
Development of Tetanus
Around three days to a few weeks after the exposure, symptoms will develop. Muscle spasms with rigidity of the jaw, difficulty swallowing develop and then progresses to muscle contractions of the face, neck and shoulders. Eventually spasms may involve the limbs, abdomen, back and sphincter. You may also have a rapid heartbeat, sweating, high blood pressure or a high fever. Source
How to Avoid
Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid ever developing this problem.
- Clean and dress the wound that may have occurred.
- Tetanus is administered to children in the form of the DTaP vaccine
- Seek medical attention. You should have tetanus shot every 5-10 years but may require a booster depending on the severity of the wound.
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