Take the Tetanus Quiz
Tetanus, or lockjaw, is an infection that affects the nervous system. Most children are immunized against it, but that immunity wears off with time. Adults need a booster shot to maintain their immunity.
1. Tetanus is caused by a virus.
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Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium produces a toxin, or poisonous substance, that attacks the part of the spinal cord that controls the muscles. In this country, about one in 10 people with tetanus die from it.
2. In the United States, most cases of tetanus are found in people who are over 60.
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Tetanus is now rare in this country because children are immunized against it, in a combination vaccination that also protects against diphtheria and pertussis (DTaP). Most cases are found in people over 60 who have not had a booster vaccination, so their immunity has gradually waned. That trend may be changing, however, because tetanus is increasing among IV drug users. Two tetanus vaccines available for adults: Tdap and Td. Tdap vaccine is used to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough), and Td vaccine prevents tetanus and diphtheria.
3. Adults should get a tetanus booster once every five years.
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Adults should get a diphtheria-tetanus (Td) booster once every 10 years throughout their life. For one of their booster doses, adults ages 19 to 64 should get the Tdap vaccine. You cannot get tetanus from the vaccine.
4. Tetanus is a contagious disease, passed from one person to the next.
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You cannot get tetanus from someone else. The bacterium that causes tetanus is found in soil, dust, and manure. It enters the body through a cut, usually a deep puncture wound.
5. Symptoms of tetanus infection include headache and difficulty swallowing.
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Symptoms of tetanus infection may include spasms and stiffness of the jaw (lockjaw) and neck muscles, making it difficult to swallow. Additionally, a tetanus infection may cause severe spasms and stiffness of the abdominal muscles and chest muscles, causing difficulty breathing. Other symptoms of a tetanus infection include fever, sweating, high blood pressure, and fast heart rate.
6. Once you have had a tetanus infection, you are protected from future infections.
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Having a tetanus infection does not protect you against future infections. The only way to protect yourself is to get a tetanus booster every 10 years.
7. You should see a doctor if you get a deep wound.
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Although tetanus bacteria can enter the skin through something as small as a pinprick, they prefer deep wounds. Clean any wound you get with soap and water, followed by an antiseptic. If the wound is deep or dirty, have your doctor check it out. If you haven't had a tetanus booster in more than five years, you may need to get another booster. Be sure to provide your immunization record to your health care provider.
8. Symptoms of tetanus infection appear within a day of exposure.
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Symptoms usually appear three days to three weeks after the bacterial spores enter the body. There is no cure for tetanus infection. Treatment includes supportive medical intensive care to handle complications such as respiratory problems, fractures, blood clots, and pneumonia. Among those who survive, recovery can take several months.
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