10/27/26 Public Health Education Topic: Tetanus
Per CDC
Key points
Bacteria called Clostridium tetani cause tetanus.
Tetanus is a serious disease and requires immediate medical attention.
Vaccines are the best way to protect against tetanus.
Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about a tetanus vaccine.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms typically occur between 3 and 21 days (average 8 days) after someone is exposed to C. tetani.
The first sign is most commonly spasms of the jaw muscles, or "lockjaw."
Other symptoms can include:
Trouble swallowing
Sudden, involuntary muscle spasms — often in the stomach
Painful muscle stiffness all over the body
Seizures (jerking or staring)
Headache
Fever and sweating
Changes in blood pressure and heart rate
Complications
Tetanus can cause serious health problems, including:
Laryngospasm (uncontrolled tightening of the vocal cords)
Fracture (broken bone)
Pulmonary embolism (blockage in lungs caused by a blood clot)
Aspiration pneumonia (lung infection from inhaling spit or vomit)
Breathing difficulty
Tetanus can lead to death (1 in 10 cases in the United States are fatal).
Risk factors
Anyone can get tetanus. However, several factors increase the risk for tetanus infection.
Vaccination status
People who have never received a tetanus vaccine are at increased risk. Similarly, people who did not complete the primary series or who aren't up to date with their 10-year tetanus booster shots are also at increased risk.
Recent wound
People with a recent wound are at increased risk for tetanus. This is especially true if the wound is deep or contaminated with dirt.
Other risk factors
The following risk factors are also associated with an increased risk of tetanus:
Being 80 years or older
Having diabetes
Having an immunocompromising condition
Using injection drugs
Prevention
Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus
CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for everyone. The best way to prevent tetanus is to make sure you are up to date on your vaccination.
Care for wounds to prevent infection
Immediate and good wound care can help prevent infection.
Apply first aid to even minor, non-infected wounds
Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub
Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns or if the wounds:
Are from a puncture wound or are deep (e.g., stepping on a nail)
Contain dirt, soil, feces, or saliva (e.g., animal bite)
Contain dead tissue including from burns, fractures, crush injuries, or frostbite
Medicine and a tetanus vaccination may be needed after some wounds to prevent infection
Medicine called human tetanus immune globulin (TIG) can help prevent tetanus. Healthcare providers can use it when someone is not up to date with tetanus vaccination and has serious or contaminated wounds. Vaccination also helps prevent tetanus in people with wounds, depending on their tetanus vaccination history.
To learn more please visit: About Tetanus | Tetanus | CDC
