What causes tetanus? What are the symptoms of tetanus? These are the most common symptoms of tetanus: Stiff jaw also called lockjaw Stiff abdominal and back muscles Contraction of the facial muscles Fast pulse Fever Sweating Painful muscle spasms, especially near the wound area if these affect the throat or chest wall, breathing may be stopped Trouble swallowing The symptoms of tetanus may look like other medical conditions. How is tetanus diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on a complete history and physical exam. How is tetanus treated? Your healthcare provider will determine your specific treatment for tetanus based on: How old you are Your overall health and medical history How sick you are How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies How long the condition is expected to last Your opinion or preference Treatment for tetanus or to reduce the risk of tetanus after an injury may include: Medicines to control spasms Thorough cleaning of the wound A course of tetanus antitoxin injections Use of a ventilator breathing machine if you have trouble breathing on your own Antibiotics Other medicines to control pain and other symptoms such as fast heartbeat What are the complications of tetanus?
Complications of tetanus can include: Vocal cord spasms Broken bones due to severe muscle spasms Breathing problems Pneumonia High blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms Pulmonary embolism blood clot in the lung Can tetanus be prevented? When should I call my healthcare provider? Key points about tetanus Tetanus is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the bacterium clostridium tetani.
The bacterium clostridium tetani usually enters the body through an open wound. It can also be found in the human intestine and other places. Symptoms of tetanus may include stiffness of the jaw, abdominal, and back muscles, fast pulse, fever, sweating, painful muscle spasms and difficulty swallowing. The tetanus vaccine can reduce the risk of the disease after an injury. Tetanus requires immediate medical attention and treatment with medications and tetanus antitoxin injections.
Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
Causes and Transmission. Minus Related Pages. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. Cancel Continue. In addition to emergency departments, tetanus vaccines are typically available in urgent care centers, primary care offices and in some pharmacies.
Learn more about plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery, the peripheral nervous system and more. The flu shot is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from illness. However, flu shots and other preventive health resources are not offered or accessed equally across different racial groups.
By clicking "Subscribe" you agree to our Terms of Use. We'll be in touch every so often with health tips, patient stories, important resources and other information you need to keep you and your family healthy. Tetanus symptoms can continue for weeks, and recovery can take months.
How we can get tetanus The disease itself is rare in the United States because the tetanus vaccine is so effective and is regularly administered to our population. What puts us at higher risk of tetanus Animal bite injuries and wounds that could be contaminated with dust, soil or feces put us at risk for tetanus. What tetanus looks like The onset of tetanus usually begins between three days and three weeks after an injury.
Preventing tetanus Avoiding wounds in general, of course, will reduce your tetanus risk. Make an appointment or view Ohio State doctors accepting new patients. View now. Addressing racial inequities through the flu shot The flu shot is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you from illness. Get tips from Ohio State experts right to your inbox. Email address.
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