Anyone who has experienced tetanus will understand just how frightening and serious this disease can be. Tetanus, once commonly called ‘lockjaw’ is rarely seen in the western world thanks to immunization programmes beginning in early childhood. It can be a disabling and life threatening disease, so it pays to be aware of the symptoms and the appropriate treatment required.



What is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a non-contagious disease affecting the central nervous system. If not treated promptly and appropriately, it can be potentially fatal. However, with the correct treatment, survival rates are greater than 90%.

Tetanus bacterium can be present in soil, dirt, dust or manure.  We’re often told that stepping on a rusty nail could lead to a tetanus infection. But anything causing the skin to break such as a tiny pinprick, scratch from an animal, bug bite or burn can allow the deadly tetanus bacteria to enter the blood stream.  In someone who isn’t immunized, the bacteria will rapidly multiply and may produce one or more warning signs.

Symptoms

Tetanus symptoms resulting from exposure to the tetanus bacteria can appear any time ranging from one day up to three weeks later. As such, it’s quite possible for an inflicted person to be completely unaware they are at risk, especially if the puncture wound was insignificant at the time. When identifying the disease, the following symptoms may be present:

1. Muscle spasms affecting various different muscle groups starting with the jaw (often referred to as ‘lockjaw’) which can cause difficulty with opening and closing the mouth. It then proceeds downwards through the neck, chest, abdomen and back muscles;

2. Difficulty in breathing;
3. Difficulty in swallowing;
4. Fever, sweating;
5. Powerful seizures.

Always thoroughly clean any wound that has become contaminated with dirt as soon as possible. If the patient hasn't been vaccinated with a tetanus booster shot in the last 10 years, this should be given immediately.  It may also be possible to administer a fast acting injection called tetanus immune globulin which helps prevent infection. This has to be given before the deadly toxins have reached the blood stream, hence the urgent need for medical attention.

If tetanus is diagnosed, it’s very likely a hospital stay will be necessary, as treatment can be a lengthy process. While undergoing treatment for tetanus, muscle relaxants may be given to help control muscle spasms and a ventilator used to assist with breathing.

Of course, prevention is always better than cure. Fortunately, fewer than 50 cases of tetanus are reported in the US annually, mainly due to the series of vaccinations received during early childhood. These initial injections should then be topped up via booster shots every ten years. This is necessary because the immunity given by the tetanus vaccine eventually wears off over time.

The tetanus vaccine itself isn’t a particularly pleasant experience and it’s well known that the injection site can be left tender and sore. But the benefits of getting this vaccine far outweigh any short-term localised pain. One injection every ten years is a small price to pay for the peace of mind gained by the protection offered against contracting this potentially fatal disease.