What should you know about cdc tetanus?

The bacteria that cause tetanus can live in soil, dust, and animal waste. They may enter through a puncture, cut, burn, bite, or wound containing damaged tissue. The toxin affects the nervous system, which can lead to jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing, rigid muscles, and spasms. Tetanus does not spread from person to person. A wound may look minor while still needing a vaccination review, especially when it is deep, dirty, or not healing normally.

Rinse a wound with clean running water, remove visible dirt gently, and cover it with a clean dressing. Do not seal a deep or contaminated wound without medical advice. Check when your last tetanus-containing vaccine was given and whether you completed the recommended primary series. A clinician may recommend a booster or additional protection based on the wound and your vaccination history. More detail is available in Tetanus Vaccination.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a deep puncture, crush injury, animal bite, burn, wound contaminated with soil or saliva, or any wound with uncertain vaccination history. Seek emergency care for jaw tightness, trouble swallowing, painful muscle spasms, breathing difficulty, or rapidly worsening stiffness. These symptoms need urgent assessment and should not be watched at home.

Ask which vaccine or booster is appropriate, whether the wound needs professional cleaning, and whether additional protection is needed because your vaccination record is incomplete or unavailable.