What should you know about tetanus?

Tetanus bacteria can enter through puncture wounds, cuts, burns, bites or wounds contaminated with soil or debris. The toxin affects nerves that control muscles. Jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing, painful muscle spasms and stiffness in the neck or abdomen can follow. Tetanus does not spread from person to person.

Rinse a wound with clean running water, remove visible dirt gently, and cover it with a clean dressing. Do not delay medical advice for a deep, dirty, crushed or bite wound. A clinician will review the wound and your vaccination history, then decide whether you need a booster, additional protection, wound treatment or antibiotics for another infection. Keep routine vaccinations up to date.

Get prompt medical assessment after a wound if your vaccination history is uncertain or the injury is deep, contaminated or caused by a bite. Seek emergency help for jaw locking, trouble swallowing or breathing, repeated muscle spasms, or widespread stiffness. These symptoms require hospital care and should not be managed at home.

Ask whether your wound needs special cleaning, how your vaccination record affects the plan, and which warning signs should send you to emergency care. If you have a condition or medicine that affects immunity, mention it during the assessment.