What should you know about likelihood of getting tetanus?

The bacteria live in soil, dust and animal waste. They can enter through punctures, burns, bites, crush injuries or wounds containing dirt. Tetanus does not spread from person to person.

Risk depends mainly on the type of wound and your vaccination history. A clean, minor cut is generally less concerning than a puncture, wound with dead tissue, or injury contaminated with soil or saliva. A person who has not completed the recommended vaccine series, or cannot recall their doses, may need additional protection.

Tetanus affects the nervous system. Early features can include tightening of the jaw, difficulty swallowing and painful muscle stiffness or spasms. Symptoms may begin after a delay, so feeling well immediately after an injury does not remove the need to check protection.

Wash your hands, rinse the wound under clean running water, and gently remove visible dirt. Cover it with a clean dressing. Do not close a deep or dirty wound yourself, and do not rely on antibiotics as a substitute for tetanus prevention.

Contact a clinician promptly if the wound is deep, punctured, heavily contaminated, caused by an animal or has damaged tissue. Tell them when your last tetanus vaccine was given and whether you completed the initial series. They can decide whether a booster or other preventive treatment is appropriate.

Seek emergency care for jaw stiffness, trouble swallowing, breathing difficulty, widespread muscle stiffness or repeated painful spasms after an injury. A rapidly worsening wound, spreading redness, pus, severe pain, loss of sensation or uncontrolled bleeding also needs urgent assessment.

Ask: Does this wound count as tetanus-prone? Is my vaccine history sufficient for this injury? Do I need a booster or preventive medicine? What wound changes should prompt another review?