Mild tetanus: what to know

Tetanus is caused by a toxin made by bacteria that can enter through a wound, particularly a puncture, crush injury or wound contaminated with soil. Early features may include jaw stiffness or difficulty opening the mouth, trouble swallowing, neck stiffness and painful muscle tightening. A small or healed wound does not rule out risk.

Symptoms can worsen and affect breathing muscles. Tetanus does not spread from person to person, but an uncertain vaccination history makes any concerning wound more important to review.

Wash the wound with clean running water and remove visible dirt without probing deeply. Do not seal a deep, punctured or contaminated wound with household substances. Contact a clinician promptly, explain when the injury happened, how it occurred and when you last had a Tetanus Vaccination. A clinician may clean the wound further and decide whether vaccination or other preventive treatment is needed.

Seek emergency care for jaw locking, painful spasms, difficulty swallowing, breathing difficulty, repeated muscle tightening or rapidly worsening stiffness. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe after a high-risk wound or when vaccination records are unavailable. Emergency assessment is especially important for people with extensive injuries or symptoms affecting the face, neck or chest.

Ask whether the wound needs professional cleaning, whether your vaccination record is up to date, what preventive treatment is appropriate, and which changes should send you straight to emergency care.