Symptoms of tetanus disease

Tetanus is caused by a toxin made by bacteria that can enter damaged skin, including a puncture, burn, bite, or contaminated wound. Symptoms may start after an interval rather than immediately after the injury. Jaw stiffness, sometimes called lockjaw, can progress to spasms affecting the back, chest, or breathing muscles.

A wound can look small while still needing prevention advice. Tetanus does not spread from person to person, and symptoms cannot confirm the diagnosis without medical assessment.

Clean a wound with clean running water, remove visible dirt gently, and cover it with a clean dressing. Arrange prompt medical advice after a deep, dirty, crushed, burned, or bite wound, especially if your vaccination history is incomplete or unknown. Do not wait for jaw stiffness before seeking advice.

A clinician may assess the wound, vaccination record, and need for preventive treatment. Keep the area under observation and do not seal a deep wound with household glue.

Go to emergency care immediately for jaw stiffness, painful muscle spasms, trouble swallowing, breathing difficulty, repeated choking, or rapidly worsening stiffness after a wound. Tetanus can interfere with breathing and requires hospital treatment; do not drive yourself if spasms or breathing symptoms are present.

Ask whether the wound needs further cleaning, whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date, which preventive treatment is appropriate, and what changes should prompt urgent review.