What should you know about tetanus after injury?

Tetanus is caused by a toxin made by bacteria that can enter through broken skin. Puncture wounds, wounds contaminated with soil or saliva, burns, crush injuries and wounds containing dead tissue need particular attention. The injury alone does not show whether tetanus will develop; clinicians also check when you last received tetanus-containing vaccine and whether you completed the recommended series.

Tetanus does not spread from one person to another. A wound can look small while still being deep, so a careful examination matters. Vaccination helps the immune system recognise the toxin, while wound cleaning removes material that can support bacterial growth.

Wash your hands, then rinse the wound with clean running water and gently remove visible dirt that is easy to reach. Cover it with a clean dressing. Do not pour harsh chemicals into deep tissue or close a dirty wound yourself. A clinician may need to remove embedded material, assess damaged tissue and decide whether a tetanus vaccine or additional protection is appropriate.

Take your vaccination record if you have it. If the record is missing, tell the clinician what you remember rather than delaying care. Antibiotics are not a substitute for tetanus vaccination, and they are not routinely used solely to prevent tetanus.

Seek prompt medical assessment for a deep or puncture wound, an injury caused by a dirty or rusty object, an animal or human bite, a burn, a crush injury, or a wound with soil or saliva in it. Go urgently if bleeding will not stop with firm pressure, the wound is extensively open, or you have numbness, loss of movement or severe pain.

Tetanus symptoms can include jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing, painful muscle tightening and breathing difficulty. These symptoms require emergency care. Do not wait for symptoms before checking whether preventive treatment is needed.

Ask: Is this wound considered high risk for tetanus? When was my last tetanus-containing vaccine, and do I need a booster or other preventive treatment? Does the wound need professional cleaning, closure or follow-up? Which changes should make me return urgently?