What should you know about tetanus rabies?

Tetanus develops when bacteria enter damaged skin and produce a toxin that affects muscles and the nervous system. Rabies is a viral infection associated with exposure to the saliva or nervous tissue of an infected mammal, usually through a bite or scratch. A tetanus vaccine does not protect against rabies, and a rabies risk assessment does not replace tetanus wound protection. The animal, exposure, wound, and local public-health advice all influence the next step.

Immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water, then seek medical advice promptly. Tell the clinician what animal was involved, whether it was available for observation, where the exposure occurred, and whether saliva touched broken skin or the eyes or mouth. Bring your tetanus record if available. A clinician can assess wound repair, tetanus vaccination, and whether rabies post-exposure care is needed. Related information is available under [Tetanus Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/tetanus-vaccination/).

Get urgent advice for any bite that breaks the skin, a scratch contaminated with saliva, a wound to the face, hand, or genitals, or an exposure involving a bat or unfamiliar mammal. Seek emergency care for heavy bleeding, severe tissue damage, breathing problems, or rapidly spreading swelling. Do not wait for fever, spasms, confusion, or other neurological symptoms before seeking assessment.

Ask whether your tetanus vaccination needs updating, whether the exposure has rabies implications, and what wound-care review is needed. Confirm whether the animal should be reported or observed and when to return if redness, pain, discharge, fever, or reduced movement develops.