Tetanus - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a disease that is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The toxin that this bacterium releases can be of two types: fast-acting and slow-ticking. Tetanus bacteria are found typically in soil, dust, dirt, manure, and manure piles. It can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

What Are The Symptoms Of Tetanus?

Early symptoms vary depending on where you live or work, but include fever, muscle stiffness throughout the body including jaw muscles, sweating without an increase in temperature, tingling sensation anywhere on your body often around the mouth or throat area then spreading to other areas of your body.

If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes or epilepsy, then you are at greater risk than the general population for tetanus.

How Can Tetanus Be Prevented?

The key lies in two things: prevention and vaccinations. If the bacteria makes its way into your system and starts to multiply, it can cause a deadly toxin and without the early signs and treatment, you will most likely die.

A vaccination will prevent infection and effectively vaccinate against tetanus, but it is important to get vaccinations as early as possible – usually between 15 – 18 months of age. Without this vaccination, there is no guarantee that you won't contract the virus that causes tetanus. Plus, if you are exposed to the bacteria, but don't contract it, then you won't develop immunity either.

What Is The Treatment For Tetanus?

There are two options: antibiotics and anti-toxin. Unfortunately, not all cases of tetanus can be treated with anti-toxin (a shot given within 48 hrs of infection), so antibiotics will still be required at some point during your treatment regimen.

The most common antibiotic used is penicillin, but if you are allergic to this antibiotic or it does not work well enough, then doxycycline or tetracycline would be better options. Most cases of tetanus are treated at a hospital or a specialized serum center.

How Can I Help Prevent Infections From Occurring?

The most difficult part about tetanus is the prevention. It is so hard to know when you have been exposed to it and so hard to know whether you will contract it or not. This is where the vaccinations come into play.

You can vaccinate against it, but even someone who has been vaccinated can contract tetanus if exposed to the bacteria. How do you avoid this exposure?

The only way is to stay away from areas that have dirt, dust, and soil – especially those that have animal feces around them as well as those that are poorly maintained.

You can clean yourself with soap and water, but this doesn't remove all the dirt, soil, and other contaminants that can be on your clothes or your body you may have picked up while out in public.

From the above excerpt, it is clear that tetanus is a life-threatening disease requiring immediate medical attention. It can be prevented by vaccinations or through avoidance of contaminated areas that are likely to have bacteria in them.

If you are exposed to the bacteria that causes tetanus, then oftentimes antibiotics are required treatment alongside anti-toxin which can save your life if administered within 48 hours of exposure. Vaccination is the best way to prevent contracting the disease known as tetanus.

Frequently Asked Questions On Tetanus

What Is A Tetanus Shot?

A tetanus shot is a vaccination only available to those ages 15 – 18 months old, but it can be given as early as 7 days old. The vaccination will be administered in the arm or thigh depending on the size of the baby.

This vaccination protects against tetanus as well as diphtheria and pertussis. It can't stop you from contracting those diseases, but it will stop them from turning into something more serious once you have been exposed to them.

If you have been vaccinated before and are unsure of your status, then go to your local health department and get another dose just to be sure that you are covered during times where exposure may take place.

You can also get the vaccination in the form of a shot if you have been in contact with someone who has tetanus.

What Is Tetanus Disease?

Tetanus is a disease that has symptoms including muscle stiffness throughout the body, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and sweating without an increase in body temperature.

People who are more at risk for tetanus include those with diabetes and other chronic illnesses such as epilepsy or who take immunosuppressants or birth control.

It is also more likely to happen if you live in an area where there are large amounts of dirt and dust due to animals and their waste products.