What is Tetanus? Why Do We Get Vaccinated for It?

"Step on a rusty nail and you'll get lock jaw," is a statement most of us believe. However, this statement is only half correct. Without immunization, you could get tetanus.

Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease of the nervous system. It's produced by the bacteria Clostridium Tetani. Spores of clostridium tetani are found throughout the world. They live in animal intestines and the soil. C. Tetani can be inactive in the soil, but stays infectious for over 40 years. So, without vaccination, a dirty nail can give you tetanus. Dirt, not rust, contains this bacteria.

Any contaminated wounds can cause the bacteria to grow. Wounds caused by nails, insect bites, or anything that punctures the skin can potentially grow C. Tetani. As the bacteria multiplies, it begins to block nerve signals from your spinal cord to your muscles. This is why this is a disease of the nervous system, it effects the spinal cord. When our spinal cord can't effectively communicate with our muscles, severe spasms can occur. These severe spasms can cause seizures, also. Spasms begin with jaw muscles, what's known to us as "lock jaw." These spasms can effect other muscles of the body, including chest, back, neck, and abdomen. Prolonged muscle spasms are quite painful, fractures and muscle tears are possible.

Common signs and symptoms of tetanus are: muscle spasms, headache, irritability, increased temperature, drooling, swallowing difficulties, and increased sweating. Once the breathing muscles are effected, breathing becomes difficult and death will follow. The incubation period between being exposed to this bacteria and the development of symptoms range between 2 days to 2 months. Usually symptoms occur within 4 days of exposure.

Fortunately, due to immunization, tetanus disease is controlled. In the United States, vaccinations begin with a series of DTaP shots, beginning at infancy. DTaP protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. DTaP vaccination is given 5 times, from infancy to 5 years of age. Immunization protects you for 10 years. A booster vaccination is used to maintain immunity from 11 to 65 years of age.

Although we are vaccinated against tetanus, we should always protect ourselves from this disease. Thorough cleaning of all wounds is important. Because the bacteria lives in the soil, any injuries outdoors should be a concern. If tetanus is suspected, antibiotics and drainage (debridement) of the wound are usually done. Antibiotics include penicillin, clindamycin, or flagyl.

Call your doctor if you were injured outdoors, have a wound, and haven't received a tetanus booster within 5 years. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Although tetanus isn't a huge concern, due to immunization. Having knowledge concerning this disease is still important. Stay safe.