Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Treatment

Tetanus is an emergency and should be treated in the hospital as soon as possible. Treatment could include:

Aggressive wound care
Antibiotics
Drugs to control muscle spasms
Medicine called human tetanus immune globulin (TIG)
Tetanus vaccination

Complications

Broken bones
Blood clots in the lungs
Difficulty breathing
Hospital-acquired infection
Pneumonia
Uncontrolled tightening of the vocal cords
Death

Vaccine schedule for children 0-6

5 vaccines at 2, 4 and 6 months. 15-18 months and 4-6 years.

Transmission

Tetanus is caused by a bacteria called Clostridium tetani.

Tetanus enters the body through breaks in the skin, usually from an injury with something containing the bacteria such as a rusty nail, or a dental tool that hasn't been properly sanitized, although rare.

Signs + Symptoms

Tetanus is also commonly referred to as lockjaw as this is the most common symptom. Other symptoms include:

Increased heart rate
Headache
Seizures
Fever
Muscle stiffness
Muscle spasms
Difficulty swallowing

Source: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention