Tetanus: what is it, how dangerous is it, how do you get it, and should you vaccinate?

What is tetanus?

• Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by a wound on your body. The bacteria release toxins, which can cause severe muscle spasms throughout the body.
• If the respiratory muscles are also affected, the disease can be fatal.

How do you get tetanus?

• The tetanus bacterium is found in street dirt, manure, feces, and soil. The bacteria enter the body through a wound or a bite from an infected animal (such as a dog).
• You can become infected by stepping on a rusty nail, cutting yourself with a dirty knife, or being bitten by a dog or monkey.

Where does tetanus occur?

• Tetanus occurs virtually everywhere in the world, including all western countries.
• There is a particularly increased risk in countries with poor hygiene, as it is an infection caused by, among other things, street dirt and feces.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

• The disease often begins with muscle stiffness. This typically occurs in the jaws. The stiffness gradually spreads to the neck and arms, among other areas.
• Over time, the stiffness is often accompanied by cramps. These cramps can be very severe, especially in the face and back.
• Untreated tetanus is fatal.

How can you prevent tetanus?

• Tetanus is contracted through open wounds. Open wounds are, of course, difficult to prevent while traveling, so treating them properly and keeping your tetanus vaccinations up-to-date is important.
• When working with animals, preventing wounds is especially important, for example, by wearing sturdy shoes and protective clothing.
• Avoid animal bites. So be careful with aggressive monkeys and dogs, but even that cute stray kitten can bite and scratch viciously and give you tetanus.

Are there vaccinations against tetanus, and what is the treatment?

• In many (European) countries a combination vaccine is most commonly administered in the routine childhood vaccination schedule. This combination vaccine provides very effective protection against tetanus, and often also diphtheria and polio. After a full series, you are vaccinated for about ten years.
• If you are not protected by a vaccine and you sustain a deep wound or are bitten by an animal, a tetanus shot is often recommended. This significantly reduces the risk of the tetanus bacteria making you sick.
• A tetanus infection is often treated with antibiotics. Hospitalization is always necessary in this case. In addition to antibiotics to combat the bacteria, medication is often given for pain relief, sedation, and muscle relaxation.