How is tetanus transmitted

Nearly all cases of tetanus are among people who did not get all the recommended tetanus vaccinations. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. About Tetanus. If your child didn't get a booster shot as this age, talk to your doctor about appropriate options. A booster shot is recommended for adults once every 10 years.

This may be one of two vaccines, Tdap or Td. If you weren't vaccinated against tetanus as a child or are unsure about your vaccination status, see your doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine. A booster is recommended during the third trimester of a pregnancy, regardless of the mother's vaccination schedule.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Tetanus shots: Is it risky to receive 'extra' boosters?

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Bennett JE, et al. Tetanus Clostridium tetani. Elsevier; Accessed March 4, Tetanus: For clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Thwaites L. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis Tdap vaccination. Mayo Clinic; Fowler GC, et al. Wound dressing. The symptoms of tetanus may look like other medical conditions.

Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. A DTaP shot is a combination vaccine that protects against 3 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The first 3 shots are given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Between 15 and 18 months of age, the fourth shot is given, and a fifth is given when a child enters school at 4 to 6 years of age.

At regular checkups for or year-olds, a preteen should get a dose of Tdap. The Tdap booster contains tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine. If an adult did not get a Tdap as a preteen or teen, he or she should get a dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster. Adults should get a Td booster every 10 years, but it can be given before the year mark.

Always see your healthcare provider for advice. If you have any of the symptoms listed in the symptoms section, seek medical care immediately, as tetanus requires urgent attention. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. Tetanus occurs more often in warmer climates or during the warmer months.

Tetanus is very uncommon in the U. What causes tetanus? What are the symptoms of tetanus? These are the most common symptoms of tetanus: Stiff jaw also called lockjaw Stiff abdominal and back muscles Contraction of the facial muscles Fast pulse Fever Sweating Painful muscle spasms, especially near the wound area if these affect the throat or chest wall, breathing may be stopped Trouble swallowing The symptoms of tetanus may look like other medical conditions.