Do I Have Tetanus?

Have you missed regular tetanus vaccinations, or are you not up to date with booster shots against tetanus (you haven't had a booster shot within the past 10 years)?

Do you have a deep or dirty wound and you haven't had a tetanus booster shot in five years?

Do you have spasms and stiffness in your jaw muscles (trismus)?

Do you have stiff muscles in the neck, shoulder or back?

Do you have difficulty swallowing?

Do you have stiffness of your abdominal muscles?

Do you have painful body spasms lasting for several minutes (usually triggered by minor occurrences, such as a draft, loud noise, physical touch or light)?

Do you have prolonged facial muscle contractions, which may produce something reminiscent of a sneer or grimace?

Do you have jerking or staring (seizures)?

Do you have a fever and sweating?

Do you have elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate?

Do you have difficulty breathing?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have tetanus. Tetanus is a serious medical condition that refers to an infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Bacteria are usually found in the soil or dust, and enter the body after injuries (cuts, stab wounds) caused by contaminated objects. Tetanus can be prevented by regular vaccinations. Protection from vaccines does not last for life. To maintain a high level of protection against tetanus, it is necessary to get booster shots every 10 years. Tetanus is not common in the United States. All reported cases of tetanus are among people who have not been vaccinated regularly.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have tetanus. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium called Clostridium tetani. This type of bacteria is widespread in the environment and can enter the body through a dirty puncture wound or cut that is usually caused by contaminated objects. Bacteria produce a toxin that affects your nervous system, causing painful muscle contractions, especially of the neck and jaw muscles. Tetanus can interfere with your ability to open your mouth, swallow and breathe, so it can be life-threatening. A diagnosis is based on your medical and immunization history and a physical examination.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have tetanus. Tetanus is a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium known as Clostridium tetani. It is a vaccine-preventable disease that does not spread from one person to another. Tetanus is often referred to as a "lockjaw" because of the "locking" of the neck and jaw muscles, which makes it difficult to move them (difficulty opening mouth and swallowing). There is no cure for tetanus. It is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital. Treatment includes wound care, symptom management therapy, and supportive care to prevent complications until the effects of the toxin subside.