What it means
The bacteria's spores live in soil, dust and animal waste and get into the body through cuts, punctures, burns or other wounds. The toxin they make affects the nerves and causes painful muscle stiffness and spasms, often starting in the jaw (lockjaw) and neck, and can stop breathing. It does not spread from person to person. Vaccines prevent it: DTaP for young children, then Tdap and Td boosters.
For the nurse
Ask about tetanus shots after any wound. Adults need a booster every 10 years, and sooner (after 5 years) for a dirty or deep wound. Clean wounds well. It is different from tetanyTET-uh-neeInvoluntary muscle cramps and spasms that come from nerves firing too easily.Full entry , which is muscle spasm from low calcium.
At a glance
| Spanish | tétanos |
|---|---|
| Also written | lockjaw |
Easy to confuse with
tetany
Involuntary muscle cramps and spasms that come from nerves firing too easily.
Related terms
vaccine
A product that trains the immune system to protect the body against a specific disease.
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
tetany
Involuntary muscle cramps and spasms that come from nerves firing too easily.
wound healing
The body's process of repairing damaged skin and tissue.