Tetanus: How to Spot It, Treat It, and Stop It

Tetanus is caused by bacteria that live in soil, dust, and animal poop. A tiny puncture or dirty cut can let the bacteria into your body and cause serious muscle spasms, trouble swallowing, and breathing problems. You don’t need a dramatic injury — even a rusty nail or a small splinter after gardening can be risky if your shots are out of date.

How tetanus happens and symptoms

The bacteria make a toxin that attacks nerves. Early signs usually start within a few days to a few weeks after the wound. Look for jaw stiffness (lockjaw), neck stiffness, jaw pain, difficulty swallowing, and muscle spasms that can spread to the chest and back. Fever, sweating, and irritability are common too. newborns can get tetanus from unclean umbilical cord care — that’s called neonatal tetanus and it’s very dangerous.

If you notice these symptoms after a cut or bite, get medical help right away. Tetanus is treatable but needs prompt care in a hospital because breathing can become dangerously weak and you may need a breathing machine.

Preventing tetanus: vaccines and wound care

Vaccination is the best protection. Children get DTaP shots. Adults should get a Tdap shot once as an adult and then a tetanus-diphtheria (Td) or Tdap booster every 10 years. If you have a deep or dirty wound and your last booster was more than 5 years ago, your doctor will usually give a booster right away. If you never completed the vaccine series or your status is unknown, you may need both a tetanus shot and a dose of human tetanus immune globulin (TIG) for immediate protection.

Wound care matters. Wash cuts with soap and water, remove obvious dirt, and cover them. For puncture wounds, animal bites, or wounds with debris, see a clinician — you might need stitches, antibiotics, or a tetanus booster. If a wound is large, dirty, or caused by a high-risk object, don’t wait for symptoms.

Traveling? If you’re going somewhere with limited medical care or plan to do outdoor work, check your vaccine record first. Pregnant people should get a Tdap shot during each pregnancy (usually between weeks 27 and 36) to protect the newborn from neonatal tetanus.

Bottom line: check your records, keep boosters up to date, and treat wounds seriously. If you’re unsure about your tetanus shots or you have a risky wound, call your clinic or local urgent care. A quick booster and clean wound are simple steps that prevent a severe, preventable disease.