

Shared and unsanitary needles for illegal drug useĬomplications of tetanus infection may include:.An infected umbilical cord when a mother isn't fully vaccinated.
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Infected skin lesions in people living with diabetes.A history of immune-suppressing medical conditions.A foreign body in a wound, such as a nail or splinter.Cuts or wounds exposed to soil or manure.Other factors that increase the risk of tetanus infection are: The greatest risk factor for tetanus infection is not being vaccinated or not keeping up with the 10-year booster shots. The toxin impairs the nerves in the body that control muscles. When the dormant bacteria enter a wound - a condition good for growth - the cells are "awakened." As they are growing and dividing, they release a toxin called tetanospasmin. It's essentially shut down until it discovers a place to thrive. The bacterium can survive in a dormant state in soil and animal feces. The bacterium that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. Contaminated wounds require a vaccination booster if it's been five or more years since your last tetanus shot. Your wound is contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, rust or saliva - or you have any doubt about whether you've cleaned a wound sufficiently after such exposure.You have a puncture wound, a foreign object in your wound, an animal bite or a deep cut.You are unsure of when you last had a tetanus shot.You've not had a tetanus shot within 10 years.Seek medical care in the following cases:

If you have a simple, clean wound - and you've had a tetanus shot within 10 years - you can care for your wound at home. If you have signs or symptoms of tetanus, seek emergency care. It also can progress to generalized tetanus. It results in weakened muscles in the face and spasms of the jaw muscles. This rare form of tetanus results from a head wound. While it's usually a less severe form of disease, it can progress to generalized tetanus. This uncommon form of tetanus results in muscles spasms near the site of a wound. These severe spasms may be triggered by minor events that stimulate the senses - a loud sound, a physical touch, a draft or light.Īs the disease progresses, other signs and symptoms may include: Muscle rigidity in the neck and abdomen may cause breathing difficulties. Usually, the neck and back arch, the legs become rigid, the arms are drawn up to the body, and the fists are clenched. Progression of tetanus results in repeated painful, seizure-like spasms that last for several minutes (generalized spasms).
