Tetanus

Tetanus is a severe bacterial disease that affects the nervous system and causes muscle contractions in the jaw and neck. Once the bacteria enters your system, it may inhibit your ability to breathe, swallow or speak. This is typically known as ‘lockjaw’. Spasms of the jaw or facial muscles may follow, spreading to the hands, arms, legs, and back and blocking breathing. Spasms are often caused by noise or touch. This ultimately leads to losing one’s life.

Tetanus is contagious and may transmit from person to person. Bacterial spores usually enter the body through insect bites, rusty objects, needle injections, burns, bruises or umbilical cords.

The tetanus vaccines that are readily available everywhere, have reduced the prevalence of tetanus greatly.

When to seek expert advise

Immediately see a doctor and get vaccinated if you have been bruised by any rusty or old object, if you have had an insect bite or have fallen down and faced an open wound. Take the vaccine shot if your pet has bitten you or you have been bitten by any stray animal or if you have fallen on animal faeces and have an open wound. 

Usually a tetanus injection can build your immunity against the infection for five years, but it is always safe to consult the doctors at the Internal Medicine Service Line​ at the Aga Khan University Hospital.​​