What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing painful muscle spasms throughout the body. It is often fatal. Because of vaccination, few people now get tetanus in Australia. Everybody should be vaccinated and have boosters at the correct time throughout life.

Tetanus is sometimes known as 'lock jaw', because it typically causes spasms of the jaw making it close firmly (lock).

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

Symptoms of tetanus include:

• painful muscle spasms, especially in the face or neck, that can last for several minutes
• a locked jaw (not being able to open the mouth)
• difficulty talking and swallowing
• difficulty breathing
• rapid heartbeat
• fever

Symptoms usually take 3 to 21 days to show after infection.

Tetanus is often fatal.

What causes tetanus?

Tetanus is caused by infection with a bacterium called clostridium tetani (c. tetani). The bacteria produce a toxin (poison), which attacks the nervous system. This leads to muscle spam.

C. tetani live mainly in soil, dust and manure, but can be found anywhere. You can become infected if the bacterium enters your bloodstream through an open wound, such as:

• any wound that is not clean
• a bite from an animal or human
• any wound that pierces the skin, such as a scratch from a rusty nail

Even something as minor as a prick from a rose thorn can become infected with c. tetani, but some wounds are more likely to become infected, for example if:

• they are very deep
• they contain a foreign body such as a splinter
• the wound is over a broken bone (a compound fracture)

You are more at risk of tetanus if there is a lot of pus, damage to the tissues (such as with a burn) or if the wound has been contaminated with soil, dust or manure.

You cannot catch c. tetani or tetanus itself from other people.

When should I see my doctor?

You should see your doctor if you have a wound that is dirty, or a wound where the skin has been penetrated (such as a wound from a rose thorn or from a rusty nail).

How is tetanus diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose tetanus by examining recent wounds that have been in contact with soil, checking for symptoms like stiff neck and jaw, and asking you when you last had a tetanus booster.

How is tetanus treated?

Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. People with mild symptoms will be given a tetanus antitoxin and antibiotics.

People who have severe symptoms will be admitted to hospital to treat breathing and muscle paralysis.

Can tetanus be prevented?

Tetanus can be prevented with vaccination (commonly known as a ‘tetanus shot’), but immunity lessens over time, so booster doses are needed to ensure you are protected.

The tetanus vaccine is given as part of routine childhood immunisation under the National Immunisation Program. It is given free of charge at 6 weeks to 2 months, 4 months, and again at 6 months old. Booster vaccinations are recommended at 18 months and 4 years.

Older children are usually given an additional booster vaccination between 11 and 13 years. You may also need a booster if you are going travelling or if you are injured.

After the complete course of tetanus vaccinations, another booster is usually recommended for people at age 50 and again at age 65, if it has been more than 10 years since the last dose. If you are unsure whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date, see your doctor. It is never too late.

Tetanus vaccine

Vaccination is your best protection against tetanus. This table explains how the vaccine is given, who should get it, and whether it is on the National Immunisation Program Schedule.

Resources and support

For more information about tetanus, visit the Department of Health and Aged Care information page on tetanus and getting vaccinated.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.