Is 72 hours too late for a tetanus shot
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If you live in the United States, youve likely had several tetanus vaccines throughout your life. But how do you know if you need another tetanus shot after a cut or other injury? Pratik Thaker, M.D., a Piedmont family medicine physician, explains.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a disease caused by a toxin-producing bacterium that affects the nervous system.
Tetanus is a preventable, but very dangerous, disease, Dr. Thaker says. Its uncommon in the United Statesthere are about 30 reported cases each year. But nearly all those cases were in people who werent vaccinated.
Other tetanus risk factors, besides not being vaccinated, include:
A foreign object in a wound, such as a splinter or a nail
Wounds or cuts that are exposed to dirt or manure
Shared needles for illegal drug use
A medical condition that compromises your immune system
An infected skin injury or sore if you have diabetes
An infected umbilical cord if the mother isnt vaccinated
Symptoms of tetanus
Early tetanus symptoms can include:
Muscle contractions, especially in the jaw and neck muscles (also known as lockjaw)
Painful muscle spasms in your neck
Trouble swallowing
Rigid muscles around your lips and abdomen
Painful, seizure-like spasms
Breathing problems
If the disease progresses, it can cause:
Rapid heart rate
Extreme sweating
Low blood pressure
High blood pressure
Fever
When to get a tetanus shot
Tetanus can be a very life-threatening disease, so its important to ensure children are vaccinated and adults get regular booster shots, Dr. Thaker says.
The recommended tetanus vaccine schedule is:
DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis) vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years
Tdap booster at age 11 or 12
Tdap or Td booster shot for adults every 10 years
Tetanus booster during the third trimester of pregnancy, regardless of vaccination status
Do you need a tetanus shot after an injury?
Whether you need a tetanus shot after a cut, puncture wound, bite or burn depends on the type of injury.
If a wound is contaminated with dirt or saliva or was caused by something made from metal, you should see your primary care provider or go to urgent care for a tetanus booster if you havent had a booster in five years, Dr. Thaker says. If you cant remember when you had your last tetanus booster and we cant find documentation, theres no harm in getting a tetanus booster.
If you sustain any type of injury, he recommends practicing first aid:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them on a clean towel.
Gently wash the wound with soap and water and dry it with a clean towel.
If the wound was contaminated with dirt or saliva or its a deep wound, go to urgent care or your primary care provider ASAP.
Finally, Dr. Thaker emphasizes that vaccinesincluding tetanus shotsare safe for most people as long as they arent allergic to the ingredients in the vaccine.
Vaccines dont cause autism, he says. Unless you have a very good reason not to get vaccinated, you should get the vaccine.
Vaccines save lives, so ask your primary care provider if youre up-to-date on your vaccinations.
We make getting great health care simple and convenient. Schedule an appointment today through your Piedmont MyChart account or our website.
How often should you get a tetanus shot?
Tetanus shots offer around 10 years worth of protection for people over the age of 18.
Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a medical emergency that can be prevented by vaccination. It occurs when a certain type of bacteria enter the bloodstream.
According to the
In this article, we look at how often a person needs a tetanus shot and what types of the vaccine exist.
Several vaccines can protect against tetanus, as well as other diseases, such as diphtheria and whooping cough.
The following can prevent tetanus:
- diphtheria and tetanus (DT) vaccines
- tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines
- tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccines
- diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
However, the protection provided by these vaccines does not last a lifetime.
The
The health authority also suggests that people over 18 years of age receive tetanus vaccines every 10 years, as the shot provides roughly 10 years of protection in most people.
A tetanus shot protects the body from the type of bacteria Clostridium tetani that cause tetanus.
However, the protective effects do not last forever, so it is important to receive up-to-date vaccination.
Babies, children, and adolescents
Babies should receive
The
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 1518 months
- 46 years
Adolescents aged 11 or 12 should get a Tdap shot to ensure continued immunity against the disease.
Adults
Adults who have never received a tetanus vaccination should get a Tdap shot.
In general, the
However, research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases points to the possibility that these regular boosters may not be necessary for adults.
A 2016 study that looked into tetanus immunity in 546 adults found that the vaccine provided at least 30 years of protection.
During pregnancy
A Tdap vaccine at the start of the
DT, DTaP, Td, and Tdap vaccines are
A person may experience side effects, which are typically
Mild adverse reactions may include:
Who should not get a tetanus shot?
According to the
- people who have experienced seizures
- people with any nervous system disorders
- people who have Guillain-Barr syndrome
The DT and DTaP vaccines are not suitable for those aged 7 years or older, while the Td and Tdap vaccines are not intended for younger children or babies.
Anyone who has experienced an adverse reaction to a tetanus shot should not receive another.
In general, it is a good idea for people who are feeling unwell to delay getting a tetanus shot until they have fully recovered.
Tetanus-causing bacteria are common and can enter the body in a variety of ways.
People should get tetanus shots to protect themselves from developing the disease, which can cause:
- high blood pressure
- vocal cord spasms
- pneumonia
- extreme muscle spasms that can result in broken bones
- blood clots in the lungs
- difficulty breathing
According to the New York State Department of Health, 1020% of people who develop tetanus die as a result, even if they have received intensive care.
C. tetani bacteria exist nearly everywhere in the environment, and they can pose a threat when they enter the bloodstream.
Open wounds of any kind, including burns and punctures, are potential entry points. People can also get tetanus through insect bites, dental infections, surgery, and intravenous drug use.
Newborns can get tetanus if they are born in unsanitary conditions.
According to the
Tetanus is also known as lockjaw because a
As the infection progresses, muscle spasms occur, and the abdomen may become rigid.
Other symptoms of tetanus can include:
- a fever
- sweating
- difficulty swallowing
- an increased heart rate
Healthcare providers can diagnose tetanus with a physical exam.
Treatment depends on the severity of the wound and whether a person has received a tetanus shot. It typically focuses on preventing or managing complications.
A doctor who suspects tetanus will thoroughly cleanse the wound and administer antibiotics to prevent further infection.
A person may also require medication to control muscle spasms and a treatment called human tetanus immune globulin.
There is no cure for tetanus, but it is possible to manage the symptoms.
Tetanus is an emergency. If a person has a wound that may have come into contact with the bacteria, they should receive medical care.
Any wound that has been exposed to a contaminant such as dirt, feces, or manure requires medical attention.
Sufficient wound care is key in preventing tetanus it is important to disinfect all wounds as soon as possible.
Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that can be fatal. Various vaccines provide immunity against the bacteria, though this protection is temporary.
The bacteria are common in the environment, so
Tetanus
Overview
Tetanus is a serious disease of the nervous system caused by a toxin-producing bacterium. The disease causes muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus is commonly known as lockjaw.
Severe complications of tetanus can be life-threatening. There's no cure for tetanus. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications until the effects of the tetanus toxin resolve.
Because of the widespread use of vaccines, cases of tetanus are rare in the United States and other parts of the developed world. The disease remains a threat to people who aren't up to date on their vaccinations. It's more common in developing countries.
Symptoms
The average time from infection to appearance of signs and symptoms (incubation period) is 10 days. The incubation period can range from 3 to 21 days.
The most common type of tetanus is called generalized tetanus. Signs and symptoms begin gradually and then progressively worsen over two weeks. They usually start at the jaw and progress downward on the body.
Signs and symptoms of generalized tetanus include:
- Painful muscle spasms and stiff, immovable muscles (muscle rigidity) in your jaw
- Tension of muscles around your lips, sometimes producing a persistent grin
- Painful spasms and rigidity in your neck muscles
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rigid abdominal muscles
Progression of tetanus results in repeated painful, seizure-like spasms that last for several minutes (generalized spasms). Usually, the neck and back arch, the legs become rigid, the arms are drawn up to the body, and the fists are clenched. Muscle rigidity in the neck and abdomen may cause breathing difficulties.
These severe spasms may be triggered by minor events that stimulate the senses a loud sound, a physical touch, a draft or light.
As the disease progresses, other signs and symptoms may include:
- High blood pressure
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Extreme sweating
Localized tetanus
This uncommon form of tetanus results in muscles spasms near the site of a wound. While it's usually a less severe form of disease, it can progress to generalized tetanus.
Cephalic tetanus
This rare form of tetanus results from a head wound. It results in weakened muscles in the face and spasms of the jaw muscles. It also can progress to generalized tetanus.
When to see a doctor
Tetanus is a life-threatening disease. If you have signs or symptoms of tetanus, seek emergency care.
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.
Seek medical care in the following cases:
- You've not had a tetanus shot within 10 years.
- You are unsure of when you last had a tetanus shot.
- You have a puncture wound, a foreign object in your wound, an animal bite or a deep cut.
- 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. Contaminated wounds require a vaccination booster if it's been five or more years since your last tetanus shot.
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Causes
The bacterium that causes tetanus is called Clostridium tetani. The bacterium can survive in a dormant state in soil and animal feces. It's essentially shut down until it discovers a place to thrive.
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. The toxin impairs the nerves in the body that control muscles.
Risk factors
The greatest risk factor for tetanus infection is not being vaccinated or not keeping up with the 10-year booster shots.
Other factors that increase the risk of tetanus infection are:
- Cuts or wounds exposed to soil or manure
- A foreign body in a wound, such as a nail or splinter
- A history of immune-suppressing medical conditions
- Infected skin lesions in people living with diabetes
- An infected umbilical cord when a mother isn't fully vaccinated
- Shared and unsanitary needles for illegal drug use
Complications
Complications of tetanus infection may include:
- Breathing problems. Life-threatening breathing problems can occur from tightening of the vocal cords and muscle rigidity in the neck and abdomen, especially during a generalized spasm.
- Blockage of a lung artery (pulmonary embolism). A blood clot that has traveled from elsewhere in your body can block the main artery of the lung or one of its branches.
- Pneumonia. A lung infection caused by accidentally inhaling something into the lungs (aspiration pneumonia) may be a complication of generalized spasms.
- Broken bones. Generalized spasms may cause fractures of the spine or other bones.
- Death. Death from tetanus is often caused by a blocked airway during spasms or damage to the nerves that regulate breathing, heart rate or other organ functions.
Prevention
You can prevent tetanus by being vaccinated.
Vaccination for children
The tetanus vaccine is given to children as part of the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP). Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection of the nose and throat. Acellular pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection.
Children who do not tolerate the pertussis vaccine may receive the alternative vaccine called DT.
The DTaP is a series of five shots typically given in the arm or thigh to children at ages:
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 15 to 18 months
- 4 to 6 years
Vaccination for children ages 7 to 18
A booster shot is recommended for children at age 11 or 12. This booster is called the Tdap vaccine. If your child didn't get a booster shot as this age, talk to your doctor about appropriate options.
Vaccination for adults age 19 and older
A booster shot is recommended for adults once every 10 years. This may be one of two vaccines, Tdap or Td. If you weren't vaccinated against tetanus as a child or are unsure about your vaccination status, see your doctor about getting the Tdap vaccine.
Vaccination during pregnancy
A booster is recommended during the third trimester of a pregnancy, regardless of the mother's vaccination schedule.
Other recommendations
- Ask your doctor to review your vaccination status regularly.
- Check whether you are current on your vaccination schedule if you are planning international travel.
Dec. 21, 2023
