Open wounds contaminated with tetanus bacteria (Clostridium tetani), found in soil, dust, and animal feces, can lead to a tetanus infection if you don't have up-to-date immunity. Your best defense against tetanus is prevention by vaccination, because tetanus may be fatal even with treatment. Signs and symptoms of tetanus appear from a few days to several weeks after an injury and include:

• Muscular irritability

• Spasms or stiffness of the jaw, neck, and other muscles

• Fever

Tetanus is also known as lockjaw because when the toxin spreads to the nerves of muscles, the face and jaw muscles in the area will react with strong spasms. There may also be difficulty swallowing, irritability, and difficulty breathing.

First Aid for Tetanus

For any deep or dirty wounds, see your doctor to obtain a tetanus booster shot if you haven't had a booster within the past five years, a tetanus shot in the last ten years, or aren't sure of your status. If you develop tetanus, you will most likely receive intensive treatment, and may recover completely; however, in most cases there's a risk of death or lasting effects such as brain damage despite treatment.

The tetanus vaccine is usually given to children as part of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine; teens and adults get the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine. Get the vaccine for any international travel or after any deep or dirty wounds when your vaccination status is not current. Clean and dress any wounds using an antibiotic cream or ointment.