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Tetanus is a bacterial infection that attacks the nervous system. It causes uncontrolled movements (spasms) in the muscles of the jaw and other muscles of the body, including the muscles that control breathing.
Tetanus can cause:
There is no cure for tetanus.
Learn more about tetanus.
People who are not immunized are at highest risk. Older adults, people who were born outside of Canada, and people who don’t have a record of being completely immunized for tetanus are more likely to have no protection.
This disease can be very serious and can cause death, especially in babies and older adults who are not immunized.
Tetanus is rare because the vaccine has been used since the 1940s. Most people have been immunized against tetanus.
Tetanus bacteria are common in soil, dust, manure (animal stool used as fertilizer), and human stool (poop). The bacteria can get into your body through a cut on your skin or an animal bite. For example, if you have an open cut and are gardening, soil with the tetanus bacteria can get into your body. Tetanus does not spread from person to person.
Symptoms of tetanus usually start with a sore, stiff jaw and neck, and trouble swallowing.
Other symptoms can happen as the disease gets worse, including:
Sometimes the muscle spasms are so severe that they can result in broken bones, and even lead to seizures and death.
Tetanus can be prevented by getting a vaccine. Common vaccines that protect against tetanus are:
The type of tetanus vaccine you get depends on your age and if you need protection from other diseases.
You will need a tetanus vaccine as soon as possible if you have a dirty cut, wound, or burn and 5 or more years have passed since your last tetanus vaccine.
The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria. Td vaccine is no longer available in Alberta. It used to be given to adults who needed this protection because they didn't have their childhood immunizations or because they needed an extra (booster) dose. The Tdap vaccine is now given for this.
If you get a cut or wound that is likely to have tetanus bacteria, and you haven’t had at least 3 doses of a tetanus vaccine, you may get tetanus immune globulin for fast protection and to help prevent tetanus disease.
Immune globulins give quick, short-term protection. For long-term protection, you need a vaccine.
Learn more about tetanus immune globulin.
