Tetanus

Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacteria that lives in dust, dirt and soil.

How is tetanus spread?

Tetanus cannot be spread from person to person. A person becomes infected with tetanus when the bacteria enter the body through an opening in the skin, such as a cut, scrape or animal bite.

Watch a video on tetanus.

Video credit: Immunize Canada

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

Tetanus symptoms usually start within 14 days of the bacteria entering the body. The tetanus bacteria make a poison that causes painful muscle spasms (tightening of muscles). Tetanus is also called “lockjaw” because the jaw muscles can become so tight that they lock shut.

What are the risks of tetanus?

Tetanus symptoms get worse over time. The muscle spasms can spread throughout the body and can be so severe that they break bones, including the spine. If the poison spreads to the breathing muscles (diaphragm), tetanus can cause death. About 1 in 5 people who get tetanus will die.

How can I prevent getting tetanus?

The best way to not get tetanus is to get immunized. The tetanus vaccine is combined with other vaccines to protect against several diseases with one shot. The tetanus vaccine is safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get the disease.

The Tetanus vaccine is given free (publicly funded) as part of the B.C. routine immunization schedule.

Adults who were immunized against tetanus when they were a child should get a ‘booster’ every 10 years.

Get immunized against tetanus by making an appointment with your doctor, pharmacist (for those 5 years and older) or Public Health.

Learn where to get immunized and how to book an appointment