Tetanus: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani (found in soil, dust, manure). It affects the central nervous system.
Symptoms
- Jaw stiffness (lockjaw)
- Difficulty swallowing
- Neck/back stiffness
- Painful muscle spasms
- Fever, sweating, anxiety, headache
Emergency Treatment
- Antibiotics (kill bacteria)
- Antitoxin (neutralize toxin)
- Muscle relaxants (control spasms)
- Sedatives
- Ventilator support if breathing impaired
Prevention
Tetanus vaccine (alone or in DTaP/Tdap) is recommended for all children and adults. Booster every 10 years.
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