Tetanus (or 'Lockjaw')

What is tetanus?

Tetanus, sometimes called Lockjaw. is a very unpleasant illness which affects the nervous system. It causes painful, uncontrolled muscle spasms which gradually affect more and more of the body, and it is sometimes fatal.

What causes it?

People commonly think Tetanus is caused by rusty nails in the soil which scratch you - in fact it is much more complex. Tetanus comes from a bacterium called clostridium tetani and its spores occur naturally and very widely in the soil and also in dust and animal manure (as well as on rusty nails!) This means that anyone who cuts or scratches themselves, for example when gardening, has a chance of picking up the bacteria in the open wound. The likelihood of developing the disease is greatest through deeper wounds such as those caused by knives or nails. It is found world-wide. Gardeners or those working on the land are most at risk, but it can also be caught if the skin is damaged by burns or by injecting contaminated street drugs.

The good news

It is easy to be protected from catching tetanus. An effective vaccine is available and is offered to all young children combined with anti-diphtheria and whooping cough vaccines. Boosters are given when children start school and every ten years after that. It is particularly sensible for those working with soil, such as gardeners and farmers, to keep their injections up to date and they are available free of charge on the NHS.

At the same time, it is sensible to cleanse all wounds carefully, especially those infected with soil. Medical advice should be sought for any deep or serious wound, and a booster injection may be deemed advisable.