Tetanus is caused by an infection with the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is commonly found in soil, saliva, dust, and manure. About ten percent of cases prove to be fatal. Onset of symptoms is typically three to twenty-one days following infection.
Other symptoms of tetanus may include fever, sweating, headache, trouble swallowing, high blood pressure, and a fast heart rate. Some spasms may be severe enough to fracture bones. Spasms occur frequently for three to four weeks. In the most common type, the spasms begin in the jaw and then progress to the rest of the body. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection characterized by muscle spasms. Tetanus immune globulin, muscle relaxants, mechanical ventilation You’re feeling ill on the day you’re scheduled to receive your vaccination.Muscle spasms (specifically opisthotonos) in a person with tetanus.You have seizures or other neurological problems.The DT vaccine can also be given to children under 7 years that are sensitive to the pertussis component of the vaccine. Adults fitting these criteria can still be given the Td vaccine. You experienced seizure or coma following a dose of DTaP or Tdap.You’ve had a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the tetanus vaccine.
You’ve had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the tetanus vaccine, such as severe pain or swelling.Talk to your doctor before receiving the tetanus vaccine if any of the following applies to you: Since protection from tetanus infection fades over time, adults should receive a Td booster shot every 10 years to remain protected. Tdap vaccination should be given to children at ages 11 or 12.Īdditionally, adults who didn’t receive the Tdap vaccine at this age should receive a Tdap vaccination in place of their normal tetanus booster. A booster is recommended for children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old. The DTaP vaccine is recommended for children under the age of 7 years old.ĭTaP vaccination should be given at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, and from 15 through 18 months. The CDC recommends that people of all ages receive the tetanus vaccine. If you experience this, be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that could further upset your stomach. The CDC estimates 1 in 10 adults receiving the Tdap vaccine will experience this side effect. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrheaĮxperiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea is considered a mild side effect of the Tdap vaccine. Like many of the previously listed side effects, it’s a sign that your body and immune system are working hard to build up immunity. You may feel tired or drowsy following your tetanus vaccination. You can take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aches. These side effects should subside shortly.
You may experience a headache or various aches and pains throughout your body after your tetanus vaccination. If you experience a mild fever following tetanus vaccination, OTC medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can help. People receiving the tetanus vaccine can experience a mild fever of up to 100.4✯ (38✬) following vaccination. If pain or swelling is causing you discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) to help. According to the CDC, it occurs in 2 in 3 adults that receive the Tdap vaccine. Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects from receiving the tetanus vaccine. Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site Most of these side effects are signs that your body is responding to build immunity against the disease. These side effects are common to all types of tetanus shot. There are some mild side effects to any of the tetanus vaccines. DT is given to younger children, while Td is typically given to older children and adults. This vaccine prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
It’s used for children younger than 7 years old. The different tetanus vaccine formulations are as follows: The vaccine that you get for tetanus can also contain components to prevent contracting certain other serious bacterial diseases, such as diphtheria and pertussis ( whooping cough). The tetanus vaccine helps protect against tetanus. A toxin that’s produced by the bacterium causes the disease, also referred to as lockjaw.Īlthough rare in the United States, 1 in 10 people who contract it die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It usually enters your body through an open wound. Tetanus is a serious disease that’s caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani (C.