Tetanus

There is a risk of tetanus if soil or manure containing bacteria gets into a wound, such as a bite, burn or scratch. Tetanus is rare, but the chances of getting it are higher if: you have not been fully vaccinated (the tetanus vaccine has routinely been given since 1961) you have a large or deep wound the wound is very dirty or there is something stuck in the wound Check with your GP surgery if you're not sure you've been fully vaccinated against tetanus.

The symptoms of tetanus usually start around 4 to 21 days after infection. Most people get symptoms after about 10 days. The symptoms of tetanus include: a stiff jaw (lockjaw), which can make opening your mouth difficult painful muscle spasms, often in your back, tummy, arms, legs, hands and feet difficulty breathing swallowing problems a high temperature sweating a fast heartbeat fits (seizures)

Tetanus is rare in the UK, but sometimes you need to get wounds checked, especially if you're not sure if you've been vaccinated. Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if: You have a wound, such as a bite, burn or scratch and: you've not been fully vaccinated against tetanus (or you're not sure if you have) you've tried to clean the wound but there's still dirt, soil or something stuck in it the wound is hot or swollen – it may also be painful, red or darker than the surrounding skin (redness may be harder to see on black or brown skin) you have a high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery You can call 111 or get help from 111 online . Although tetanus is rare, it's important to get a wound checked if it could become infected. Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if: You have a wound, such as a bite, burn or scratch and: it's large or deep you have a stiff jaw or are finding it difficult to swallow you have painful muscle spasms or stiffness you're finding it hard to breathe you have a fast heartbeat you have fits (seizures) Tetanus is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately in hospital. Find your nearest A&E Information: Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you.

If you have tetanus, or a wound that has a high risk of being infected, you'll be treated in hospital. Treatments for tetanus include: cleaning the wound – any dirt, soil or dead tissue will be removed an injection with a medicine called tetanus immunoglobulin other medicines, such as antibiotics and medicines to help control painful muscle spasms and stiffness help with breathing using a machine that gives you oxygen You may need a tetanus vaccine or booster if you've not been fully vaccinated (at least 5 doses in total), or if your vaccination history is uncertain. It can take several weeks or sometimes months to fully recover from tetanus.

The best way to avoid getting tetanus is to make sure you're fully vaccinated against it. The tetanus vaccine is given as part of the routine NHS vaccination schedule . The vaccines are given at: 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and 18 months – as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine 3 years and 4 months – as part of the 4-in-1 pre-school booster 14 years – as part of the 3-in-1 teenage booster Check with your GP surgery if you're not sure which vaccinations you or your child has had in the past. Advice for travellers Make sure you're up to date with your routine vaccinations before travelling. Tetanus vaccinations may be recommended before travelling if: you're going to an area where it may be difficult to get medical help quickly and your last vaccine dose was more than 10 years ago you have not been fully vaccinated