Most
vaccine-preventable diseases are spread from one person to
another but tetanus is not. Tetanus is caused by a germ that
enters the body through a cut or wound. It can get in through
even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but most often occurs after a
deep puncture wound or cut. Avoiding tetanus germs is difficult
because they are found everywhere,
usually in soil, dust, and manure.
Tetanus
causes such serious, painful spasms of all muscles that bones
can actually snap. Tetanus may also lead to
"locking" of the jaw so a person cannot open his or
her mouth, swallow, or breathe. Three out of ten people who get
tetanus die.
Tetanus
vaccine is given to young children in the DTaP (diphtheria,
tetanus, and acellular Pertussis) or DT (diphtheria and tetanus)
vaccine series. Tetanus vaccine is also given to older children and
adults in the TD (Tetanus, diphtheria) or TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, acellar Pertussis) vaccine. |
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