LEAH RAWSON, RN
NURSE MANAGER
Delta County Public Health
Beyond Rusty Nails: Understanding Tetanus and How to Prevent It
Many people have heard the warning, “Be careful, you’ll get tetanus from that rusty nail!” While stepping on a rusty nail can increase the risk of tetanus if it causes a puncture wound, the rust itself is not what causes the disease.
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and animal manure. They can enter the body through breaks in the skin and produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to painful muscle stiffness and spasms.
How Does Tetanus Enter the Body?
Tetanus bacteria can enter the body through a variety of injuries, including:
Puncture wounds from nails, needles, splinters, or animal bites
Cuts or wounds contaminated with dirt, manure, or saliva
Burns, crush injuries, frostbite, or other wounds involving damaged tissue
Because the bacteria are widespread in the environment, tetanus is not limited to rusty objects. Any injury that creates an opening in the skin and introduces contaminated material can pose a risk.
Signs and Symptoms
Tetanus symptoms typically begin several days to weeks after exposure and may include:
Muscle stiffness, often starting in the jaw (“lockjaw”)
Difficulty swallowing
Painful muscle spasms
Stiffness in the neck, shoulders, or abdomen
Fever and sweating
Tetanus is a serious illness that requires immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Prevention Is the Best Protection
Fortunately, tetanus is preventable through vaccination and proper wound care.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
Routine tetanus vaccination for children and adults
A tetanus booster every 10 years
Prompt cleaning and care of cuts, scrapes, and puncture wounds
If you experience a deep puncture wound, a wound contaminated with dirt or manure, or are unsure when you last received a tetanus shot, contact your healthcare provider. In some cases, a booster may be recommended sooner than the routine 10-year schedule.
Understanding DTaP and Tdap Vaccines
Vaccination is the best protection against tetanus. The vaccines that protect against tetanus also help protect against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
DTaP is given to infants and young children as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Children typically receive a series of five doses between 2 months and 6 years of age.
Tdap is the booster vaccine recommended for older children, teens, and adults. It helps maintain protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis as immunity decreases over time.
The CDC recommends:
Children receive the full DTaP vaccine series.
Adolescents receive a Tdap booster around age 11–12.
Adults receive a Tdap vaccine if they have never had one, followed by tetanus-containing booster shots every 10 years.
Pregnant women receive a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to help protect newborns from whooping cough.
A Good Reminder for Outdoor Season
Whether you’re gardening, working on a farm, hiking, or tackling home improvement projects, cuts and puncture wounds can happen. Taking a few minutes to clean wounds properly and staying up to date on tetanus vaccinations can help protect you and your family from a preventable disease.
Remember: it’s not the rusty nail that causes tetanus, it’s the bacteria that may be hiding in the environment around us. Staying vaccinated is the safest and most effective way to prevent infection
Delta County Public Health
255 W. 6th St.
Delta, Colorado 81416
970-874-2165
Delta County Public Health | 255 W 6th St. | Delta, CO 81416 US
Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice