Going to the Barn? Is Your Tetanus Current?

Most of us associate “lockjaw” and Tetanus shots with rusty nails and deep puncture wounds. However, the best place to come in contact with Clostridium tetani is in dust and animal waste. A wound the size of a pin prick is large enough for a tetanus spore to enter and incubate. A large puncture with a rusty piece of metal normally causes us to run to the doctor to renew our protection with a tetanus shot booster, but leaning on a shovel handle where animal feces had once been is just as likely a culprit for infection.

In the United States, there are approximately 40-50 deaths annually. The low mortality is due to the good immunization program. Worldwide, the annual mortality figures are 500,000 to 1 million with most deaths occurring in the 3rd world countries. It is recommended that booster shots be given every 10 years or 3 times in a lifetime, especially if you frequent an area close to animal wastes and dust. Tetanus spores can live for years and will tolerate extreme temperature ranges. The first indication of infection normally will be mild skeletal muscle spasms. As the bacteria grow and spread, the spasms will become prolonged and severe.

As with most infections, the very young and the very old are often the most vulnerable. If the immune system has not had sufficient time to build immunity or as we age, our immune systems are compromised the tetanus bacteria can become very opportunistic. It is important that we are aware that our immunity to Tetanus is not lifetime protection and that a booster shot may be required to prevent infection. The next time you visit your health care provider, remember to ask about your last tetanus shot to see if it is time for you and your family members to “get a boost”!

-Gail Thompson