Every 7-10 years it's a good idea to get a booster shot for tetanus (lockjaw). The immunization most physicians give contains material that protects you from getting two different diseases: diptheria and tetanus (lockjaw).
How Tetanus Affects the Body
Tetanus is caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani that grows in areas of the soil that lack the oxygen that kills the bacteria. To prevent its total elimination Clostridium tetani will form into a protective cell called a spore, similar to a seed.
When the right conditions occur the spore will then turn into a growing cell (vegetative cell) that produces a toxin that is called tetanospasmin. Tetanospasmin acts on the nerves in our body that regulate muscle tightening.
The classic example doctors cite when explaining tetanus involves a person who steps on a rusty nail. The rust does not cause tetanus., however, the nail is dirty and has Clostridium tetani spores on it. If the nail goes deep into the foot and causes some damage then there is little oxygen around to kill the bacteria. The spores can then grow into vegetative cells and produce tetanospasmin.
Symptoms of Tetanus
It can take a few days to weeks before the person has any symptoms of tetanus. The most common symptom is lockjaw; the tetanospasmin prevents relaxation of the jaw muscles. Other early symptoms include drooling, sweating, irritability, and persistant back spasms.
Tetanus is a disease that can be fatal. The patient may have muscle spasms and difficulties getting air into his lungs, causing his blood pressure to fluctuate and his heart beat irregularly. This can be fatal. Treatment is available and can save the life of someone with tetanus even in very advanced cases. However, it requires the patient be given very strong muscle relaxants and be put on a machine to help him breathe.
Fortunately, this disease is rare in countries with good immunization programs because the tetanus shot is so effective.
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