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Today, 07 November 2009

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Question

My daughter is an avid horse rider and is always around the stables. A friend told me that she should not walk around the stables barefooted as tetanus is potentially a problem if she cuts herself. She was vaccinated against tetanus 5 years ago. How long does the shot last? Can you give me some information on tetanus please?

Answer

Tetanus is certainly a very real possibility in any unvaccinated person who spends a lot of time in the garden, around stables or among farm livestock in general.

The vaccination is generally thought to last for 10 years, although if someone gets a really deep wound, then some people may repeat it anyway.

Tetanus is caused by a toxin released by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It is found worldwide in soil and animal faeces. It almost always occurs in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals and in those who have failed to have regular booster vaccinations.

It generally requires a deep wound for the disease tetanus to occur since the bacterium only releases the toxin where there is little oxygen present.

If tetanus does occur the symptoms generally start after about 7 days. Generalised tetanus, the most common form, is characterised by increased muscle tone and generalised spasm. The patients first notices a stiff jaw, hence the popular name "lockjaw". Difficulty swallowing and pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles may also occur. Soon after this all muscles are involved, sometimes to the extent that respiration is difficult. Severe cases may also have unstable blood pressure, disturbances in heart rate, and profuse sweating.

Treatment is with anti-toxin, control of muscle spasm and supportive measures such as ventilation if required.

The best for of "treatment" though is prevention. Anti-tetanus vaccine is part of our national childhood vaccination program, and everyone should have regular boosters. See you GP if you are not sure when you last had a tetanus shot.

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