Are there any cases of 'Lockjaw' and can you still get it from a cut from a rusty metal object?

Question

I have never heard of anyone getting Lockjaw and wondered if it was an Old Wives Tale.
Can you get it from rusty objects or bites from animals? If not why do they give a Tetanus injection after such events?

Thanks

Answer 1

Lockjaw is an infection that causes extreme muscle stiffness and spasms. Also referred to as tetanus, it's easily prevented with shots of tetanus vaccine, which are usually given in infancy. Protection eventually wears off, so a booster is recommended every 10 years.

Causes
Lockjaw is caused by germs called Clostridium tetani, which live in the soil. These bacteria typically enter the body through a puncture wound, such as one caused by stepping on a nail. Once inside the body, the bacteria produce a toxin that attacks the nerves in control of the muscles, thereby causing severe spasms.

Signs/Symptoms
The first symptoms typically appear within four to 25 days after infection. At the outset, you'll be troubled by painful muscle stiffness and spasms in the jaw and neck (from which the disease derives its name). Gradually, the back, chest, abdomen, and limbs also become affected. High fever, convulsions, restlessness, difficulty swallowing, fever, sore throat, chills, and extreme pain may eventually join the initial symptoms.

Care
Treatment includes a number of drugs. Muscle relaxants are prescribed to ease muscle contractions. Antibiotics are given to fight the infection. Antitoxin injections in the afflicted muscles help halt the progress of the disease, but will not counteract the toxin already in your system or relieve symptoms already present. Intravenous nutritional fluids may also be given. If your breathing is disrupted, an artificial respirator may be needed.

Risks
Although rare in the United States thanks to the tetanus vaccine, lockjaw kills three out of 10 victims if left untreated. A serious case can cause a full body spasm, making breathing, speaking, and crying out impossible, and leading to oxygen deprivation and suffocation.

Clean all puncture wounds with warm soapy water.
Apply an antiseptic cream and cover the wound with a bandage.
Seek Care Immediately If...
You suffer from a deep puncture wound and have not had a tetanus booster shot within five years.
You begin experiencing symptoms that may signal lockjaw, such as severe, painful muscle contractions.

Answer 2

Yes, it's real. I don't know anyone who's gotten it but that is why they give tetanus shots. The shots last for about 10 yrs. I think. That's why you don't hear of any cases anymore. You get it from infection after getting cut by rusty objects. Ask your doc. the next time you go.

Answer 3

Google the word Lockjaw or look it up in a medical dictionary...most educational. YES it still exists, that is why they still give you tetanus jabs whenever you are in a serious accident or get a puncture wound. If it didn't exist why bother...tetanus and/or haemoglobin shots aren't all that fun!
It attacks the CNS which is why the jaw "locks" shut.

Answer 4

Yes, you should still get a tetanus injection if you think you've cut yourself in the garden or had an accident. However, if you have pains in your jaw and it's painful to touch just under one or both ears and you live in the UK or somewhere it has been hot recently. You may have a problem that causes pain in the jaw and especially while eating. It's inflammation. take an anti-inflammatory like paracetamol or ibuprofen - if it doesn't go away in a couple of weeks see a doctor.

Answer 5

Tetenus is still around have a friend wholost a horse to it last year. Was not vaccinated and contracted it after a cut with barbed wire. So yes the medics always give tetenus after such an injury. Also gardeners should have their regular booster. Everyone should be covered........but particularly those working in gardens or farms.

Answer 6

Go to the website below and you will find
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Causes
Signs/Symptoms
Care
Risks
Although rare in the United States thanks to the tetanus vaccine, lockjaw kills three out of 10 victims if left untreated. A serious case can cause a full body spasm, making breathing, speaking, and crying out impossible, and leading to oxygen deprivation and suffocation.

and more....
Hope this helps.

Answer 7

a 10 year tetanus saves all the anxiety and yes lockjaw is still around but addressed by a different name i believe. always carry your tetanus card in your wallet

Answer 8

You don't really hear of that anymore. Lockjaw is tetanus, the shot usually lasts you up to ten years. When ever you are injured they ask when you had your last tetanus shot.

Answer 9

Thats a good question. I always Freak a bit when I get cut by metal rusty or not and to this day, My jaw still works....lol

Answer 10

yes you can get tetenus , the rusty metal does not cause tetenus , its the bacteria called clostridium tetani. so all rusty metal need not be infectious but prevention is better than cure. and cure from tetenus is very difficult . oh the bacteria is also found in soil and other infected things