What are the symtoms of Tetanus?

Question

And how do you catch it?

*i'm interested in how tetanus works, etc, without being confused by some dodgy complicated sites lol, so any help will be appreciated.*

Thanks

Answer 1

Tetanus is a condition that affects the nervous system and causes painful, uncontrolled muscle spasms. Another name for tetanus is lockjaw. Tetanus is caused by a poison produced by spores of the bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetanus spores are found throughout the environment, like in dirt, dust, and animal waste, which can enter the body through a wound that is contaminated with the dirt, dust, or animal waste. Spores can get into the body through even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but they usually enter through deep puncture wounds or cuts, like when someone steps on a nail or cut by knife. Once the spores enter a wound, they produce a powerful nerve poison that spreads through the body and causes painful symptoms. The first signs of tetanus infection are usually a headache, fever, and spasms or cramping of the jaw muscles (lockjaw). As the poison spreads, it starts to attack more groups of muscles, causing spasms in the neck, arms, legs, and stomach, and sometimes seizures. Symptoms are usually less than 2 weeks but can range from 2 days to months from when your infected. In general, the shorter the time between exposure and symptoms, the more severe the disease. You can really only diagnose tetanus by the symptoms. You can treat it by getting a tetanus shot, and you only need a booster about every five years.

Answer 2

Tetanus is caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium tetani that usually live in soil. The bacteria produce a toxin (a chemical or poison that harms the body). This toxin attaches to nerves around a wound area and is carried inside the nerves to the brain or spinal cord. There it interferes with the normal activity of nerves, especially the motor nerves that send direct messages to our muscles. Tetanus is not contagious - you can't catch it from someone who has it.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms?

Tetanus often begins with muscle spasms in the jaw and face, together with difficulty swallowing and stiffness or pain in muscles in the neck, shoulder, or back. The muscle spasms can be severe and can quickly spread to muscles of the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs.

The symptoms of tetanus usually appear anywhere from 3 to 14 days after the person has become infected.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/bacterial_viral/tetanus.html

Answer 3

Tetanus symptoms appear slowly and get worse over time. The time it takes for symptoms to appear after a cut or injury ranges from days to months. In most cases, symptoms of tetanus appear within 14 days.

Tetanus symptoms often begin with a headache and trouble opening your mouth (lockjaw). You also may have trouble swallowing and a stiff neck, back, or shoulders.

As the toxin spreads, it can be deadly. It can cause problems with your blood pressure and heart rate. It can cause severe and painful muscle spasms in your neck, arms, legs, and belly. If spasms continue and get worse, they can break bones, including the spine.

Answer 4

tetanus - lockjaw
the disease in w/c a toxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium clostridium tetani causes severe muscle spasms. Spores of clostridium tetani can be live for years in animal feces and soil. Once tetanus spores gain entry into a person's body -- typically through wound -- they begin to grow (germinate). Only growing tetanus bacilli produce toxin; it is the toxin--not the bacteria themselves--that causes disease.
It sometimes develops after cuts w/ dirty, rusty objects or deep punctures from stepping on a nail; the infection can also result from clean, superficial wounds. After childbirth, tetanus infection of the woman's uterus and the umbilical stump of the newborn (tetanus neonatorum) can occur.

Answer 5

Tetanus is caused by a bacteria that flourishes in oxygen deprived conditions.

If the bacteria is present on a nail, for example, and you puncture yourself with it; you may contract tetanus. It is important to be vaccinated every 10 years.

Symptoms are stiffness in the jaw, neck and esophagus.
Facial muscles contract producing wild expressions.
Lockjaw.
Voice is altered.Muscles in the back, extremities and penis become rigid.
Sensitivity to sights, sounds and touch.
Fever.
Pain.
Hunger and thirst.
Want of sleep.

It is usually fatal. Patients will die from asphyxia and exhaustion because of the constriction and spasms of muscles.

Answer 6

I found that the shots got progressively worse. The third one made my entire arm go numb and then break out in a rash. It was a painful shot, but it didn't cause any long term problems. If you're nervous, have someone hold your hand. My mom held mine at my first shot. Good luck!