Tetanus
A toxin-mediated disease caused when Clostridium tetani spores enter a wound; it does not spread person to person.
Symptoms and what to notice
Jaw cramping, painful muscle stiffness and spasms, trouble swallowing or breathing, fever, sweating, and blood-pressure changes.
How long can it last?
Symptoms often begin three to 21 days after exposure; recovery can take months.
How serious is Tetanus?
A life-threatening emergency that can cause breathing failure, fractures, pneumonia, and death.
Treatment and management
Immediate hospital care may include immune globulin, wound care, antibiotics, spasm control, airway support, and vaccination.
Is there a vaccine—and who should receive it?
Protection is included in DTaP/Tdap/Td. Adults generally need a booster every 10 years; wound management and every-pregnancy Tdap recommendations may require earlier dosing.
Official U.S. guidance
Read the current CDC guidance for Tetanus →
Cost: Patient cost varies by insurance, provider, location, and eligibility. Many recommended vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost under qualifying plans, and eligible children may receive vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. CDC price lists are purchasing benchmarks—not guaranteed patient prices. CDC price context.