Fractures of the spine or long bones, hypertension, abnormal heartbeats, coma, generalized infection, clotting in the blood vessels of the lung, and pneumonia can occur. One out of every two people with tetanus will die from it. The incubation period is usually 10 days but may range from three days to three weeks. Shorter incubation periods are associated with wounds that are heavily contaminated with tetanus bacteria. Recovery from tetanus may not result in immunity.
Immunization is indicated even after recovery from tetanus disease.
Wounds should be thoroughly cleaned, and dead tissue removed. For minor and clean wounds, where the patient has had a primary series of tetanus vaccine but not had a tetanus booster in the previous 10 years, a single booster of toxoid should be administered on the day of injury. For severe or dirty wounds, a booster should be given if more than five years have elapsed since the last booster if the person has completed a primary series. The American Committee on Immunization Practical guidelines should be consulted, or call Montana State Department of Public Health and Human Services Immunization Program at 444-5580. Yes, an effective vaccine against tetanus has bean available for many years.