Hesperian Health Guides

Tetanus

In this chapter:

a dirty dental instrument.
OLD, DRY BLOOD
not
cleaning properly

This is a very serious infection. Tetanus germs enter the body when a wound, like a wound on the bottom of the foot, gets dirty. Germs can also be carried to the socket when you use a dirty instrument to take out a tooth. To avoid this, carefully read about how to stay clean.

Signs:
  • The jaw becomes stiff and tight
  • It is hard to swallow
  • The whole body becomes tight, with sudden spasms
Treatment:

A person with signs of tetanus requires immediate medical help. See Where There Is No Doctor, if you cannot get help immediately.



This page was updated:17 May 2024