How tetanus is treated

If your doctor thinks youcould develop tetanus but you haven't had any symptoms yet, they will clean any wounds you have and give you an injection of tetanus immunoglobulin . They may also give you a dose of the tetanus vaccine if you haven't been fully vaccinated in the past.

Tetanus immunoglobulin is a medication that contains antibodies that kill the tetanus bacteria. It offers immediate but short-term protection from tetanus.

If you develop symptoms of tetanus, you'll usually need to be admitted to a hospital intensive care unit (ICU) . Treatments you may have include:

• tetanus immunoglobulin and antibiotics
• a procedure to remove any dead tissue or foreign material, such as dirt, from the wound
• medication to relieve muscle stiffness and spasms, such as muscle relaxants and sedatives
• breathing support using a ventilator (a machine that helps you breathe)
• nutrients through a tube connected to the stomach or a drip into a vein

Most people who develop symptoms of tetanus will eventually make a recovery, although this can take several weeks or months. In the UK, around1 in every 7 to 10 people who develop tetanus will die from the condition.