With talk of flooding in the media, the issue of tetanus comes to the forefront. Exposure to flood water is not sufficient cause for a person to obtain a tetanus vaccination.
Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a nerve disease caused when tetanus bacteria contaminates a wound. The tetanus bacteria is commonly found in soil. It enters the body through any opening, from a slight scratch to a severe wound. It can cause convulsions, painful muscle spasms and even death.
“We want everyone to have a Tdap vaccination, which includes the tetanus vaccine,” said officials at the health department and the Putnam County Health Department. “Any person who has not had the Tdap vaccine or who has not had a booster in the past 10 years should get the vaccine,”
To determine if you or someone in your family needs a tetanus vaccination, contact your health care provider or your local health department.