What causes it?

Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. Spores of tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust, and manure. The spores develop into bacteria when they enter the body. Tetanus is not spread from person to person.

The spores can get into someone’s body through broken skin, usually through injuries. Tetanus bacteria are more likely to infect certain breaks in the skin. These include:

• Wounds contaminated with dirt, feces (poop), or saliva (spit)
• Puncture wounds (wounds caused by an object, like a nail or needle, breaking the skin)
• Burns
• Crush injuries (injury to a body part due to pressure from another object or being squeezed between two heavy objects)
• Injuries with dead tissue

Tetanus bacteria can also infect someone’s body through breaks in the skin caused by:

• Clean superficial wounds (when only the topmost layer of skin is scraped off)
• Surgical procedures
• Insect bites
• Dental infections
• Compound fractures (an exposed broken bone)
• Chronic sores and infections
• Intravenous (IV) drug use
• Intramuscular injections (shots given in a muscle)

The incubation period — time from exposure to illness — is usually between 3 and 21 days (average 8 days).¹

What are the symptoms?

Also called “lockjaw,” symptoms of tetanus may include jaw cramping, sudden/involuntary muscle spasms often in the stomach, painful muscle stiffness all over the body, trouble swallowing, seizures, headache, fever and sweating, and changes in blood pressure/heart rate.¹

Prevention

The CDC recommends frequent vaccination to prevent tetanus, however be sure to read the manufacturer insert, especially the “limitation of effectiveness” section.

Additionally, the CDC states, “immediate and good wound care can also help prevent infection.” Here are some steps for wound care:

• Apply first aid to even minor, non-infected wounds like blisters, scrapes, or any break in the skin.
• Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if washing is not possible.¹

Diagnosis

Since there aren’t any hospital lab tests that can confirm tetanus, diagnosis is based on recent history of cuts, scrapes, punctures, and trauma.¹

Treatment

If tetanus is suspected, you can research human tetanus immune globulin (TIG), drugs to control muscle spasm, and antibiotics in addition to receiving proper wound care.¹

Additionally, here are some other treatments to research:

• Skullcap (herb) has been used to treat nervous diseases, convulsions, neuralgia, insomnia, restlessness, and tetanus. It is considered a minor neural sedative.²
• Vitamin C (see below) is used to help fight infection. Also important for repair of collagen and connective tissue³
• Proteolytic enzymes as an anti-inflammatory.³
• Colloidal silver (see below) to reduce danger of infection after animal bite. Can be placed on a sterile bandage covering the wound.³
• Garlic capsules as natural antibiotic.³
• Vitamin A is an antioxidant that aids the immune system and assist skin healing.³
• Hydrogen Peroxide if there is a wound to prevent infection.

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

² “The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine” by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph. D.

³ “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Products to Research

Dr. Green Life Immune Liquid Vitamin C (For Infants, Kids & Adults)

• Great-tasting liquid Vitamin C supplement can be taken straight or easily mixed into water, juice or smoothies
• Vitamin C is important for super immunity, stress management, healthy skin, strong bones and more
• cGMP, Third Party Tested
• Alcohol Free, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Kosher

Urban Farm Collection x Sufficient-C High Dose Vitamin C

$25.50

The therapeutic effects of a Vitamin C megadose range anywhere from illness prevention to a boost in collagen production! While there are varying opinions about the acceptable upper limit of intake of Vitamin C, this immune-booster is water soluble, and excess is flushed out by the body.

In large doses, Vitamin C may help with illness prevention and recovery, as well as supporting the health of your bones, mitochondria, lungs, and skin. A powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C scavenges the body for free radicals to remove pollutants, environmental toxins, and other threats. Many studies have found that Vitamin C may reduce the severity of depressive disorders in both children and adults, as well as improve the mood of healthy individuals. While you should not take a megadose daily for extended periods of time, a large dose of vitamin C may greatly help with illness recovery, exercise recovery, poor mood, and illness prevention. Consult your doctor prior to use. 

Dr. Green Life Colloidal Silver 15ppm (Professional Strength)

Colloidal Silver 15ppm  (For Kids & Adults), by Dr. Green Mom is a potent, immune support formula for literally everything! 

• Colloidal silver is widely used as an immune support. At Dr. Green Mom®, we believe that in most cases, it is best used for short term support of two weeks or less 
• Our professional strength Colloidal Silver is ultra pure and third party tested
• Physician Formulated, cGMP, Third Party Tested
• Alcohol Free, Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Kosher