Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Tetanus

Tetanus is a rare but life-threatening nervous system disease caused by toxin from Clostridium tetani spores in a wound. It does not spread between people and is prevented through vaccination and good wound care; jaw stiffness, swallowing problems or painful spasms after a wound require immediate hospital care.

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Tetanus is a rare but life-threatening nervous system disease caused by toxin from Clostridium tetani spores in a wound. It does not spread between people and is prevented through vaccination and good wound care; jaw stiffness, swallowing problems or painful spasms after a wound require immediate hospital care.

  • A stiff jaw, difficulty opening the mouth and painful neck stiffness.
  • Swallowing problems, tense abdominal muscles and painful generalised spasms.
  • Rinse a wound promptly with clean running water and gently remove visible loose dirt.
  • Have deep, contaminated, crushed, bite and burn wounds assessed the same day.
  • Call the same day after a deep, dirty, crushed, bite or burn wound if vaccination status is unknown or incomplete.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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Swallowing problemsWith swallowing problems, food, drink or saliva does not pass safely or smoothly from the mouth to the stomach. The cause may lie in the mouth, throat, nervous system or oesophagus. Choking, weight loss and dehydration need timely assessment.