Who is at highest risk for suffering complications from Tetanus?

Individuals who are more likely to have complications include: 

• Those who experience a disease onset within two days
• Persons who have a tetanus incubation period of less than one week
• A narcotics addiction
• A diagnosis of generalized tetanus
• Individuals who sustained tetanus through surgical wounds, abortion, burns, compound fractures, and intramuscular injection
• Newborns who develop tetanus by means of their umbilical stump
• Persons who develop fever greater than 104 F (40 C)
• Individuals, including newborns, who experience elevated heart rates (tachycardia)

Cephalic and neonatal tetanus are considered the most serious and life-threatening forms of the disease and individuals who require mechanical ventilation as a result of tetanus have been noted to be at higher risk of death from the disease. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about Tetanus and the Tetanus vaccine by reading all sections in the Table of Contents , which contain many links and resources such as the manufacturer product information inserts, and to speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision for yourself or your child. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.

 

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