Tetanus is an acute, often fatal, disease that is caused by the poison of a certain bacteria. The bacteria usually enters the body through a wound. Stiff muscles and convulsive spasms are characteristic. The stiffness often begins in the jaw (lockjaw) and neck. Diphtheria might also be considered poisonous bacterium. Cases of it are very rarely reported.
Adults need a Td booster shot every 10 years, assuming they had the initial doses as a child. Many adults forget and do not get their boosters until they are injured and realize it's overdue.
