Tetanus (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
Outlook
- Overall, about 25%-50% of people with generalized tetanus will die.
- The disease is more serious when the symptoms come on quickly.
- Older people and very young children tend to have more severe cases.
- Intensive medical care improves the prognosis in severe cases.
- Death is usually due to respiratory failure or disturbance of heart rhythm.
- Data on worldwide neonatal deaths is not complete due to poor data collection in many countries; however, several investigators suggest mortality rates range from about 60%-80%.
Next: Vaccine (Shot) Complications (Side Effects) »
Women's Health
Find out what women really need.
From WebMD
Infectious Disease Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Also on eMedicineHealth
Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine
Tetanus »
The word tetanus comes from the Greek tetanos, which is derived from the term teinein, meaning to stretch.
