What tetanus is, what causes tetanus, and what you can do about it

When you hear the word “tetanus,” what comes to mind?

1. a) rusty nails
2. b) vaccines
3. c) tenacious people
4. d) a kind of dinosaur

When you hear the term “Clostridium tetani,” what comes to mind?

1. a) bacteria
2. b) an exotic food
3. c) an animal species
4. d) a plant species

When you hear the term “lockjaw,” what comes to mind?

1. a) your orthodontic retainer
2. b) a type of facial structure
3. c) a disease
4. d) a kind of bear

(Answer key: 1-b; 2-a; 3-c)

If you got:

One correct answer:

Read on, you have a lot to learn.

Two correct answers:

You’re decently well informed.

Three correct answers:

Bravo, you’re an expert!

“Hold on a second,” I hear you say. “Rusty nails do cause tetanus! I know they do! Once, when my brother stepped on a rusty nail, he had to get a tetanus shot!”

Aha. Welcome to the club! A lot of people think the same way.

So let’s clear up some things: what tetanus is, what causes tetanus, and what you can do about it.