How do you get tetanus? It's not just from rusty metals

It is commonly believed that a person can get infected with tetanus if they have a wound and come into contact with rusty metals.

But according to an episode of "Pinoy MD," Clostridium Tetani, the bacteria which causes tetanus, can be found practically anywhere.

"It can be found in sand, soil, you can get it from animal bites. And basically everywhere around nature," said Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol, a public health doctor.

According to the Mayo Clinic, tetanus disease is known as "lockjaw" and affects the nervous system. It can impede breathing and become a life-threatening illness.

Other symptoms include spasms of stiffness in the muscles, difficulty swallowing, and fever.

"Severe tetanus infection can be experienced by patients with incomplete or not updated vaccination against tetanus," Dr. Apostol said.

He added that vaccination is the most important preventive measure against tetanus.

Mayo Clinic said the vaccine is usually given to children at ages two months, four months, six months, 15-18 months, and four to six years.

Adults under age 65, meanwhile, can get a booster shot every 10 years. The booster can be given to adolescents aged 11 to 12.

—MGP, GMA News