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Prognosis of Tetanus

 Early diagnosis and treatment can mean the difference between life and death in the case of tetanus. The prognosis of tetanus is good for those who are young and healthy whereas infants and the elderly face the risk of death more often in severe cases of infection. Early and rapid onset of symptoms usually indicates a severe infection, which can, at times, prove fatal especially if the muscles associated with breathing are affected and oxygen supply to the brain is not sufficient. It must also be remembered that having suffered a tetanus infection once does not provide immunity against the disease in the future. Booster shots are still required. While mortality rates for neonatal tetanus are high, especially in developing countries around the world, localized tetanus has the least mortality rates overall. 

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References

1. Amy Million, Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tetanus, Primary Care Update for OB/GYNS, Volume 4, Issue 3, May–June 1997, Pages 75-79, ISSN 1068-607X, 10.1016/S1068-607X(97)00006-1.
2. Warfield M. Firor, The prevention and treatment of tetanus, The American Journal of Surgery, Volume 46, Issue 3, December 1939, Pages 450-453, ISSN 0002-9610, 10.1016/S0002-9610(39)90303-X.