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Tetanus, otherwise known as lockjaw, is a disease of the nerves caused by contaminated bacteria that can come from soil, rusty nails, and flood waters.
The tetanus disease can enter the body through a slight opening such as a scratch or a paper cut as well as through a more severe wound.
West Virginia Bureau for Public Health officials say, "If you have been wading in flood water and/or cleaning up after flood waters subsided and you have not had a tetanus shot in the past ten years, getting a tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended."
If you have a severe wound or deep cut and your last tetanus shot occurred between five and nine years ago, getting another one as soon as possible is advised.
Tetanus shots are being given by the American Red Cross at the Gilmer County Recreation Center as well as at the Gilmer Primary Care Clinic in Glenville.
For more information about tetanus, contact your local healthcare provider or your county health department.
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