When do tetanus symptoms show up after an injury?

Tetanus symptoms usually show up 4 to 21 days after you’ve been infected with the bacteria that cause the infection. Most commonly, symptoms start after about 10 days.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

The main symptoms of tetanus are:

  • muscle stiffness, usually starting in the jaw and neck
  • muscle spasms (involuntary contractions)