How long does it take for tetanus to develop?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Tetanus is a specific type of infection caused by the toxin produced by the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes and thrives in an anaerobic environment. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by lockjaw, muscle rigidity, and muscle spasms. After being infected with tetanus, people generally show symptoms within seven to eight days; in quick cases, symptoms can appear within twenty-four hours, while in longer scenarios, the onset can take several months or even years.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How long is the incubation period for tetanus generally?

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani entering the human body through wounds in the skin and mucous membranes, proliferating massively in an anaerobic environment, and producing toxins. It is primarily characterized clinically by lockjaw and episodic or sustained muscle spasms. The incubation period of tetanus is usually seven to eight days, but it can be as short as twenty-four hours or as long as several months, or even years.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How to desensitize 0.75ml tetanus?

Usually, the tetanus desensitization injection is administered in four doses. We start with 0.1 ml of tetanus toxoid plus 0.9 ml of saline diluted to 1 ml for intramuscular injection. After 20 minutes, we use 0.2 ml of tetanus toxoid plus 0.8 ml of saline diluted to 1 ml for another intramuscular injection. Twenty minutes later, we inject 0.3 ml of tetanus toxoid plus 0.7 ml of saline diluted to 1 ml intramuscularly. After another 20 minutes, we dilute the remaining tetanus toxoid with saline to 1 ml for the final intramuscular injection. After the injection, we observe for 30 minutes; if there is no allergic reaction, then it is complete.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How long does a tetanus shot last?

Tetanus shot refers to the tetanus antitoxin, which is a form of passive immunity. This means that when a patient suffers from external injuries, such as wounds on the feet or hands, the drug injected to prevent infection by tetanus bacillus inside the wound is tetanus antitoxin. It generally maintains its effect in the patient's body for about a week. If the patient's wound inflammation is severe and there is a suspicion of tetanus infection, it is necessary to clean the wound. If required, another injection of tetanus antitoxin might be needed after a week. On the other hand, getting the tetanus vaccine, which is an active immunity, usually involves the DTP vaccine and generally lasts about ten years.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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How long does a tetanus shot last?

After receiving a tetanus shot, it generally lasts for about six months. However, if you are injured again after six months and the wound is heavily contaminated, such as with contaminated soil or rust, and the wound is large and deep, it is advised to undergo tetanus treatment again. The purpose of the tetanus shot is to prevent infection by Clostridium tetani, which is an anaerobic bacterium. It tends to proliferate in anaerobic environments and in conditions of heavy contamination by rust and soil. Therefore, if after tetanus treatment the injury is relatively minor, shallow, and comparatively clean, it is sufficient to clean and dress the wound and keep it dry. If the wound is heavily contaminated, large, and deep, it is recommended to administer the tetanus shot again.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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How many times do you need to get a tetanus shot?

If tetanus vaccination is required due to an injury, one injection is sufficient. There are two types of tetanus shots. One is called tetanus antitoxin, which is extracted from horse serum. For this, a skin test is needed to check for allergies. If allergic, tetanus antitoxin cannot be used; if not, it can be used. The other type is refined tetanus antitoxin, also known as tetanus immune globulin, extracted from human serum. This type does not require a skin test and can be used directly, but it is more expensive than tetanus antitoxin. If tetanus treatment is needed for each injury, one injection is sufficient.