Is tetanus serious?

Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Firstly, it must be acknowledged that tetanus is a curable, specific infectious disease. When the human body is infected with tetanus, the initial symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, difficulty in chewing, muscle soreness, or some heightened reflexes. As the condition worsens, muscle spasms and rigidity can occur, such as grimacing, lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, stiff neck, and opisthotonos. In severe cases, there may be difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. If someone is suffering from tetanus, they should promptly seek systematic and formal treatment at a hospital. As long as there are no serious complications, the vast majority of tetanus patients can be cured, so tetanus is not as frightening as it may seem.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Where to get a tetanus shot

Tetanus shots can be administered at the emergency department of a regular public hospital. Tetanus toxoid requires a skin test, and if the result is positive indicating an allergy, it cannot be administered; tetanus immunoglobulin does not require a skin test and can be used directly. Alcohol consumption should be avoided before receiving a tetanus shot, as it can affect the results of the skin test, leading to inaccurate indications for the tetanus injection, and impacting its effectiveness. Tetanus shots can be administered at the emergency department of a public hospital.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long does the tetanus shot last?

The duration of the effectiveness of a tetanus shot depends on whether tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin is administered following a suspected tetanus infection. Both types are forms of artificial passive immunity, providing immediate specific immunity after injection, mainly for treatment or emergency prevention. The metabolism and immune duration of these two injections vary: generally, tetanus antitoxin lasts about seven days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. Therefore, the specific duration of the effectiveness of a tetanus shot must be determined based on the individual injection circumstances. For suspected tetanus infections, it is generally advised to administer the injection as soon as possible. It's not that the injection will be ineffective if administered after a certain time, but rather that effective prevention before the onset of the disease can still be beneficial.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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In what situations should tetanus shots not be administered?

Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, which settles in the human body through mucous membranes and wounds, producing spasm-inducing neurotoxins that affect the body's muscle groups, particularly the masseter and respiratory muscles, leading to the ceasing of respiratory circulation and endangering life. Therefore, for patients with deep wounds, heavily contaminated wounds, and extensive open fractures, it is essential to administer tetanus antitoxin treatment. If the wound is superficial, clean, and dry, the patient may consider forgoing tetanus antitoxin treatment under the condition of proper wound debridement and dressing changes. However, for patients with large wound areas, deep and severely contaminated wounds, and those whose wounds are not redressed timely, it is crucial to administer tetanus antitoxin treatment.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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What are the situations for tetanus shots?

Objects carrying tetanus bacillus, or tissues damaged by animals, require tetanus vaccination to prevent tetanus, such as rusty nails, animal claws, animal bites, venomous snake bites, and wounds contaminated by dirt can easily lead to infection by tetanus bacillus. Tetanus is a possible condition, so after an injury, it is necessary to immediately rinse the wound with soap and water or running water to wash away the toxins, which helps reduce the chance of infection. Then thoroughly disinfect the wound with iodophor, which can also reduce infection, and go to the hospital to receive tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin within 24 hours to prevent the onset of tetanus. The incubation period for tetanus is generally three to seven days, but it can be longer, so it is advised to go to the hospital for an injection as soon as possible after injury, to prevent the onset of the disease and avoid serious events.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Where is the tetanus shot administered?

When a wound is severely contaminated, or deep, and there is a risk factor for tetanus infection, it is generally necessary to go to a regular hospital to receive a tetanus vaccine. The injection sites for the tetanus vaccine are mainly two places: first, the deltoid muscle of the upper arm; second, the gluteus maximus of the buttocks. Most hospitals currently advocate administering the tetanus vaccine in the gluteus maximus. After receiving the tetanus vaccine, one must be observed for half an hour before leaving.