Can I drink alcohol after getting a tetanus shot?

Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
Updated on May 18, 2025
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After receiving a tetanus shot, it is not allowed to drink alcohol. Alternatively put, if you drink alcohol, you should not get a tetanus shot. At the same time, one should avoid consuming spicy, stimulating foods, and foods that are likely to cause allergies, to prevent allergic reactions and local wound fever. Tetanus shots are primarily used for injuries, therefore, patients with injuries should not consume the aforementioned substances and are advised to eat foods high in protein and vitamins to promote wound healing. Moreover, it is also necessary to enhance local dressing changes. A tetanus shot is solely used to prevent infections caused by tetanus; only through thorough wound cleaning and improving the anaerobic environment can the presence of tetanus be potentially eliminated.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Will a scrape lead to tetanus?

When a tetanus infection occurs, the wound is generally quite deep, for instance, reaching the subcutaneous fat or even the muscle layer in severe cases. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, which is conducive for the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. This bacterium produces exotoxins, primarily the tetanospasmin, which causes the associated clinical symptoms in patients. If it's merely a scrape or a superficial wound, tetanus infection is unlikely. Clinically, what is needed for such abrasions is to disinfect the area with iodine and then bandage it appropriately.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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What is the function of a tetanus shot?

A tetanus shot is used to prevent infection by the tetanus bacillus, because certain wounds, such as those that are deep and small or heavily contaminated, are susceptible to colonization by the tetanus bacillus. This bacterium thrives in anaerobic conditions. It typically enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes and produces toxins that cause muscle spasms, a specific type of infection. This often leads to symptoms like lockjaw, spontaneous spasms, and compulsory spasms, commonly affecting the jaw muscles, abdominal muscles, and limbs, and can be life-threatening. Therefore, for wounds that are heavily contaminated, deep, and small, it is essential to administer anti-tetanus treatment.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Can superficial wounds get tetanus?

Tetanus infection commonly occurs in deeper wounds, for instance, wounds that reach the subcutaneous fat layer, and in severe cases, even the muscle layer. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, and Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium, thrives in this oxygen-free environment. It can secrete various bacterial toxins, thereby causing tetanus in patients. Therefore, tetanus generally occurs in deep wounds. For superficial wounds, the chance of contracting tetanus is almost zero if the wound is properly disinfected locally.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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How to determine if a wound has tetanus

Tetanus wounds are mainly characterized by deep wound redness, accompanied by a certain degree of pain, and sometimes there is pus discharge. The incubation period is usually around seven days. After infection with Clostridium tetani, symptoms such as lockjaw and excessive arching of the back occur, which are caused by excessive muscle spasms. During the acute phase of clinical treatment, it is crucial to actively use antitoxins and antibiotics to treat the infection. Otherwise, muscle spasms may lead to paralysis of the respiratory muscles, ultimately resulting in death by suffocation. Prevention of tetanus is more important than treatment, and care should be taken to avoid injuries from rusty nails.

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

The duration of tetanus antibodies varies under two scenarios. The first is passive immunity, which is achieved through injections such as tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin. The duration of immunity provided by these injections is relatively short. Typically, tetanus antitoxin lasts about four days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. After this period, the levels of antibodies gradually decrease, and the body may no longer be protected. Therefore, a single application of tetanus antitoxin or immunoglobulin does not provide long-lasting immunity. The second scenario involves antibodies produced by active immunity, generally through the injection of a vaccine made from attenuated tetanus bacilli. Antibodies usually start to develop about ten days after vaccination, with levels gradually increasing over two to three months and remaining high. This type of immunity lasts up to about ten years, but it is not lifelong. Regular boosters, guided by relevant tests, are required to maintain immunity.