The scientific name of a tetanus shot is called "tetanus toxoid vaccine."

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on November 10, 2024
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Tetanus is a relatively common disease in daily life, and its prevention and treatment are very important because, in severe cases, it can even endanger a person's life safety. Commonly in clinical practice, tetanus injections are referred to as tetanus antitoxin. In such situations, the use of this prophylactic injection still plays a role, depending on the specific health condition and circumstances of the patient. If the wound is not superficial, it is generally after debridement that a tetanus shot can be administered based on the specific situation. Furthermore, tetanus shots usually need to be confirmed through methods like skin tests because some patients may have allergic reactions, which could significantly impact their health and pose a great risk.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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What is tetanus used for?

Tetanus is a disease caused by the invasion of Clostridium tetani through skin and mucous membrane wounds into the human body. It reproduces and produces toxins in an anaerobic environment, leading to a specific type of infection. Tetanus toxin mainly attacks the motor neurons, causing clinical symptoms such as episodic spasms, lockjaw, and rigid spasms. It mainly affects the masseter muscle, abdominal muscles, spinal muscles, etc., and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If the wound is heavily contaminated, deep, or contaminated with soil and rust, timely anti-tetanus symptomatic treatment should be administered.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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How to treat mild tetanus?

The treatment for mild tetanus mainly includes the following aspects: First, to control convulsions, diazepam or midazolam can be administered via muscle injection or intravenous injection. If necessary, phenytoin sodium can be combined to control seizures. If the convulsions last a long time and the symptoms are pronounced, sedative medications can be continuously used to control the convulsions. Second, use large amounts of penicillin and anti-tetanus bacillus treatment to control the infection. Third, maintain a quiet indoor environment to reduce stimuli. Fourth, after the patient regains consciousness, attention should be paid to diet: avoid spicy and stimulating foods, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and it is advised to drink more water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Is the risk of tetanus high?

Tetanus occurs infrequently, but once it appears, the condition can be very severe and may lead to death if not treated promptly. Tetanus infection is mainly caused by infection with the tetanus bacillus. The tetanus bacillus is an anaerobic bacterium that exists everywhere in nature. If the wound is very deep with a small surface area, and the conditions inside the wound become anaerobic, if the tetanus bacilli inside the wound are not thoroughly cleaned, it could lead to the rapid reproduction of the tetanus bacilli, releasing tetanus toxin and causing a tetanus infection in the patient.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can you drink alcohol with tetanus?

Tetanus is usually caused by the toxins produced by Clostridium tetani entering the bloodstream, leading to specific clinical manifestations, including muscle tension and rigidity. In severe cases, it can cause respiratory confusion and respiratory failure. If tetanus patients consume alcohol, because alcohol can increase blood circulation and dilate blood vessels, it facilitates the absorption of toxins, accelerating and worsening the symptoms of tetanus. Therefore, patients with tetanus should not drink alcohol and should maintain a light diet.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can I take a bath after getting a tetanus shot?

It's not recommended to take a bath immediately after receiving a tetanus shot. First, the wound requiring a tetanus shot may either be deep, heavily contaminated, or relatively large. After receiving a tetanus shot in the buttocks or the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, it is essential to enhance wound dressing changes and keep the wound dry, which is why bathing is not advised. If it's just a simple tetanus injection site, it can generally be exposed to water a few hours later. However, other wounds on the body should be kept dry. Therefore, it is better to take a bath when wounds on other parts of the body have healed well to avoid worsening infections and delaying healing.