What is the function of a tetanus shot?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on November 04, 2024
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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 Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Where is the tetanus shot administered?

When there is a risk of tetanus infection due to contamination and suspected foreign objects in a wound, it is best to go to the hospital within 24 hours to get a tetanus vaccine. Currently, there are mainly two injection sites for the tetanus vaccine: one is the deltoid area of the upper arm, and the other is the upper outer side of the gluteus maximus in the buttocks. Most hospitals now advocate administering the tetanus injection in the gluteus maximus. After the injection, observe for half an hour before leaving.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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How long does the tetanus skin test take?

If a patient is injured and the injury is relatively deep, it is recommended to visit the hospital to receive a tetanus antitoxin injection to prevent tetanus infection. Before injecting the tetanus antitoxin, a skin test must be conducted to prevent allergic reactions, including severe complications such as anaphylactic shock. A common method for the skin test is to dilute 0.1ml of tetanus antitoxin in 0.9ml of saline to make a solution and take 0.05ml of it for a skin prick test on the forearm. The observation time for this test is generally 30 minutes, to monitor for any positive reactions at the site of the test.

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Written by Gao Sen
General Surgery
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How deep must a nail puncture be to require a tetanus shot?

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by the invasion of Clostridium tetani through skin or mucosal wounds, leading to muscle spasms. Tetanus mainly causes damage to the respiratory tract, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. If not treated promptly, it can lead to suffocation, respiratory failure, and endanger life. Tetanus is preventable; in cases of open wounds at risk of tetanus infection, tetanus antitoxin should be administered for emergency prevention. Tetanus is widely present in feces and soil and can invade the human body through dust or direct contamination of wounds, leading to infection. Wounds that are small, deep, or heavily contaminated all require preventive tetanus vaccinations.

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Written by Xing Wen Jun
General Surgery
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Do I need a tetanus shot for a cut?

For patients with a cut on the epidermis, it is first important to determine what object caused the injury. If the injury is from a rusty iron object and the wound is small and deep, it is mostly considered that the patient needs local treatment. Firstly, the patient should wash the wound repeatedly under running water with soapy water, and then clean and disinfect locally with hydrogen peroxide. After air-drying, apply iodophor for disinfection, and finally cover with sterile dressing or a bandage. It is generally recommended that patients avoid getting the area wet for up to three weeks. Additionally, patients should consider getting a tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin injection within 24 hours. If the injury is from another type of object and the patient has already dressed the wound after local treatment, the likelihood of tetanus infection is generally considered lower. It is recommended that the patient change dressings in a timely manner and keep an eye on it. Moreover, within a month, the patient should avoid alcohol and eat less spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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Tetanus onset in several days

Tetanus is a type of infection specifically related to the surgical context, caused by Clostridium tetani. It can invade the human body through skin or mucosal wounds, and flourishes in an anaerobic environment. The toxin produced by the tetanus bacterium primarily invades the neurons of the human nervous system, causing muscle spasms such as lockjaw, episodic spasms, and compulsive spasms, with muscles like the lumbar, back, and abdominal muscles being mainly affected. The incubation period of tetanus is usually seven to eight days, with the shortest being within 24 hours and the longest can extend to several months or even years.