Can I eat before getting a tetanus shot?

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on January 03, 2025
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Tetanus shots are a common preventive measure. Once symptoms appear, they can directly impact many aspects of the body, and further judgement is based on specific conditions. Generally, if there are no special problems, a normal diet is acceptable. However, during eating, it is advisable to avoid spicy and irritating foods, as such foods can directly affect certain functions or enhance immunity, which is the most important treatment approach. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the patient's physical condition to assess whether the tetanus bacillus injection can still be effective beforehand, or if a light diet is required. This can provide a very precise approach, which is more beneficial for the prevention of subsequent vaccinations.

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Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
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Does tetanus infect others?

Tetanus occurs when wounds are contaminated by Clostridium tetani, which then proliferates and grows within the human body, ultimately causing tetanus. Generally, tetanus is not transmitted from person to person; it usually occurs when bacteria invade the body through external injuries or wounds. Additionally, newborns may contract tetanus through the birth canal during delivery. Therefore, for deep or large wounds, especially in heavily contaminated conditions, it is crucial to clean and possibly stitch the wounds promptly. If necessary, tetanus immune globulin injections and vaccinations against these bacteria can be administered to thoroughly prevent the occurrence of tetanus.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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Tetanus incubation period

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by Clostridium tetani. The incubation period of tetanus is generally seven to eight days, but it can be as short as 24 hours or as long as several months to years. Patients with shorter incubation periods have a worse prognosis. Tetanus occurs within two weeks after injury in 90% of patients, presenting symptoms such as general weakness, headache, dizziness, chewing difficulty, local muscle tightness, painful pulling, and increased reflexes. Typical symptoms include muscle tonic contraction, opisthotonus, and facial expressions characterized by lockjaw and a sardonic smile.

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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 Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What are the symptoms of tetanus sequelae?

Tetanus, a viral infection problem, is actually quite a common disease. Usually, if the wound is deep or caused by rusty metals, there is a higher possibility of it leading to a tetanus infection. This condition requires timely treatment or prevention, otherwise, it can easily lead to complications. For example, tetanus typically causes complications primarily related to the lungs, such as pneumonia and pulmonary edema, among other issues, which are quite typical. The infected individual may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, nausea, etc., all of which could be a result of tetanus bacteria infection. In the case of a deep wound, it is crucial to promptly administer a vaccine to prevent exacerbation of the infection, and local treatment should be performed to effectively prevent it.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Will tetanus cause muscle soreness?

Tetanus can cause muscle pain. The main symptoms of a tetanus attack include sudden onset, impaired consciousness, frothing at the mouth, limb convulsions, body stiffness, presenting in an opisthotonos posture, and concurrent incontinence of urine and feces, with the duration varying according to the condition. Because convulsions cause the muscles to be in a state of rigidity, this leads to muscle ischemia and hypoxia, thereby increasing lactic acid and causing this state of muscle pain. Therefore, during a tetanus attack, measures should be taken to control these convulsions. At the same time, use chopsticks to prop against the teeth to prevent biting the tongue and other such incidents. If the condition is severe, immediately call emergency services (120) to get to a hospital for urgent treatment.