Where can you get a tetanus shot?

Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
Updated on December 17, 2024
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General hospitals or surgical clinics are suitable; first and foremost, tetanus vaccines are for the prevention of tetanus, especially for deep wounds. Therefore, once an injury occurs, it is advised to visit a surgical clinic promptly to complete relevant examinations and undergo wound cleaning and disinfection. If necessary, oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins should be taken. Additionally, a tetanus vaccine must be administered within 24 hours to prevent tetanus. Afterwards, rest and proper diet are important; avoid spicy and irritating foods, consume high-protein foods, and ensure regular follow-up examinations.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
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How long is the incubation period for tetanus generally?

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani entering the human body through wounds in the skin and mucous membranes, proliferating massively in an anaerobic environment, and producing toxins. It is primarily characterized clinically by lockjaw and episodic or sustained muscle spasms. The incubation period of tetanus is usually seven to eight days, but it can be as short as twenty-four hours or as long as several months, or even years.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
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What will happen with tetanus?

Firstly, it should be noted that tetanus is a curable specific infection. Typically, after being infected with tetanus, the early symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, refusal of weakness, jaw pain, or some hyperreflexia. As the condition worsens, symptoms such as muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, risus sardonicus, difficulty opening the mouth, lockjaw, opisthotonos, and stiffness in the neck can occur. In severe cases, there may be difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. The vast majority of tetanus patients can fully recover through proper and systematic treatment.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
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How to administer a tetanus shot: steps

First, an allergy test must be conducted. Based on the results of the allergy test, the application of tetanus antitoxin is decided. The allergy test involves drawing 0.1 ml of antitoxin serum, diluting it with 0.9 ml of isotonic saline, and then injecting 0.05 to 0.1 ml of the diluted solution intradermally on the flexor side of the forearm. An equivalent amount of isotonic saline is injected on the other forearm as a control. Observe for 15-30 minutes. If there is no nodule or resistance at the injection site, it is a negative result. Patients with a negative result can have the rest of the original liquid injected subcutaneously. If a red nodule of about one centimeter or resistance appears at the serum injection site, the allergy test is positive. In this case, a desensitization injection is needed. The desensitization injection involves diluting the required injection fluid and the antitoxin serum with isotonic saline to ten times the volume and administering it subcutaneously in divided doses. After dilution to ten times the volume, which is 10 ml, the initial dose of 1 ml is administered, followed by 2 ml, 3 ml, and 4 ml, with each injection spaced 30 minutes apart until completed.

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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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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.