There are several types of tetanus shots.

Written by Ma Xian Shi

General Surgery

Updated on January 24, 2025

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Tetanus injections are generally of two types, one being tetanus antitoxin and the other is human tetanus immunoglobulin. Tetanus antitoxin, which is more commonly used in our country, is a heterologous protein prepared from horse serum, making it relatively easy to obtain. However, an allergy test is needed for its use and it is widely used in our country at present. Tetanus immunoglobulin, though an ideal medication, is more complex to prepare. Its production is complicated and limited in our country, thus it is not very widely used. Therefore, tetanus antitoxin is more broadly applied.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan

General Surgery

45sec

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Can you get a tetanus shot when you have a cold?

The patient is in a state of having a cold. During this time, if a part of the body is injured and the wound is deep, there is a possibility of infection by tetanus bacillus, which can cause corresponding clinical symptoms. This is because the deep wound facilitates the growth and reproduction of tetanus bacillus, producing exotoxins, mainly the spasm toxin, which can cause the patient to exhibit symptoms related to tetanus. Therefore, even if the patient has a cold, it is advised to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital for wound disinfection and to receive a tetanus antitoxin injection. Having a cold is not a contraindication for receiving a tetanus shot.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

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Symptoms of Tetanus

What are the symptoms of tetanus? Generally, the prodromal symptoms include overall weakness, headache, difficulty swallowing, or limited movement of the head and neck. If the condition progresses further, there may be typical symptoms such as difficulty opening the mouth or tense jaw muscles, leading to muscle spasms in the limbs, possibly causing spasms of the larynx, which can lead to breathing difficulties or even suffocation. Hence, it is a particularly severe manifestation. Some individuals may experience generalized tonic muscle spasms throughout the body, a milder manifestation with a typically longer incubation period. Therefore, in the treatment of tetanus, proactive active immunization should be pursued.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui

General Surgery

52sec

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Does a tetanus shot stimulate the brain?

Tetanus shot, if administering tetanus toxoid, a skin test is required before injection. If the skin test is negative and there is no allergy, then the injection can proceed without stimulating the brain. A small proportion of patients undergoing anti-tetanus treatment might experience some uncomfortable reactions, commonly allergies, fever, and symptoms of vomiting. Generally, these can be alleviated with rest or symptomatic treatment. Only less than 1% of patients may experience seizures or coma, which are very rare reactions. If such reactions occur, it is urgent to go to a formal hospital for symptomatic and supportive treatment. For the vast majority of tetanus shots, if administered in a formal hospital and the patient has a negative skin test, or if given tetanus immunoglobulin, it does not stimulate the brain.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan

General Surgery

53sec

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Tetanus vaccination is effective if administered within a few days.

A tetanus shot is best administered within 24 hours after injury, and it is still effective if given within 48 hours. If not feasible, the injection can be administered within a week. Tetanus is caused by an infection with tetanus bacillus and is usually very severe. The incubation period for tetanus bacillus is about one week, hence, tetanus antitoxin should be administered as soon as possible after injury to prevent infection. If a tetanus antitoxin skin test is positive, tetanus immunoglobulin can be administered for immunologic skin testing. Symptoms of tetanus, when they appear, mainly include trismus, a forced grin, throat swelling, choking, opisthotonus, etc. If not promptly treated, these symptoms can lead to death.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan

General Surgery

43sec

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How is tetanus diagnosed?

The diagnosis of tetanus requires comprehensive consideration. If the patient has a history of trauma with skin or mucosal wounds, and shows signs of muscle spasms, such as difficulty opening the mouth, stiffening of the neck, and increased reflexes, the possibility of a tetanus infection should be considered. Further, a culture of the wound can be conducted to see if Clostridium tetani can be cultured. If the culture is positive, a definitive diagnosis can be made. Additionally, tetanus needs to be differentiated from other diseases such as purulent meningitis, rabies, epilepsy, hysteria, and so on.