How to use a tetanus shot

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on May 01, 2025
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If the wound is deeply infected in an anaerobic environment, or heavily contaminated, such as with polluted soil, rust, or in cases of open fractures, tetanus prophylaxis treatment is required. Tetanus treatment includes tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. The injection is generally administered in the buttock or the deltoid muscle of the upper arm. It is generally recommended to administer the injection within 24 hours of injury for optimal effectiveness, and it is advised not to drink alcohol before receiving the injection. Since most hospitals use tetanus toxoid because it is economical and affordable, a skin test is necessary, and patients with a positive skin test should not use it, instead, they should use tetanus immunoglobulin that does not require a skin test. Do not drink alcohol before the injection to avoid skin flushing, which can affect the results of the skin test.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Tetanus is what it means.

The pathogen of tetanus is Clostridium tetani, which abundantly exists in our surrounding environment, such as rusty iron and moist soil. When the skin or mucous membranes of the human body are damaged, Clostridium tetani enters the body through these breaches. In an anaerobic environment, it grows and proliferates extensively, thereby producing toxins that cause a specific infection called tetanus. The main clinical manifestations are lockjaw, muscle spasms, and rigidity.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Can you get tetanus if there's no rust?

For patients, if a wound occurs without rusting, there is still a possibility of tetanus. This is because if the wound is deep, it can lead to an infection by anaerobic bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to go to the surgical department for thorough debridement and disinfection as soon as possible. At the same time, pay attention to resting, keeping the wound clean and dry, changing dressings on time, and taking oral antibiotics if necessary, such as cephalosporins, to prevent infection. Generally, with good control, recovery will be quick. However, tetanus can still occur, so it is still necessary to pay attention. Afterwards, keep the wound clean and dry, be mindful of your diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and follow up with your doctor.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Which department do I go to for a tetanus shot?

Tetanus injections are generally given in the emergency department of public hospitals, and include tetanus toxoid and tetanus immunoglobulin. A skin test is required for tetanus toxoid, and it is contraindicated for patients with allergies. Tetanus immunoglobulin does not require a skin test and can be used directly. It is advisable not to drink alcohol before getting a tetanus shot, and for best effectiveness, it is recommended to administer the shot within 24 hours of injury. It is essential to administer the tetanus shot promptly for deeper wounds, small openings, open fractures, and wounds contaminated with rust or dirt.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Can you get tetanus from a plastic scratch?

In clinical practice, all injuries, if the wound is relatively deep, such as being cut by a sharp object into the subcutaneous tissue or even damaging the tendons, reaching the muscle tissue, can potentially be infected by tetanus. Wounds inflicted by plastic can also be infected by tetanus. In such deep wounds, Clostridium tetani can easily grow and reproduce. This bacterium can produce a toxin that causes muscle spasms, leading to related clinical symptoms. Therefore, if a plastic injury results in a deep wound, there is a risk of tetanus infection. It is advised that the patient seeks medical attention promptly, undergoes wound disinfection, and receives an injection of tetanus antitoxin to prevent infection.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can tetanus be fatal?

Firstly, it must be acknowledged that if a patient with tetanus does not receive timely treatment, it can be fatal. When tetanus infection occurs, the early symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, weak chewing, sore jaw muscles, or some heightened reflexes, or muscle tension. As tetanus worsens, it can manifest as typical clinical symptoms, mainly lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, sardonic smile, stiff neck, opisthotonos, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. If emergency treatment is not administered promptly, the patient can die.