Contraindications after a tetanus shot

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on May 27, 2025
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Generally, after receiving a tetanus shot, it is important to check for signs of redness and itching, which are indicators of an allergic reaction. If there are no signs of an allergy, there generally is no need for concern. However, if allergic reactions do occur, it is usually necessary to administer the vaccine in divided doses using a desensitization method to effectively prevent the worsening of allergic symptoms. Of course, after such reactions, it is crucial to avoid certain foods and to improve lifestyle habits. Dietary irritants or stimulants from tobacco and alcohol can potentially damage the vaccine, leading to its ineffectiveness. Therefore, the situation should generally be assessed based on the individual's condition. Additionally, it is important to ensure timely local disinfection to prevent infections.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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What will happen with tetanus?

In clinical settings, tetanus is a type of surgical-specific infectious disease caused by the infiltration of Clostridium tetani through human skin, mucous membranes, or wounds. Tetanus toxin is a true anaerobic bacterium that thrives in oxygen-deprived environments and is highly resistant to environmental conditions. Clostridium tetani mainly produces tetanus toxin and tetanolysin, which can cause whole-body muscle spasms, including facial muscle spasms and difficulty opening the mouth. It can also lead to persistent spasms of the respiratory muscles and diaphragm, causing respiratory arrest and, in severe cases, can result in patient death.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
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How many years can the tetanus vaccine last?

Tetanus is an acute specific infection caused by the growth and proliferation of Clostridium tetani bacteria in human wounds, producing toxins. Tetanus is a Gram-positive anaerobic spore-forming bacillus. One type of tetanus vaccine is DTP, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and is administered in childhood. It requires three doses and generally maintains effectiveness for five to ten years. Subsequently, a booster shot can be administered every five to ten years. If a new wound occurs and it's associated with tetanus, the duration of tetanus maintenance in the human body is generally five to six days, after which it is quickly cleared.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
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How long does a tetanus shot last?

Tetanus shot refers to the tetanus antitoxin, which is a form of passive immunity. This means that when a patient suffers from external injuries, such as wounds on the feet or hands, the drug injected to prevent infection by tetanus bacillus inside the wound is tetanus antitoxin. It generally maintains its effect in the patient's body for about a week. If the patient's wound inflammation is severe and there is a suspicion of tetanus infection, it is necessary to clean the wound. If required, another injection of tetanus antitoxin might be needed after a week. On the other hand, getting the tetanus vaccine, which is an active immunity, usually involves the DTP vaccine and generally lasts about ten years.

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Do you get a fever during the early stages of tetanus?

Tetanus symptoms can potentially begin with a fever during the early stage, generally occurring between six and ten days after injury, meaning symptoms can appear within 24 hours or several weeks post-injury. The shorter the incubation period, the more severe the symptoms and the higher the risk. Some patients may experience fatigue, headache, dizziness, restlessness, and possibly fever. Subsequently, typical symptoms of tetanus occur, primarily characterized by intense muscle contractions starting with the facial muscles. This includes difficulties in opening the mouth and lockjaw, among others. Thus, prevention is crucial for tetanus. When there is a local tissue injury, it is essential to promptly disinfect with hydrogen peroxide or iodine, followed by cleaning and suturing the wound and timely tetanus vaccination to prevent the disease.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
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How many tetanus shots are administered?

A tetanus shot is sufficient; tetanus treatment can be divided into tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. The tetanus bacillus is commonly found in anaerobic wounds and heavily contaminated wounds, such as those contaminated with soil and rust etc., which can lead to colonization of tetanus bacilli on human mucous membranes and invasion of the body, producing toxins that affect the jaw muscles and respiratory muscles, causing difficulty in breathing and, in severe cases, endangering life. Therefore, for patients who need antitetanus treatment, it is imperative to undergo such treatment, generally with just one injection.