How long after stepping on a nail should you get a tetanus shot?

Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
Updated on May 30, 2025
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Generally, a tetanus shot can be administered within 24 hours after a trauma.

Therefore, it is recommended to promptly visit a surgical department for thorough wound cleaning and disinfection, keep the wound clean and dry, and then promptly address tetanus prevention to avoid infection. Afterwards, rest well, pay attention to your diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, maintain a good mood, and regular follow-up checks should suffice. Generally, as long as it is actively managed, it should not cause discomfort.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is tetanus serious?

Firstly, it must be acknowledged that tetanus is a curable, specific infectious disease. When the human body is infected with tetanus, the initial symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, difficulty in chewing, muscle soreness, or some heightened reflexes. As the condition worsens, muscle spasms and rigidity can occur, such as grimacing, lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, stiff neck, and opisthotonos. In severe cases, there may be difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. If someone is suffering from tetanus, they should promptly seek systematic and formal treatment at a hospital. As long as there are no serious complications, the vast majority of tetanus patients can be cured, so tetanus is not as frightening as it may seem.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Tetanus nursing measures

Tetanus Patient Care: First, isolate the patient and maintain a quiet environment to minimize disturbances. Second, communicate carefully with the patient to alleviate their anxiety and boost their confidence in overcoming the illness. Third, install bed rails on both sides of the bed to prevent the patient from falling out. Additionally, use a mouth guard to prevent tongue injuries during spasms. Fourth, pay attention to the care of the patient's oral cavity and skin to prevent the development of oral ulcers, skin breakdown, or pressure sores.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long can a tetanus shot last?

The duration of a tetanus shot can be considered from two different immunization processes. In the case of passive immunity, it typically lasts for a shorter duration. If tetanus antitoxin is administered, it generally lasts between two to four days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. After this period, the level of antibodies gradually decreases, and the body may no longer be protected. Therefore, a single use of tetanus antitoxin or immunoglobulin does not provide lasting immunity. The second method is what we commonly refer to as getting a tetanus vaccine, which is a process of active immunity. Usually, for active immunity, the tetanus bacterium is processed and made into a weakened vaccine for injection. Antibodies can be produced after about ten days, and within two to three months, the level of antibodies in the body gradually increases and remains at a high titer, providing immunity for up to about ten years.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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What department should I go to for tetanus?

Tetanus is a special type of infection that should be treated through routine surgery or emergency surgery. It is caused by the tetanus bacillus, an anaerobic bacterium typically found in feces. Tetanus is easily contracted after an injury, especially in deep wounds. Clinically, tetanus manifests initially with difficulty in opening the mouth, followed by a grimacing smile, convulsions, and respiratory difficulties later on. Preventive measures include going to the hospital immediately after an injury to have the wound cleaned at the department of general surgery or emergency surgery and concurrently receiving a tetanus serum injection.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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Precautions for Tetanus

Tetanus is an acute, specific infection caused by the invasion of Clostridium tetani into a human wound, where it grows, proliferates, and produces toxins. Clostridium tetani is a Gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacillus. What should be considered in cases of tetanus? Patients with tetanus must be isolated in a single room. The environment should be as quiet as possible to avoid any auditory or visual stimuli. It is important to prevent falls from the bed or bedsores, control or relieve spasms as a key aspect of treatment, and on this basis, prevent asphyxiation and pulmonary infections. Patients with mild conditions can be treated with sedatives and sleeping pills. Severe cases may require the intravenous administration of chlorpromazine. Patients with severe convulsions or those suffering from laryngeal edema may require a tracheotomy.