Is tetanus easy to infect?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on January 24, 2025
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Tetanus is not easily contracted.

Tetanus bacilli belong to anaerobes, and are prone to occur in conditions where the wounds are deep, in an anoxic or low oxygen situation, heavily contaminated wounds such as with dirt or rust, and in cases of open fractures with large wounds. In these situations, tetanus bacilli can colonize the skin and mucous membranes, producing neurotoxins that lead to a series of complications. Therefore, anti-tetanus treatment must be conducted for wounds in an anaerobic environment, such as heavily arsenic-contaminated wounds.

For routine wounds that are shallow and small, it is sufficient to change the dressing.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
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Do you need a tetanus shot for a scraped skin?

Tetanus bacterial infection generally refers to relatively deeper wounds. A deeper wound creates an anaerobic environment locally, where tetanus-causing bacteria can reproduce and grow, leading to infection. If the wound is just a scrape and not deep, it's less likely to form an anaerobic environment. In such cases, the likelihood of developing tetanus is extremely low. From personal experience, if it's just a minor scrape, simply disinfecting the area with iodine is sufficient; there is generally no need for a tetanus antitoxin injection.

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When to get a tetanus shot

A tetanus shot is generally recommended to be administered immediately after an injury for the best efficacy. If given within 12 or 24 hours, it still provides certain preventive effects. The tetanus shot mainly consists of tetanus antitoxin and represents passive immunization. It is usually advised in cases of deep wounds with small surface areas that can create anaerobic conditions inside. If tetanus bacillus is present in the wound and proliferates massively under anaerobic conditions, the patient may exhibit symptoms such as opisthotonos, asphyxiation, or even death. Therefore, it is necessary to administer tetanus antitoxin for prevention.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Where can you get a tetanus shot?

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
General Surgery
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Can you drink alcohol with tetanus?

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani entering the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes. The onset of tetanus is due to the absorption of the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani in the bloodstream. Drinking alcohol at this time can lead to vasodilation and enhanced blood circulation, which can facilitate the absorption of the toxin. The increased speed and amount of toxin absorption can exacerbate the symptoms of tetanus. Therefore, it is advisable not to drink alcohol with tetanus.

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Do you still need a skin test for tetanus allergy?

Under normal circumstances, if there is an allergy to tetanus, a skin test is not required. If tetanus vaccination is indeed necessary, human immunoglobulin can be injected, and this does not require a skin test. 250 units can be injected directly. Additionally, tetanus antitoxin desensitization injections can be used. The so-called desensitization injection involves diluting 1500 units of tetanus antitoxin into doses of 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml, 0.3 ml, and 0.4 ml, totaling 1 ml, and administering it in four doses, each 20 minutes apart. After the injections are completed, an observation period of 30 minutes is required to ensure there are no adverse reactions before the patient can leave.