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

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on April 09, 2025
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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 Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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What should I do if I am allergic to tetanus?

Mild symptoms of tetanus allergy mainly manifest as skin redness, itching, and the appearance of rashes, some of which occur a few days after the tetanus injection, with redness and itching at the injection site or the appearance of some rashes. Severe tetanus allergies can cause chest tightness, irritability, pale complexion, profuse sweating, low blood pressure, and slow pulse. In severe cases, it can lead to cessation of heartbeat and breathing. Once an allergic reaction to tetanus occurs, the injection of tetanus should be immediately discontinued, a venous pathway should be established, and aggressive treatment with adrenaline, dexamethasone, and calcium agents should be administered for the allergy.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can I drink alcohol after getting a tetanus shot?

After receiving a tetanus shot, it is generally advised not to consume alcohol in the short term. Alcohol should particularly be avoided on the day of the injection. This is because tetanus shots typically involve tetanus antitoxin, to which many individuals might have an allergic reaction. A skin test is required before the injection, and those who test positive are prohibited from using it. Drinking alcohol after receiving the tetanus shot can affect the effectiveness of the vaccine and increase the risk of delayed allergic reactions, therefore, it is advised not to drink alcohol on the same day. Moreover, tetanus shots are usually administered for deep wounds or heavily contaminated injuries, and consuming alcohol can hinder the healing of the wound. Thus, it is recommended not to drink alcohol on the day of receiving a tetanus shot.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How many days after getting a tetanus shot can you drink alcohol?

Tetanus is a serious disease with a prognosis that generally causes specific infection issues. The incubation period is usually around one day, but it can be as long as 50 days or even longer in some patients. However, once there is a possibility of a tetanus infection, it is necessary to inject antiviral medication for tetanus to treat and improve the condition. Generally, this can be effective. After this injection, it is definitely not advisable to consume alcohol. Typically, one should consider drinking alcohol only after at least half a month. At the same time, it is also best to avoid spicy, cold, and stimulating foods to enhance the therapeutic effects of the tetanus injection. This can also aid in better adjustments later on. Therefore, in such cases, it is crucial to abstain completely from alcohol to avoid affecting the effectiveness of the tetanus injection. This is the best approach.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Does tetanus infect people?

Tetanus is not contagious. Tetanus can be prevented through vaccination, and it is currently the only non-contagious disease that can be prevented by vaccines. Typically, the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) combination vaccine is used. The immunization schedule includes injections at the age of 3, 4, 5, and 18 months after birth, with a booster shot at the age of 6 years. Such a schedule can provide long-lasting immunity, generally maintaining protection for over 10 years. In cases of wounds suspected of being contaminated with tetanus, passive immunization should be performed promptly. Typically, tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin is chosen, ideally administered within 12 hours, though it can still be effective if given after this time.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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When does tetanus occur?

Tetanus is an infection caused by the invasion of the body by Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen, which is likely to cause tetanus in conditions such as anaerobic environments, deep wounds, or heavily contaminated wounds. Therefore, in cases where wounds are relatively small yet deep, and are considered to be in an anaerobic environment, or are contaminated with rust or soil, or in situations such as open fractures, blast injuries, gunshot wounds, and animal bites, tetanus injection treatment is necessary. It is generally recommended to administer the injection within 24 hours, and a skin test should be conducted before the injection, with alcohol consumption prohibited.