After getting a tetanus shot, what should one pay attention to?

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on May 18, 2025
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In clinical settings, the tetanus vaccine is called tetanus antitoxin. Tetanus antitoxin is prone to allergies. After administering tetanus antitoxin, it is necessary to observe the patient for 30 minutes to check for any allergic reactions, such as breath-holding, chest tightness, or the appearance of a rash on the skin at the injection site.

Furthermore, if the patient does not exhibit the aforementioned symptoms, care must also be taken with their diet after receiving the tetanus vaccine. It is important to advise the patient not to consume alcohol, to eat light foods, to drink plenty of water, and to eat foods high in fiber, vitamins, and protein. The patient should avoid seafood and similar items.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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What is the function of a tetanus shot?

The function of the tetanus shot is to activate the body's immune system to produce antibodies that can specifically bind to the tetanus toxin, preventing the toxin from binding with nerve cells and causing a toxic reaction that could lead to respiratory arrest, asphyxiation, and endanger life safety. Tetanus infection occurs when the Clostridium tetani bacteria enter the body through mucous membranes following an injury, producing toxins that affect certain muscle groups, such as the jaw and respiratory muscles, thus threatening life safety. Therefore, the role of the tetanus shot is to produce antibodies that bind to the tetanus toxin, preventing it from producing a toxic reaction with nerve cells. Thus, if some wounds are deep and heavily contaminated, it is essential to undergo anti-tetanus treatment.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Where to get a tetanus shot

Tetanus shots can be administered at the emergency department of a regular public hospital. Tetanus toxoid requires a skin test, and if the result is positive indicating an allergy, it cannot be administered; tetanus immunoglobulin does not require a skin test and can be used directly. Alcohol consumption should be avoided before receiving a tetanus shot, as it can affect the results of the skin test, leading to inaccurate indications for the tetanus injection, and impacting its effectiveness. Tetanus shots can be administered at the emergency department of a public hospital.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Will a scrape lead to tetanus?

When a tetanus infection occurs, the wound is generally quite deep, for instance, reaching the subcutaneous fat or even the muscle layer in severe cases. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, which is conducive for the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. This bacterium produces exotoxins, primarily the tetanospasmin, which causes the associated clinical symptoms in patients. If it's merely a scrape or a superficial wound, tetanus infection is unlikely. Clinically, what is needed for such abrasions is to disinfect the area with iodine and then bandage it appropriately.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is there still a cure for tetanus attacks?

Tetanus is usually a specific infection caused by Clostridium tetani in the human body. In the early stages of tetanus, it mainly manifests as dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, weak chewing, some muscle soreness, or increased muscle reflexes. As the condition worsens, muscle spasms and rigidity may occur. During a tetanus attack, symptoms mainly include lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, a sardonic smile, stiffness in the neck, opisthotonus, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, or cardiac arrest. When a tetanus attack occurs, it is imperative to go to the hospital for treatment timely. Through standard treatment and care, most cases of tetanus can be cured if there are no particularly severe complications.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Can superficial wounds get tetanus?

Tetanus infection commonly occurs in deeper wounds, for instance, wounds that reach the subcutaneous fat layer, and in severe cases, even the muscle layer. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, and Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium, thrives in this oxygen-free environment. It can secrete various bacterial toxins, thereby causing tetanus in patients. Therefore, tetanus generally occurs in deep wounds. For superficial wounds, the chance of contracting tetanus is almost zero if the wound is properly disinfected locally.