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 Gao Tian
General Surgery
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How long does a tetanus shot last?

About how long a tetanus shot lasts, it generally lasts from half a year to a year without any issues. So, if there is a wound, it is crucial to go to a surgical department for wound debridement and disinfection as soon as possible, especially after rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, keep the wound clean and dry. Secondly, change dressings. Generally, if it is not an infected wound, change the dressing every 1 to 2 days, and if infected, change the dressing daily. If necessary, take oral antibiotics to prevent infection. If you are not allergic to cephalosporins, it is usual to take some cephalosporin-based medications. Afterwards, be mindful of your diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods, and have regular check-ups. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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What will happen with tetanus?

Firstly, it should be noted that tetanus is a curable specific infection. Typically, after being infected with tetanus, the early symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, refusal of weakness, jaw pain, or some hyperreflexia. As the condition worsens, symptoms such as muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, risus sardonicus, difficulty opening the mouth, lockjaw, opisthotonos, and stiffness in the neck can occur. In severe cases, there may be difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. The vast majority of tetanus patients can fully recover through proper and systematic treatment.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can you eat eggs if you have tetanus?

Tetanus patients should eat more light food, with low fat and sodium content, and avoid strong irritants, such as spicy foods. They can eat more foods containing protein, because sufficient protein in the body can help heal wounds and also provide enough energy for the patients, which is beneficial to their condition. Therefore, tetanus patients can eat a moderate amount of eggs.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Can tetanus be cured in its early stages?

Whether tetanus can be cured in the early stages depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's constitution. If the tetanus is mild, indicating a lighter infection, treatment might be relatively easier. Through symptomatic treatment and anti-tetanus bacillus therapy, the condition can be alleviated and improved. However, if the tetanus is severe, with persistent convulsions and various complications, treatment becomes more complicated and may lead to death. Therefore, if an injury occurs, proactive measures should be taken to treat the wound to reduce the risk of tetanus infection. Also, within 24 hours, one should go to the hospital to receive tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin to prevent the onset of tetanus.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can tetanus be fatal?

Firstly, it must be acknowledged that if a patient with tetanus does not receive timely treatment, it can be fatal. When tetanus infection occurs, the early symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, weak chewing, sore jaw muscles, or some heightened reflexes, or muscle tension. As tetanus worsens, it can manifest as typical clinical symptoms, mainly lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, sardonic smile, stiff neck, opisthotonos, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. If emergency treatment is not administered promptly, the patient can die.