Which department should I go to for tetanus?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on June 05, 2025
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To administer tetanus antitoxin treatment, one typically goes to the emergency department of a standard hospital where a tetanus antitoxin muscle injection can be administered, usually in the buttocks or upper arm muscles. A skin test is required before the injection, and for patients with a positive skin test, it is recommended to switch to tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. Tetanus is caused by the colonization of Clostridium tetani through mucous membranes or wounds in the human body, producing a neurotoxin that affects the muscle groups of the body, leading to respiratory arrest. Therefore, for patients with deep wounds or heavily contaminated wounds, it is essential to administer tetanus antitoxin treatment while performing wound cleaning and dressing changes.

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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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Where to get a tetanus shot?

First, if a patient has a traumatic injury with a deep wound, there is a possibility of infection by tetanus bacillus. It's necessary to inject a tetanus shot into the muscle. After administering the tetanus shot, the wound must be thoroughly debrided. Generally, hydrogen peroxide and saline should be used to repeatedly rinse the wound, reaching the deepest part to ensure that the tetanus bacillus is completely killed. For getting a tetanus shot, one can go to regular hospitals, outpatient clinics, or emergency departments. It is also possible to get vaccinated at community health centers and township health centers where vaccinations are available.

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What situations require a tetanus shot?

Usually, tetanus is caused by the toxin produced within the human body by Clostridium tetani, entering through broken skin or mucosa, leading to a specific type of infection. Tetanus is commonly found in our surroundings, such as in moist soil, rusty iron, or on bamboo sticks. When wounds are large, deep, severely contaminated, contain foreign bodies, or in cases of severe burns, scalds, or certain open fractures, it is crucial to seek timely vaccination at medical institutions.

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What is the function of a tetanus shot?

A tetanus shot is used to prevent infection by the tetanus bacillus, because certain wounds, such as those that are deep and small or heavily contaminated, are susceptible to colonization by the tetanus bacillus. This bacterium thrives in anaerobic conditions. It typically enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes and produces toxins that cause muscle spasms, a specific type of infection. This often leads to symptoms like lockjaw, spontaneous spasms, and compulsory spasms, commonly affecting the jaw muscles, abdominal muscles, and limbs, and can be life-threatening. Therefore, for wounds that are heavily contaminated, deep, and small, it is essential to administer anti-tetanus treatment.

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What should not be eaten after a tetanus shot?

After a tetanus injection, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, barbecue, and garlic, as these foods may cause inflammatory stimulation and increase the burden on liver function, potentially leading to unnecessary side effects. Additionally, patients should avoid hard-to-digest foods and primarily consume a light diet, eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which is beneficial in controlling the condition. Also, alcohol should be avoided after a tetanus vaccination to prevent adverse reactions from drinking. Tetanus is a severe disease, and there are no specific drugs for its acute episodes, so prevention is crucial, especially for deep tissue burns, where a timely tetanus shot should be administered.