Does tetanus infect people?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on May 23, 2025
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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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Do not get a tetanus shot before a certain age.

Tetanus antitoxin, this type of vaccine, generally has no significant age restrictions. It is usually best not to administer it before the age of one, as it involves using a toxin to combat toxins and prevent certain diseases. Therefore, it is advised not to vaccinate before one year of age. However, not everyone needs to be vaccinated against tetanus; it only serves as a preventive measure and is only necessary if there is a possibility of infection. For instance, vaccination is required when there are deep wounds or apparent injuries from rusty metal, as these conditions have a higher risk of infection. In such cases, administering tetanus antitoxin can effectively prevent infection. Thus, vaccination should depend on the specific situation rather than on age.

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Symptoms of Tetanus

What are the symptoms of tetanus? Generally, the prodromal symptoms include overall weakness, headache, difficulty swallowing, or limited movement of the head and neck. If the condition progresses further, there may be typical symptoms such as difficulty opening the mouth or tense jaw muscles, leading to muscle spasms in the limbs, possibly causing spasms of the larynx, which can lead to breathing difficulties or even suffocation. Hence, it is a particularly severe manifestation. Some individuals may experience generalized tonic muscle spasms throughout the body, a milder manifestation with a typically longer incubation period. Therefore, in the treatment of tetanus, proactive active immunization should be pursued.

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How long can a tetanus shot last?

The duration of a tetanus shot can be considered from two different immunization processes. In the case of passive immunity, it typically lasts for a shorter duration. If tetanus antitoxin is administered, it generally lasts between two to four days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. After this period, the level of antibodies gradually decreases, and the body may no longer be protected. Therefore, a single use of tetanus antitoxin or immunoglobulin does not provide lasting immunity. The second method is what we commonly refer to as getting a tetanus vaccine, which is a process of active immunity. Usually, for active immunity, the tetanus bacterium is processed and made into a weakened vaccine for injection. Antibodies can be produced after about ten days, and within two to three months, the level of antibodies in the body gradually increases and remains at a high titer, providing immunity for up to about ten years.

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Is tetanus serious?

Firstly, it must be acknowledged that tetanus is a curable, specific infectious disease. When the human body is infected with tetanus, the initial symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, difficulty in chewing, muscle soreness, or some heightened reflexes. As the condition worsens, muscle spasms and rigidity can occur, such as grimacing, lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, stiff neck, and opisthotonos. In severe cases, there may be difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. If someone is suffering from tetanus, they should promptly seek systematic and formal treatment at a hospital. As long as there are no serious complications, the vast majority of tetanus patients can be cured, so tetanus is not as frightening as it may seem.

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Is tetanus administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously?

Tetanus is widely used clinically and is known as tetanus antitoxin, intended solely to prevent the clinical symptoms caused by infection with Clostridium tetani. Therefore, a skin test must be conducted before administering tetanus injections. The common skin test involves creating a skin wheal intradermally; if the skin test is negative, one can proceed with the tetanus antitoxin injection. The injection can be administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. For example, the common sites include the deltoid attachment area on the upper arm for subcutaneous injections, and the deltoid or the lateral part of the buttock for intramuscular injections, among others. These are the injection sites for tetanus.