How to administer a tetanus shot if it is negative?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on November 11, 2024
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A negative tetanus needle test indicates that the patient is not allergic to the tetanus antitoxin and can continue with intramuscular injections, typically administered in the upper arm or buttock muscles, in doses ranging from 1000 to 3000 units each time. If the infection is severe or the tetanus injection is not timely, the dosage may be appropriately increased, generally by one to two times. The purpose of administering tetanus antitoxin treatment is to prevent infection by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. For patients with deep wounds or heavily contaminated wounds, such as those contaminated with soil or rust, Clostridium tetani can easily colonize. Therefore, for such patients, it is essential to perform tetanus antitoxin treatment while cleaning and dressing the wound.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How long does it take for tetanus to develop?

Tetanus is a specific type of infection caused by the toxin produced by the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes and thrives in an anaerobic environment. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by lockjaw, muscle rigidity, and muscle spasms. After being infected with tetanus, people generally show symptoms within seven to eight days; in quick cases, symptoms can appear within twenty-four hours, while in longer scenarios, the onset can take several months or even years.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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How many days after a tetanus shot should you not drink alcohol?

Tetanus injections are divided into tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. It is advised not to drink alcohol before receiving a tetanus toxoid injection, as alcohol can cause dilation of the capillaries throughout the body, leading to flushed skin, which can affect the outcome of the skin test and result in false positive or false negative results, impacting treatment. Wounds requiring tetanus injections are generally either very deep, severely contaminated, or involve an open fracture, typically indicating a severe wound. It is advised not to consume alcohol during the wound healing period to avoid delaying recovery. Therefore, alcohol should be avoided for 24 hours before the tetanus shot and during the subsequent recovery period of the wound.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How many times can a tetanus shot be administered in a year?

The tetanus toxin vaccine is used for emergency vaccination. The main ingredient of this vaccine is the tetanus antitoxin. It is best to be vaccinated within 24 hours, and the sooner the vaccination is administered, the stronger the potential for protection. However, the duration of protection provided by the vaccine is not very long, and the effect of the tetanus antitoxin medication generally lasts about a week. Therefore, vaccination within 24 hours can effectively prevent problems that may occur within that week. Generally, there is no specific number for the annual frequency, but it is usually recommended not to exceed three times per year. Of course, this depends on the degree of injury. If there is a risk of infection, then the vaccine should be administered since its preventive effect is currently considered the best and can achieve significant efficacy.

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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 Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Tetanus needle skin test allergic symptoms

For tetanus shot skin allergy symptoms, they generally include redness, swelling, and itching of the skin. Severe cases can cause an increase in body temperature. Therefore, if an allergy occurs, caution is needed, and desensitization treatment may be necessary. It's important to rest normally. Tetanus vaccine is mainly a medication used to prevent tetanus infection. Thus, after an injury, it is necessary to get the shot. Also, take care to rest, avoid spicy and stimulating foods as well as those high in hormone levels, adjust your mindset, change dressings regularly, and have regular check-ups.