What are the symptoms of tetanus sequelae?

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on January 20, 2025
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Tetanus, a viral infection problem, is actually quite a common disease. Usually, if the wound is deep or caused by rusty metals, there is a higher possibility of it leading to a tetanus infection. This condition requires timely treatment or prevention, otherwise, it can easily lead to complications. For example, tetanus typically causes complications primarily related to the lungs, such as pneumonia and pulmonary edema, among other issues, which are quite typical. The infected individual may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, nausea, etc., all of which could be a result of tetanus bacteria infection. In the case of a deep wound, it is crucial to promptly administer a vaccine to prevent exacerbation of the infection, and local treatment should be performed to effectively prevent it.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Can you drink alcohol after a tetanus shot?

Regarding whether you can drink alcohol after getting a tetanus shot, you should not drink alcohol as it could worsen the condition and lead to infection. The tetanus shot is mainly to prevent tetanus infection. Therefore, if there is a wound, it is advisable to go to the surgical department as soon as possible to clarify the cause, such as undergoing wound cleaning and disinfection. If necessary, take oral antibiotics to prevent infection, especially cephalosporins. However, cephalosporins and alcohol are incompatible. So, it is advisable to rest, pay attention to diet, avoid spicy and stimulating foods, adjust your mindset, change dressings on time, and consume more high-protein foods to aid in wound healing.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Does tetanus cause fever in its early stages?

Tetanus is actually a disease caused by the tetanus bacillus, generally entering the body after mucous membrane damage. In the early stages of tetanus, there usually are no fever symptoms. Fever typically appears in the middle to late stages. Generally, it is preceded by symptoms like episodic muscle spasms or tonic spasms. During this period, the incubation period can be about one week. In this time, the patient may experience symptoms such as general fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. Under circumstances where infection is likely, it is crucial to administer tetanus antitoxin promptly to effectively prevent the disease. Since the disease's morbidity and danger increase significantly in its middle to late stages, and the likelihood of death is also relatively high.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Can tetanus in humans be cured?

Tetanus is a curable infectious disease, which is often misunderstood as incurable due to the severity of its symptoms upon infection. Typically, the production of toxins leads to specific infectious manifestations. Clinically, it mainly presents with symptoms of rigidity or muscle spasms and tension, including stiffness in the neck and possibly opisthotonos among other conditions; it may even cause diaphragmatic spasms and respiratory difficulties. Therefore, it is crucial to handle such infections promptly, as timely treatment can lead to a complete cure. Of course, once infected, this disease can also pose a significant threat to life safety, and currently, the clinical mortality rate is relatively high.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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Where is the tetanus shot given?

Tetanus injections require administration into the muscle, typically in the deltoid or gluteus maximus, which is below the patient's shoulder or on the buttocks. Before administering a tetanus shot, a skin test is usually performed. The test takes place on the inner side of the forearm, where 0.1ml of the solution is injected. Patients might experience some pain during the tetanus shot, but most can tolerate it. The tetanus shot effectively prevents tetanus infections, especially in cases where the wound is deep with a small surface area that can create anaerobic conditions conducive to the colonization and proliferation of Clostridium tetani, leading to tetanus infection. Vaccination can effectively prevent some serious diseases.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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How many shots are given for tetanus?

Generally, a single injection is enough. Therefore, it is recommended to go to surgery for thorough debridement and disinfection. Subsequent treatment will be based on the results, and generally, if handled promptly, there shouldn't be any major issues. Also, avoid spicy and irritating foods during the treatment period, and consider eating some foods that help with wound healing, such as proteins. Afterwards, keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings regularly, and have regular check-ups. This is not a big issue and can recover quickly with proper care.