How to treat mild tetanus?

Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
Updated on February 09, 2025
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The treatment for mild tetanus mainly includes the following aspects:

First, to control convulsions, diazepam or midazolam can be administered via muscle injection or intravenous injection. If necessary, phenytoin sodium can be combined to control seizures. If the convulsions last a long time and the symptoms are pronounced, sedative medications can be continuously used to control the convulsions.

Second, use large amounts of penicillin and anti-tetanus bacillus treatment to control the infection.

Third, maintain a quiet indoor environment to reduce stimuli.

Fourth, after the patient regains consciousness, attention should be paid to diet: avoid spicy and stimulating foods, do not smoke or drink alcohol, and it is advised to drink more water and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

(Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Is tetanus serious?

In usual circumstances, when we diagnose tetanus, it is crucial to use a large amount of tetanus antitoxin and tetanus immunoglobulin early on to neutralize the toxins in the blood and alleviate the symptoms of tetanus. If tetanus severely manifests with symptoms such as muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, difficulty in opening the mouth, stiff neck, or complications like respiratory difficulty, respiratory failure, or even cessation of breathing and heartbeat, the condition can lead to severe complications and high mortality rates. Thus, tetanus becomes very severe in its late stages.

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How long does a tetanus shot last?

The duration of effectiveness for a tetanus shot depends on the specific type of injection used, as different injections vary in their duration of protection. Generally, the protection lasts about two to three days. In cases of infection, it is usually necessary to administer the vaccine within 24 hours. Under these circumstances, a period of about two to three days can be used to clean the wound, thereby achieving the best preventive effect. Additionally, there are other vaccines that are ten to twenty times more effective than this type of vaccine, with a typical prevention time ranging up to 15 days or even about a month. Of course, after receiving the tetanus vaccine, it is important to monitor for any allergic reactions, as different injections may vary in their degree of allergenicity, and individual reactions can differ based on personal health conditions.

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Does tetanus infect others?

Tetanus occurs when wounds are contaminated by Clostridium tetani, which then proliferates and grows within the human body, ultimately causing tetanus. Generally, tetanus is not transmitted from person to person; it usually occurs when bacteria invade the body through external injuries or wounds. Additionally, newborns may contract tetanus through the birth canal during delivery. Therefore, for deep or large wounds, especially in heavily contaminated conditions, it is crucial to clean and possibly stitch the wounds promptly. If necessary, tetanus immune globulin injections and vaccinations against these bacteria can be administered to thoroughly prevent the occurrence of tetanus.

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When to get a tetanus shot?

Tetanus is caused by the invasion of the body by tetanus bacillus, a type of anaerobic bacterium that generally thrives in anoxic environments or heavily contaminated wounds such as those exposed to polluted soil or rust. Therefore, if the wound is deep, is in an anoxic environment, or is severely contaminated with soil, rust, or is an open fracture with expanded area, explosive injury, gunshot wound, or animal bite, tetanus treatment is required. Tetanus injections include tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test, with an injection generally recommended within 24 hours.

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How many times do you need to get a tetanus shot?

If tetanus vaccination is required due to an injury, one injection is sufficient. There are two types of tetanus shots. One is called tetanus antitoxin, which is extracted from horse serum. For this, a skin test is needed to check for allergies. If allergic, tetanus antitoxin cannot be used; if not, it can be used. The other type is refined tetanus antitoxin, also known as tetanus immune globulin, extracted from human serum. This type does not require a skin test and can be used directly, but it is more expensive than tetanus antitoxin. If tetanus treatment is needed for each injury, one injection is sufficient.