How to treat tetanus?

Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
Updated on December 05, 2024
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Generally speaking, a tetanus shot needs to be administered intramuscularly, but a skin test must be conducted before injection because tetanus vaccines can easily cause allergic reactions. The skin test usually involves a subcutaneous injection on the palm side of the forearm, followed by an observation period of 15 to 20 minutes. If there is no redness or itching, and the skin test is negative, then the vaccine can be administered intramuscularly, usually in the buttock. However, if the skin test is positive, as indicated by symptoms like redness, significant itching, or even systemic symptoms such as dizziness and cold sweats, it shows that the skin test for tetanus is positive. In this case, one can opt for a desensitization injection of diluted tetanus vaccine, followed by intramuscular injections four times, once every half hour, needing about two hours to complete.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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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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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Is there still a cure for tetanus attacks?

Tetanus is usually a specific infection caused by Clostridium tetani in the human body. In the early stages of tetanus, it mainly manifests as dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, weak chewing, some muscle soreness, or increased muscle reflexes. As the condition worsens, muscle spasms and rigidity may occur. During a tetanus attack, symptoms mainly include lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, a sardonic smile, stiffness in the neck, opisthotonus, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, or cardiac arrest. When a tetanus attack occurs, it is imperative to go to the hospital for treatment timely. Through standard treatment and care, most cases of tetanus can be cured if there are no particularly severe complications.

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Written by Gao Jun
Emergency Surgery
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What should I do if the tetanus test is positive?

A positive tetanus result generally refers to a positive result in the tetanus antitoxin skin test. Tetanus antitoxin is primarily used to prevent tetanus infections. Some patients may experience allergic reactions to tetanus, manifesting as localized swelling, mild fever, and general discomfort during the skin test. In such cases, a desensitization injection method can be chosen, which involves administering the tetanus shot in several doses at intervals. Alternatively, tetanus immunoglobulin can be used, which is more expensive on the market but has the advantage of not requiring a skin test. It can be administered directly, safely, and effectively.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How to desensitize 0.75ml tetanus?

Usually, the tetanus desensitization injection is administered in four doses. We start with 0.1 ml of tetanus toxoid plus 0.9 ml of saline diluted to 1 ml for intramuscular injection. After 20 minutes, we use 0.2 ml of tetanus toxoid plus 0.8 ml of saline diluted to 1 ml for another intramuscular injection. Twenty minutes later, we inject 0.3 ml of tetanus toxoid plus 0.7 ml of saline diluted to 1 ml intramuscularly. After another 20 minutes, we dilute the remaining tetanus toxoid with saline to 1 ml for the final intramuscular injection. After the injection, we observe for 30 minutes; if there is no allergic reaction, then it is complete.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How long does a tetanus shot last?

Tetanus shot refers to the tetanus antitoxin, which is a form of passive immunity. This means that when a patient suffers from external injuries, such as wounds on the feet or hands, the drug injected to prevent infection by tetanus bacillus inside the wound is tetanus antitoxin. It generally maintains its effect in the patient's body for about a week. If the patient's wound inflammation is severe and there is a suspicion of tetanus infection, it is necessary to clean the wound. If required, another injection of tetanus antitoxin might be needed after a week. On the other hand, getting the tetanus vaccine, which is an active immunity, usually involves the DTP vaccine and generally lasts about ten years.