The scientific name of a tetanus shot is called "tetanus toxoid vaccine."

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on November 10, 2024
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Tetanus is a relatively common disease in daily life, and its prevention and treatment are very important because, in severe cases, it can even endanger a person's life safety. Commonly in clinical practice, tetanus injections are referred to as tetanus antitoxin. In such situations, the use of this prophylactic injection still plays a role, depending on the specific health condition and circumstances of the patient. If the wound is not superficial, it is generally after debridement that a tetanus shot can be administered based on the specific situation. Furthermore, tetanus shots usually need to be confirmed through methods like skin tests because some patients may have allergic reactions, which could significantly impact their health and pose a great risk.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can tetanus be cured?

Tetanus is an infectious disease that can be cured. Generally, tetanus is considered to be caused by the infection of Clostridium tetani, which produces toxins. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by muscle tension and rigidity, such as lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, risus sardonicus, stiff neck, and opisthotonos. In severe cases, it can involve the respiratory muscles and diaphragm, causing difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. When patients with tetanus receive standardized and systematic hospital treatment, and if there are no severe complications, the vast majority of patients can be cured.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long do you have to get a tetanus shot?

It is generally recommended to receive an injection as soon as possible after a trauma, ideally within 24 hours, because tetanus has a certain incubation period, with the shortest being able to cause disease within 24 hours. There is still value in receiving the injection after 24 hours; it can alleviate symptoms and play a preventive treatment role. For tetanus, it is usual to administer a tetanus shot, and most people can choose between tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin. The duration of these two drugs is not the same; tetanus antitoxin lasts about three days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. However, this is not an absolute conclusion. Beyond this time, if there are high-risk factors for reinfection, a repeat injection is needed. If a patient has previously been protected by an active immunization regimen, in most cases, no special preventive treatment is needed within three years of the last vaccination.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can you drink alcohol with tetanus?

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani entering the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes. The onset of tetanus is due to the absorption of the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani in the bloodstream. Drinking alcohol at this time can lead to vasodilation and enhanced blood circulation, which can facilitate the absorption of the toxin. The increased speed and amount of toxin absorption can exacerbate the symptoms of tetanus. Therefore, it is advisable not to drink alcohol with tetanus.

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Written by Xing Wen Jun
General Surgery
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Do I need a tetanus shot for a cut?

For patients with a cut on the epidermis, it is first important to determine what object caused the injury. If the injury is from a rusty iron object and the wound is small and deep, it is mostly considered that the patient needs local treatment. Firstly, the patient should wash the wound repeatedly under running water with soapy water, and then clean and disinfect locally with hydrogen peroxide. After air-drying, apply iodophor for disinfection, and finally cover with sterile dressing or a bandage. It is generally recommended that patients avoid getting the area wet for up to three weeks. Additionally, patients should consider getting a tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin injection within 24 hours. If the injury is from another type of object and the patient has already dressed the wound after local treatment, the likelihood of tetanus infection is generally considered lower. It is recommended that the patient change dressings in a timely manner and keep an eye on it. Moreover, within a month, the patient should avoid alcohol and eat less spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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tetanus early symptoms

Tetanus is an infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through broken skin or mucous membranes and thrives in an anaerobic environment, producing toxins. Clinically, tetanus is characterized by lockjaw, episodic spasms, and rigid spasms, primarily affecting the muscles such as the masseter, latissimus dorsi, abdominal muscles, and limb muscles. Early symptoms of tetanus infection include general weakness, dizziness, headache, weak chewing, localized muscle tightness, pulling pain, and heightened reflexes.