Where can you get a tetanus shot?

Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
Updated on December 17, 2024
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General hospitals or surgical clinics are suitable; first and foremost, tetanus vaccines are for the prevention of tetanus, especially for deep wounds. Therefore, once an injury occurs, it is advised to visit a surgical clinic promptly to complete relevant examinations and undergo wound cleaning and disinfection. If necessary, oral antibiotics such as cephalosporins should be taken. Additionally, a tetanus vaccine must be administered within 24 hours to prevent tetanus. Afterwards, rest and proper diet are important; avoid spicy and irritating foods, consume high-protein foods, and ensure regular follow-up examinations.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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What is the function of a tetanus shot?

A tetanus shot is used to prevent infection by the tetanus bacillus, because certain wounds, such as those that are deep and small or heavily contaminated, are susceptible to colonization by the tetanus bacillus. This bacterium thrives in anaerobic conditions. It typically enters the body through the skin or mucous membranes and produces toxins that cause muscle spasms, a specific type of infection. This often leads to symptoms like lockjaw, spontaneous spasms, and compulsory spasms, commonly affecting the jaw muscles, abdominal muscles, and limbs, and can be life-threatening. Therefore, for wounds that are heavily contaminated, deep, and small, it is essential to administer anti-tetanus treatment.

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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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Is tetanus serious?

Firstly, it must be acknowledged that tetanus is a curable, specific infectious disease. When the human body is infected with tetanus, the initial symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, difficulty in chewing, muscle soreness, or some heightened reflexes. As the condition worsens, muscle spasms and rigidity can occur, such as grimacing, lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, stiff neck, and opisthotonos. In severe cases, there may be difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. If someone is suffering from tetanus, they should promptly seek systematic and formal treatment at a hospital. As long as there are no serious complications, the vast majority of tetanus patients can be cured, so tetanus is not as frightening as it may seem.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Can you get tetanus from a plastic scratch?

In clinical practice, all injuries, if the wound is relatively deep, such as being cut by a sharp object into the subcutaneous tissue or even damaging the tendons, reaching the muscle tissue, can potentially be infected by tetanus. Wounds inflicted by plastic can also be infected by tetanus. In such deep wounds, Clostridium tetani can easily grow and reproduce. This bacterium can produce a toxin that causes muscle spasms, leading to related clinical symptoms. Therefore, if a plastic injury results in a deep wound, there is a risk of tetanus infection. It is advised that the patient seeks medical attention promptly, undergoes wound disinfection, and receives an injection of tetanus antitoxin to prevent infection.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
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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.