The likelihood of a wound being infected with tetanus

Written by Gao Sen
General Surgery
Updated on November 01, 2024
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Tetanus is a specific infection often associated with trauma, with a high contamination rate of tetanus bacillus in traumatic wounds. On the battlefield, the contamination rate can reach 25% to 80%, although the incidence of tetanus in contaminated wounds is only about 10% to 20%. This suggests that other factors are necessary for the disease to occur, with the main factor being an anaerobic environment. If the wound is deep, with a small external opening, and contains necrotic tissue, blood clots, or is too tightly packed, this can lead to local ischemia. Additionally, if there is a co-infection with aerobic bacteria consuming residual oxygen in the wound, it creates an anaerobic environment conducive to the growth of the bacteria, thus increasing the likelihood of tetanus infection in the wound.

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How is tetanus diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of tetanus, it mainly relies on relevant medical history and clinical manifestations. In terms of laboratory diagnosis, most cases involve culture of Clostridium tetani from wound tissue or polymerase chain reaction testing. Generally, a positive result can confirm a diagnosis of tetanus, but a negative result does not rule it out. Most laboratories are unable to perform these tests, and even if tetanus antibodies reach a protective level, it does not exclude a diagnosis of tetanus. If the patient has a clear history of injury or animal bites, and presents with symptoms such as lockjaw, a sardonic smile, muscle rigidity, difficulty swallowing, or persistent spasms, tetanus should be considered promptly and relevant treatment initiated.

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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.

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Can you eat eggs if you have tetanus?

Tetanus patients should eat more light food, with low fat and sodium content, and avoid strong irritants, such as spicy foods. They can eat more foods containing protein, because sufficient protein in the body can help heal wounds and also provide enough energy for the patients, which is beneficial to their condition. Therefore, tetanus patients can eat a moderate amount of eggs.

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How long can a tetanus shot last?

The duration of a tetanus shot can be considered from two different immunization processes. In the case of passive immunity, it typically lasts for a shorter duration. If tetanus antitoxin is administered, it generally lasts between two to four days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. After this period, the level of antibodies gradually decreases, and the body may no longer be protected. Therefore, a single use of tetanus antitoxin or immunoglobulin does not provide lasting immunity. The second method is what we commonly refer to as getting a tetanus vaccine, which is a process of active immunity. Usually, for active immunity, the tetanus bacterium is processed and made into a weakened vaccine for injection. Antibodies can be produced after about ten days, and within two to three months, the level of antibodies in the body gradually increases and remains at a high titer, providing immunity for up to about ten years.

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How many days after getting a tetanus shot can you drink alcohol?

Tetanus is a serious disease with a prognosis that generally causes specific infection issues. The incubation period is usually around one day, but it can be as long as 50 days or even longer in some patients. However, once there is a possibility of a tetanus infection, it is necessary to inject antiviral medication for tetanus to treat and improve the condition. Generally, this can be effective. After this injection, it is definitely not advisable to consume alcohol. Typically, one should consider drinking alcohol only after at least half a month. At the same time, it is also best to avoid spicy, cold, and stimulating foods to enhance the therapeutic effects of the tetanus injection. This can also aid in better adjustments later on. Therefore, in such cases, it is crucial to abstain completely from alcohol to avoid affecting the effectiveness of the tetanus injection. This is the best approach.