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

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on November 07, 2024
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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.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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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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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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Is tetanus painful?

Tetanus is a specific infectious disease in surgery, caused by the exotoxin of Clostridium tetani. Tetanus infection can lead to rigid muscle spasms, which is a disease with a high mortality rate. Although its treatment is difficult, the prevention is effective, so tetanus infections can be avoided by vaccinating with the tetanus vaccine. The tetanus shot includes human tetanus immunoglobulin and tetanus antitoxin serum. The injection of human tetanus immunoglobulin is administered via muscle and is not very painful, generally tolerable. The injection of tetanus antitoxin serum, being a foreign protein to the body, requires an initial sensitivity test. The pain is evident, as the sensitivity test involves a skin prick.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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What department should I go to for tetanus?

Tetanus is a special type of infection that should be treated through routine surgery or emergency surgery. It is caused by the tetanus bacillus, an anaerobic bacterium typically found in feces. Tetanus is easily contracted after an injury, especially in deep wounds. Clinically, tetanus manifests initially with difficulty in opening the mouth, followed by a grimacing smile, convulsions, and respiratory difficulties later on. Preventive measures include going to the hospital immediately after an injury to have the wound cleaned at the department of general surgery or emergency surgery and concurrently receiving a tetanus serum injection.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What should be avoided after a tetanus shot?

Tetanus injections are a common preventive measure in daily life and are generally effective against tetanus bacillus infections. After receiving a tetanus injection, it is necessary to follow a specific diet. Typically, within a week of the injection, it is recommended to avoid spicy and irritating foods, as well as acidic foods. Beverages such as strong tea, coffee, and alcohol should also be avoided as much as possible. Additionally, foods that commonly cause allergic reactions, especially if one is usually allergic to certain foods, should be avoided under these circumstances. This is because if the immune system is weakened, the effectiveness against tetanus bacillus may diminish. Furthermore, it is crucial to get plenty of rest, drink more warm water, consume more fruits and vegetables, avoid strenuous activities, and avoid meat stimulants such as dog and lamb meat, among other considerations.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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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.