Do not get a tetanus shot before a certain age.

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on November 30, 2024
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Tetanus antitoxin, this type of vaccine, generally has no significant age restrictions. It is usually best not to administer it before the age of one, as it involves using a toxin to combat toxins and prevent certain diseases. Therefore, it is advised not to vaccinate before one year of age. However, not everyone needs to be vaccinated against tetanus; it only serves as a preventive measure and is only necessary if there is a possibility of infection. For instance, vaccination is required when there are deep wounds or apparent injuries from rusty metal, as these conditions have a higher risk of infection. In such cases, administering tetanus antitoxin can effectively prevent infection. Thus, vaccination should depend on the specific situation rather than on age.

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Can tetanus be treated?

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani in the human body. If treated systematically and without severe complications, the vast majority of tetanus patients can be cured. Whenever there is a wound, it should be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide or saline and the patient should go to the hospital as soon as possible for a tetanus vaccine injection. If tetanus occurs, it is imperative to seek timely treatment at a hospital. Most tetanus patients exhibit muscle tension and rigidity, such as risus sardonicus, difficulty opening the mouth, neck stiffness, and opisthotonus. In severe cases, respiratory arrest or difficulty breathing may occur. Therefore, tetanus patients, as long as they go to the hospital for early treatment, the vast majority can be cured.

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Tetanus allergic symptoms

The primary allergic reaction to tetanus is anaphylactic shock. Some patients may experience skin redness, itching, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, pale complexion, and cold sweats within minutes after receiving the tetanus vaccine. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain. Additionally, blood pressure may drop, and the pulse may slow down. In severe cases, coma can occur, and even cessation of heartbeat and breathing. The second type of allergic reaction is serum sickness, which can occur after a tetanus injection, characterized by erythema, edema, and itching at the injection site.

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Does tetanus cause fever?

When tetanus occurs, early symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, weak chewing, sore jaw muscles, or tense facial muscles. Some cases show exaggerated reflexes or muscle tension. Generally, tetanus has its typical manifestations, such as difficulty in opening the mouth, risus sardonicus (a sardonic smile), opisthotonus (arching of the back), and stiff neck. In clinical practice, a few cases may even have a fever. Therefore, fever in tetanus is only seen in individual cases.

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Initial symptoms of tetanus

The bacterium that causes tetanus is Clostridium tetani, which is an anaerobic bacterium. If the wound is deep and enclosed in an environment lacking oxygen, it creates a suitable environment for the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani. Its incubation period is generally around one week. Early symptoms may include general fatigue, localized muscle tension, and uncontrollable spasms. The first muscles affected are usually the facial chewing muscles, and it can then progress to intense, spasmodic contractions of muscles throughout the body, and even cause fractures. Mild stimuli such as light, sound, or drinking water can trigger and worsen these symptoms, somewhat similar to rabies. However, a characteristic feature of tetanus is that the patient remains mentally clear. Most patients may die from respiratory spasms leading to asphyxiation, heart failure, or lung infections.

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A tetanus shot is used for what?

The tetanus shot is a type of vaccine primarily used to prevent infection by the tetanus bacterium. Tetanus bacteria are anaerobic and can typically be found on rusty nails, rusty blades, and other objects that cause cuts. In such cases, an intramuscular injection of tetanus antitoxin is needed to prevent infection by the tetanus bacterium. Although the chances of contracting tetanus are relatively low, the mortality rate is quite high if one does get infected. Therefore, it is crucial to take it seriously to avoid severe adverse consequences.