What are the chances of getting tetanus?

Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on April 09, 2025
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In clinical practice, the chances of tetanus are relatively low. Tetanus is mainly caused by infection with the tetanus bacillus. Since the tetanus bacillus is an anaerobic bacterium and is found almost everywhere in nature, patients with injuries, especially small and deep wounds, are prone to tetanus infection. Therefore, for wounds with injuries, especially deep ones, it is important to promptly administer a tetanus shot to prevent infection. At the same time, thorough debridement of the wound is necessary to completely eliminate the tetanus bacillus from the wound. If prevention or proper wound cleaning is not effectively carried out, there is a potential risk of tetanus infection.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Tetanus nursing measures

Tetanus Patient Care: First, isolate the patient and maintain a quiet environment to minimize disturbances. Second, communicate carefully with the patient to alleviate their anxiety and boost their confidence in overcoming the illness. Third, install bed rails on both sides of the bed to prevent the patient from falling out. Additionally, use a mouth guard to prevent tongue injuries during spasms. Fourth, pay attention to the care of the patient's oral cavity and skin to prevent the development of oral ulcers, skin breakdown, or pressure sores.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
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How long does it take for tetanus to develop?

Tetanus is a specific type of infection caused by the toxin produced by the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, which enters the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes and thrives in an anaerobic environment. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by lockjaw, muscle rigidity, and muscle spasms. After being infected with tetanus, people generally show symptoms within seven to eight days; in quick cases, symptoms can appear within twenty-four hours, while in longer scenarios, the onset can take several months or even years.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How many years does the tetanus vaccine last?

Tetanus vaccines generally involve an active immunization process against tetanus with a complete immunization schedule, providing effective protection for up to ten years for those who have completed the full course of prevention. Typically, newborns must receive three doses of the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine, with the first dose administered at three months of age, followed by a dose each subsequent month, and booster shots at eighteen months or six years of age. If vaccinated, no further tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin injections are required for injuries incurred within ten years of vaccination. If no active immunization has been done and the wound is heavily contaminated, it is crucial to promptly administer tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin. A skin test must be performed before using tetanus antitoxin; if the test is strongly positive, immunoglobulin should be administered for preventive treatment.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can I eat tomatoes after a tetanus shot?

You can eat tomatoes after receiving a tetanus shot. There are two types of tetanus injections: tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. If you are to receive the tetanus toxoid, it is essential to perform a skin test beforehand. If an allergy is present, its use is prohibited. Furthermore, it is advised to abstain from alcohol before getting a tetanus shot to avoid any skin redness caused by drinking, which can affect the outcome of the skin test, leading to a failure in the indication for the tetanus injection. There are no contraindications regarding eating tomatoes after a tetanus shot. It is generally recommended to get the tetanus shot within 24 hours after injury.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can I get a tetanus shot in the emergency room?

The injection of tetanus shots is performed in the emergency department of regular hospitals. Tetanus shots are divided into tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. If the skin test for tetanus toxoid is positive, indicating an allergy, it cannot be injected, and must be replaced with the slightly more expensive tetanus immunoglobulin. It is generally recommended to administer the injection within 24 hours after injury to prevent infection by Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic bacterium. It is necessary to administer tetanus treatment for injuries that are deep, in anaerobic conditions, contaminated, heavily contaminated with soil, rust, open fractures, etc., since these conditions can be conducive to tetanus infection.