Does tetanus infect others?

Written by Li Chang Yue
General Surgery
Updated on February 27, 2025
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Tetanus occurs when wounds are contaminated by Clostridium tetani, which then proliferates and grows within the human body, ultimately causing tetanus. Generally, tetanus is not transmitted from person to person; it usually occurs when bacteria invade the body through external injuries or wounds. Additionally, newborns may contract tetanus through the birth canal during delivery. Therefore, for deep or large wounds, especially in heavily contaminated conditions, it is crucial to clean and possibly stitch the wounds promptly. If necessary, tetanus immune globulin injections and vaccinations against these bacteria can be administered to thoroughly prevent the occurrence of tetanus.

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Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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How long does the tetanus shot last?

The duration of the effectiveness of a tetanus shot depends on whether tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin is administered following a suspected tetanus infection. Both types are forms of artificial passive immunity, providing immediate specific immunity after injection, mainly for treatment or emergency prevention. The metabolism and immune duration of these two injections vary: generally, tetanus antitoxin lasts about seven days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. Therefore, the specific duration of the effectiveness of a tetanus shot must be determined based on the individual injection circumstances. For suspected tetanus infections, it is generally advised to administer the injection as soon as possible. It's not that the injection will be ineffective if administered after a certain time, but rather that effective prevention before the onset of the disease can still be beneficial.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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How to administer a tetanus shot: steps

First, an allergy test must be conducted. Based on the results of the allergy test, the application of tetanus antitoxin is decided. The allergy test involves drawing 0.1 ml of antitoxin serum, diluting it with 0.9 ml of isotonic saline, and then injecting 0.05 to 0.1 ml of the diluted solution intradermally on the flexor side of the forearm. An equivalent amount of isotonic saline is injected on the other forearm as a control. Observe for 15-30 minutes. If there is no nodule or resistance at the injection site, it is a negative result. Patients with a negative result can have the rest of the original liquid injected subcutaneously. If a red nodule of about one centimeter or resistance appears at the serum injection site, the allergy test is positive. In this case, a desensitization injection is needed. The desensitization injection involves diluting the required injection fluid and the antitoxin serum with isotonic saline to ten times the volume and administering it subcutaneously in divided doses. After dilution to ten times the volume, which is 10 ml, the initial dose of 1 ml is administered, followed by 2 ml, 3 ml, and 4 ml, with each injection spaced 30 minutes apart until completed.

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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.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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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 Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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What is tetanus?

Tetanus infection occurs when Clostridium tetani invades the human body through skin and mucosal membranes, producing certain neurotoxins that lead to symptoms. As Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic bacterium, it typically thrives in anaerobic environments and is often found in heavily contaminated, muddy, or rusty conditions. Therefore, if there is an infection in a wound that is deep, located in an oxygen-poor environment, or heavily contaminated with dirt or rust, or in cases of extensive open fractures, explosion injuries, etc., anti-tetanus treatment is essential. It is generally recommended to administer an injection within 24 hours of the injury, which includes tetanus toxoid that requires a skin test—this is not to be used by patients with allergies—and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test.