What happens if you don't get a tetanus shot? Is it that serious?

Some people always think that they are in great shape and that even if they are injured, they do not need a tetanus shot and will recover after a while. However, adverse reactions occurred, and Clostridium tetani invaded the wound, forming an acute infectious disease.

1. Serious consequences

Not taking tetanus antitoxin may result in tetanus. Tetanus is an acute infectious disease characterized by systemic muscle rigidity and spasm caused by Clostridium tetani invading human wounds, growing and multiplying in an anaerobic environment, producing neurotropic exotoxins. Symptoms include restlessness and irritability, followed by clenched jaws, stiff neck muscles, and finally persistent stiffness of the entire body. It can also cause suffocation due to convulsions, or death due to heart failure caused by severe muscle spasms. It is best to get the vaccine if you can. Although the chance of contracting tetanus is very small, once infected it cannot be cured, so it is best to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Generally, tetanus antitoxin will be ineffective if injected 24 hours after the injury.

2. What are the symptoms of tetanus?

1. Incubation period: The length varies and is often related to factors such as whether or not the patient has received vaccinations, the nature and location of the trauma, and the treatment of the wound. Usually 7-8 days, but can be as short as 24 hours or as long as several months or years.

2. Prodromal stage: fatigue, dizziness, headache, chewing weakness, hyperreflexia, irritability, local pain, muscle stretching, convulsion and rigidity, jaw tension and difficulty opening the mouth.

3. Attack period: continuous muscle contraction. The first are the masticatory muscles, followed by the face, neck, back, abdomen, limbs, and finally the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

4. Sound, light vibration, drinking water and injection can induce paroxysmal convulsions. The patient remained conscious and had no abnormal sensations. Generally no high fever.

3. Ways to prevent tetanus include:

1. Treat wounds correctly. For minor wounds, you can first use tap water or well water to rinse off the mud and dust on the outside of the wound. If conditions permit, you can apply iodine or other disinfectants on the wound, then cover the wound with a clean cloth, bandage it gently, and then go to the hospital for further treatment. For some large wounds, you can first press the wound with a clean cloth and then go to the hospital for treatment quickly.

2. Pay attention to maternal hygiene.

3. Get vaccinated.