How to Prevent and Treat Tetanus
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
To prevent tetanus, it is important to promptly treat wounds, receive tetanus vaccination, strengthen protection for high-risk groups, follow proper medical procedures, and maintain daily precautions. Treatment for tetanus involves wound debridement, administration of tetanus antitoxin, anti-infective therapy, symptomatic and supportive care, and maintaining a well-controlled environment. For deep wounds or suspected symptoms of tetanus, immediate medical attention is recommended.
To prevent tetanus, it is important to promptly treat wounds, receive tetanus vaccination, strengthen protection for high-risk groups, follow proper medical procedures, and maintain daily precautions. Treatment of tetanus involves wound debridement, administration of tetanus antitoxin, anti-infective therapy, symptomatic and supportive care, and maintaining a well-managed environment. If a deep wound occurs or symptoms suggestive of tetanus appear, immediate medical attention is recommended.
1. How to Prevent Tetanus
1. Prompt Wound Care: Immediately clean wounds with water or normal saline after injury to remove foreign materials and contaminants, thereby preventing bacterial growth. Seek prompt medical attention for deep or heavily contaminated wounds to reduce the risk of infection by *Clostridium tetani*.
2. Tetanus Vaccination: Children should receive combination vaccines containing tetanus toxoid according to the immunization schedule. Adults should receive a booster dose every 5–10 years. After injury, additional vaccination may be required based on wound characteristics and vaccination history, as advised by a healthcare provider, to ensure effective immune protection.
3. Protect High-Risk Groups: Individuals working in high-injury-risk occupations such as construction or mechanical repair should wear gloves and protective gear to prevent skin injuries. Regular health check-ups can help lower the risk of infection.
4. Follow Proper Medical Procedures: When undergoing surgeries, punctures, or other medical procedures, choose accredited medical facilities and ensure that all instruments are strictly sterilized to prevent *Clostridium tetani* from entering the body due to improper practices.
5. Daily Precautions: Avoid contact with rusted metal, soil, and other materials that may carry tetanus bacteria in daily life. Wear protective gloves when handling animal feces or decaying matter to minimize the risk of infection.
2. How to Treat Tetanus
1. Wound Debridement: After diagnosis, thoroughly clean the wound by removing necrotic tissue and contaminants. Rinse with antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide to inhibit the growth of *Clostridium tetani*. Drainage may be necessary to promote healing.
2. Administration of Tetanus Antitoxin: Administer tetanus antitoxin or human tetanus immunoglobulin as early as possible to neutralize free tetanus toxin in the body, reduce neurological damage, and decrease disease severity.
3. Anti-Infective Therapy: Use antibiotics as prescribed to eliminate *Clostridium tetani*, control the spread of infection, prevent further toxin production, and assist in alleviating the condition.
4. Symptomatic and Supportive Care: Use sedatives to relieve muscle spasms. For patients with breathing difficulties, provide oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation to support respiratory function and maintain stable vital signs.
5. Environmental and Nursing Care: Provide a quiet, dimly lit, low-stimulation environment to avoid triggering muscle spasms through sound or light. Closely monitor the patient’s condition and adjust treatment plans promptly as needed.
After any injury, proper wound care is essential. Keep wounds clean and dry, avoid overly tight bandaging, maintain regular作息 (sleep patterns), enhance immunity, promote wound healing, and reduce the risk of infection-related complications.
