How many days after an injury does tetanus occur if no shot is given?
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
The incubation period for tetanus is usually around 7 days, with symptoms appearing as early as within 24 hours or as late as several months—or even years—depending on the wound condition, infectious dose, and individual immunity. Once symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms occur, immediate medical attention at a hospital is required. Clostridium tetani enters the body through broken skin or mucous membranes and proliferates in an oxygen-deficient environment.
The incubation period for tetanus is usually around 7 days, but symptoms may appear as early as 24 hours after infection or be delayed for several months—even years—depending on the wound condition, amount of infectious exposure, and individual immunity. Immediate medical attention is required once symptoms such as muscle stiffness or spasms develop.
Tetanus bacteria enter the body through broken skin or mucous membranes, multiply in anaerobic (low-oxygen) environments, produce toxins, and attack the nervous system, causing symptoms. Deep, narrow, contaminated wounds—such as those caused by rusty metal punctures or dirt-contaminated injuries—carry a higher risk of infection and may lead to a shorter incubation period.
Early symptoms typically include tightness in the jaw muscles and difficulty opening the mouth, progressing gradually to neck stiffness, opisthotonos (severe muscle spasms causing arching of the back), and generalized tonic seizures. In severe cases, respiratory muscle spasms can cause suffocation and death. Individuals who have not been vaccinated against tetanus or whose vaccination history is incomplete should promptly receive passive immunization and tetanus vaccination after injury.
For daily care, maintain a quiet environment to avoid triggering spasms with noise or light stimulation, ensure airway patency, provide high-calorie, easily digestible food, strengthen wound care, keep the affected area clean and dry, prevent secondary infections, and promote wound healing.
