Question

someone is not going to take the tetanus injection what will happen

Answer 1

I wanted to answer this question because of this “24 hours” part in the question.

This is a very common misconception among patients in India.People come rushing in to take the “ Tt” within 24 hours,regardless of any other wound management.

All the answers have gone into the causes of tetanus,so I will address the issue of giving tetanus toxoid within 24 hours.

Actually,tetanus toxoid induces active immunity in the body,ie,it provokes the body into producing antibodies against tetanus.This is a process which takes time,particularly to reach the protective level.Taking a toxoid within 24 hours is illogical,because if you want instant protection,a toxoid just will not work,whether you take within one hour or ten hours or twenty four hours !

For instant protection,ie,protection within 24 hours or as early as possible (which should be the objective ), it is necessary to take Tetanus Immunoglobulin , which consists of ready made antibodies against tetanus.

Tetanus toxoid doses should be taken as per the advice of your doctor,the schedule should be completed and the booster taken at the proper time.T hen,there should be no need to stress over the magic 24 hours in future.

Answer 2

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is an infectioncharacterized by muscle spasms. In the most common type, the spasms begin in the jaw and then progress to the rest of the body.These spasms usually last a few minutes each time and occur frequently for three to four weeks.[1] Spasms may be so severe that bone fractures may occur.[6]Other symptoms may include fever, sweating, headache, trouble swallowing, high blood pressure, and a fast heart rate.[1][6] Onset of symptoms is typically three to twenty-one days following infection.[1] It may take months to recover.[1] About 10% of those infected die.[1]