Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial infection that can enter the body through minor cuts and wounds. Dr. Mandeep Singh, a Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital Ludhiana, emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination, advising that individuals should receive a tetanus shot as soon as possible after an injury. Ideally, this should occur within 48 hours, and within 24 hours for deep or contaminated wounds. Symptoms of tetanus can begin within a week of infection, and delaying vaccination increases the risk of serious complications. Tetanus affects the nervous system, leading to severe symptoms such as muscle stiffness and spasms, which can be life-threatening. While antibiotics can help manage the infection, they cannot reverse nerve damage caused by the toxins. Therefore, prevention through vaccination is vital. Dr. Singh also notes that immunity from the tetanus shot diminishes over time, necessitating booster shots every 10 years, or every 5 years for more serious injuries. Immediate medical attention is crucial for deep or dirty wounds to reduce the risk of tetanus infection.