A cut while chopping vegetables, a scrape after a fall, or a deep wound from a road accident may seem like a routine injury. But some wounds are susceptible to tetanus, a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani. The bacterium lives in dust, manure, and soil, and forms spores that can enter the body through broken skin.
Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust. Career journey and experience Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee.
Education and professional background Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Editorial Philosophy I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. Tetanus is a nervous system disease that causes painful muscle tightening and spasms, especially in the jaw and neck, and can be fatal if left untreated. Anirvan Karmakar, Sr. Consultant – Adult Critical Care Medicine, Narayana Hospital, Howrah, tells Health Shots . Whether you need a tetanus vaccine after an injury depends on the type of injury and the person’s immunization history. Not every cut needs a tetanus shot. A minor, clean wound is one of the least dangerous. But deeper or contaminated wounds need more attention, such as puncture wounds from stepping on a nail; wounds contaminated with soil, dirt, feces, or saliva; animal or human bites; burns; crush injuries; compound fractures; and wounds with dead or damaged tissue. Wound care is still important. Clean the wound thoroughly and remove any dirt or foreign material. Dead tissue, if any, may be removed surgically. Antibiotics should not replace tetanus vaccination. Symptoms of tetanus may usually appear a few days after an injury, and some individuals may not even remember a specific wound. Jaw stiffness, difficulty swallowing, or painful muscle spasms require immediate medical attention. Tetanus is a medical emergency and should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. The rule is simple: don’t assess a wound solely by its size. What matters is the depth of the wound, the degree of contamination, and your vaccination history. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)
When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers. Because it is small, that is why you should not ignore a wound on the road , especially one covered in mud or grit, simply. If you’re unsure, such as in the case of a puncture wound, an injury due to a fall on the road, a bite, a burn, or any other kind of contaminated wound, you should get a medical evaluation as soon as possible and have a healthcare professional decide whether or not you need a tetanus booster or further protection. ( Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
“Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination and proper wound care,” Dr. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.
Subject expertise With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions. In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.
From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?
