If you’ve been cut or punctured, it’s highly recommended that you go in to get a tetanus shot as soon as possible – within 48 hours of receiving your injury. If you’re unsure about whether or not you need medical attention, book in for an appointment anyways – when it comes to tetanus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It can take over a week for symptoms of tetanus to appear, so it’s important to get treated even if you’re not showing any signs. When left untreated, tetanus can cause short and long-term complications, such as airway obstruction, difficulty breathing, muscle damage, brain damage, and heart failure.