2006-07-16 02:57:51 · 18 answers · asked by amulz1234 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
I stepped on a rusty metal stump sticking up from the ground and cut the bottom of my foot not bad but scraped it I had a shot 11 years ago should I bother going to the doctors.
2006-07-16 03:00:59 · update #1
Way too much misinformation here, much of it, as usual, from nurses. Here's the straight dope:
How long a tetanus shot "lasts" is not the same as when you should get another one, or when you should go to the doc. ROUTINE immunization with tetanus is recommended every 10 years, just to prevent you from losing protective immunity entirely.
But if you have a tetanus prone wound- thats one that is a puncture or deep crushing wound which may be soil contaminated, you should get a booster even if it has been only 5 or more years since your last. Why? Because a tetaunus prone woulnd may lead to tetanus EVEN in an immunized person- a booster may help prevent you from more serious forms of tetanus (seizures and lockjaw) if your wound is infected by tetanus. A booster in this case should be given WITHIN HOURS of the puncture wound.
TWO other reasons to go the the doctor: A. If its really risky for tetanus ( and that means SOIL contamination, not anything to do with rust) you may need to get a shot of tetanus immune globulin- this is injected into and around the wound after its debrided. B. Other germs can infect puncture wounds, especially pseudomonas if your punctured through a sneaker. Antibiotics may save you a lot of grief a few days later.
2006-07-17 04:45:41 · answer #1 · answered by hobo_chang_bao 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I have pasted some information about Tetanus Shot below for you. I just love how so many people answer these questions yet have NO idea what they are talking about. Good luck to you.
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis). This is the first booster shot for tetanus and is recommended for children between ages 11 and 12 years who have completed the DTaP vaccination series. Teens or adults who have never had the Tdap vaccine should talk to their doctors about getting it for their next tetanus booster.
Td (tetanus and diphtheria). This vaccine is given as a booster shot every 10 years.
If you have a dirty cut or wound and have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, have a tetanus shot within 48 hours. Some people may need tetanus immune globulin (TIG) for a wound that is at high risk for developing tetanus. The immune globulin is usually only needed if you have not (or do not know whether you have) completed the tetanus vaccination series.
Tetanus immunization protects against tetanus (lockjaw), a bacterial infection that can occur when tetanus bacteria get in a wound (break in the skin or mucous membrane). Tetanus bacteria usually are found in the soil, especially dirty areas, such as areas with animal feces. The dirtier the wound, the higher the risk of tetanus. However, tetanus can also develop in a clean wound.
Tetanus bacteria enter the body through skin wounds and thrive only in the absence of oxygen. So, the deeper and narrower the wound and the less oxygen around the wound, the greater the possibility of tetanus. Preventing tetanus infection is important, because tetanus is often fatal.
Tetanus shot reaction
Occasionally an individual will have a localized reaction to a tetanus shot. Symptoms include warmth, swelling, and redness at the injection site. A fever of up to 100 °F(37.8 °C) may occur. Home treatment can help reduce the discomfort.
Take a nonprescription medication for pain and fever. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless it is prescribed by a health professional.
Apply an ice pack to the injection site for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day for the first 24 to 48 hours. After 48 hours, heat may feel better.
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Last updated: February 13, 2006
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2006-07-16 11:23:49 · answer #2 · answered by pinkribbons&walking4boobies 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's technically good for 10 years, but if you get a wound like yours, you should have had a shot within 4-5 years. Go get a tetanus shot asap
2006-07-16 17:16:36 · answer #3 · answered by the_great_melissa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From my experience, they are good for 10 years, only if you don't injure yourself. Since it has been 11 years, you stated and it involved a rusty stump, yes deffinately, you should check with your doctor abouting getting a tetanus shot.
2006-07-16 03:38:20 · answer #4 · answered by naenae4570 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without experiencing an injury, you need a booster every 10 years, however, if you are injured and it's been more than 7 years since you've had one, you need another. Your injury is the perfect set up for tetanus, and at 11 years...get yourself to an ER NOW!!
2006-07-16 06:13:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 years.
2006-07-16 03:02:36 · answer #6 · answered by Billy W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
5 years.
2006-07-16 03:01:02 · answer #7 · answered by Ava Wang 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes ofcourse a tetanus shot must be taken every 5 years as a booster
2006-07-16 07:01:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A tetanus shot is good for ten years.
2006-07-16 05:30:26 · answer #9 · answered by Art The Wise 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you should go to your doctor. If you are not sure that you are immunized for life time taking all the booster dose for Tetanus.
2006-07-16 06:54:53 · answer #10 · answered by Ovaga 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋