You know those needles on tag punchers? I threw the puncher into the air and caught it but just kinda stabbed my hand with the needle. The lable on the side says that life threatening diseases can be transmitted by poking oneself with said needle. Ive worked retail for awhile and find it ridiculious a common item could do such damage, but I did poke myself fairly deep....should I have anything to worry about?
2007-06-24 12:44:47 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
I told my manager, she said it wasnt a problem (typical retail).
I also did wash my hands, but I dont think I used soap.
I am scheduling a doctor appointment this week. Thank you all for your replys, Im much more worried now but also much more informed.
2007-06-24 14:32:47 · update #1
I have no idea how long ago the injury occurred but I hope you washed your hands. See your doctor who can advise you as the best course of action, a tetanus booster or something more. Why would you find it ridiculous that a life-threatening disease could be transmitted by an unsterile, contaminated metal object that has come into contact with who knows what, who knows how many times???
2007-06-24 13:21:45 · answer #1 · answered by TweetyBird 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would worry. I did the same thing and almost lost my hand. It was awful and I thought the same thing you did. No needle can do that. Well, the doctor told me that really harmful bacteria gets into that whole where the plastic comes out. the needle then punctures skin and bacteria is released in the entire body, not just the blood.
It is hard to get rid of and I couldn't use my hand for about 6 weeks. It really swelled up after 3rd week when I thought it was getting better. Go to the Emergency Room Now. And bring the tag puncher with you so that thew doctors can dispose of it correctly.
2007-06-24 19:55:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The label is on the tag puncher just in case someone intentionally pokes himself with it, then sues; that way he cannot say, "I didn't know it would hurt me!" Seriously, if you haven't had a tetanus shot within 10 years, go get one. If you have had one within 10 years, watch the wound for signs of infection (inflammation, red streaks, pus) and see a physician if this happens. And don't throw tag punchers into the air anymore!
2007-06-24 19:54:43 · answer #3 · answered by july 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The needle probably has never been cleaned, so make sure your tetanus shot is up to date and watch for signs of blood poisoning. Blood poisoning would be indicated by a red line starting at the puncture spot. If you see that, you need to go to the ER immediately.
2007-06-24 20:04:51 · answer #4 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It can't be good for you. I'd at least check up on your tetanus shots, if I were you.
Just remember, when you get poked by a tag puncher, you're not just getting poked by that tag puncher; you're getting poked by every tag that that tag puncher has poked before you.
2007-06-24 19:51:13 · answer #5 · answered by ELuhnAbroad 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should be worried if you haven't had a Tetanus shot within the last 10 years.
2007-06-24 19:47:18 · answer #6 · answered by doctorbobf 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
have you had a tetanus shot recently? did you report the incident to your supervisor? if not, do so.
2007-06-24 21:07:56 · answer #7 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋