4kids4me Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 I cut my leg on a rusty metal thing (I have no idea what it was). It's not a deep wound, but it's bleeding. Is this the same as stepping on a rusty nail??? Do I need a tetanus shot? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenn in FL Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Be completely certain of the answer to this question... Have you had a tetanus shot within the past 10 years? If so, then you don't need one for this incident. If not, then I would definitely go to see your Dr. and let them know what happened. I will venture to say that you will receive one! Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady Marmalade Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Yes. Unless you've had a tetanus shot recently (and you'd certainly remember if it was recently!) you should go in ASAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paintedlady Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 I'd say yes, you need one. I hadn't had a tetanus shot in a long time when I ripped off a toenail and my Dr. still wanted me to have one. Better safe than sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4kids4me Posted November 4, 2011 Author Share Posted November 4, 2011 Ok, I had one in 2008. I was a little embarrassed calling the doctor's office...turns out I should have been more embarrassed by posting here! No lockjaw for this mama!!! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scrapbookbuzz Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Be completely certain of the answer to this question... Have you had a tetanus shot within the past 10 years? If so, then you don't need one for this incident. If not, then I would definitely go to see your Dr. and let them know what happened. I will venture to say that you will receive one! Jen :iagree: WSS (what she said) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassoonaroo Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 (edited) Here's what I remember from The Sewing Needle in the Carpet Episode: 1) Adults should get tetanus boosters every 10 years. 2) If you step on something that could cause tetanus and it's been greater than five years since that last shoot, go get a booster within 2 days (or was it three). Tetanus bacteria are anaerobic -- they need an oxygen free environment. So, if you scrape your knee on something, no issue because all the wound is exposed to the air. However, if something is deep where air won't get to the deepest part of the wound, you need the shot (unless your booster was within the last 5 years). And, even clean things (ie. "not rusty") can have tetanus spores. Tetanus is nasty. It's super rare in USA because we vaccinate. I actually knew a guy here in USA that got tetanus (they thought it was encephalitis at first...)! It's more common in third-world country where infants get it and it kills them. Since you had a shot in 2008, you should be just fine! That was 3 years ago, so you are in that window. However, while tetanus won't get you, ordinary staph and strep germs could. Keep an eye on the wound and keep it clean and if it gets angry or red or streaky, go in. Edited November 4, 2011 by Bassoonaroo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Ok, I had one in 2008. I was a little embarrassed calling the doctor's office...turns out I should have been more embarrassed by posting here! No lockjaw for this mama!!! :D Glad you will be ok! Don't be embarrassed, better safe than sorry is my motto. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeBlessings Posted November 4, 2011 Share Posted November 4, 2011 Glad you asked and checked with your doctor before getting a shot. Lots of people would just do it, so pat on the back! Unnecessary medical intervention is never a good thing. I would suggest you soak the wound in salt water to help keep other infections at bay. Salt water is miraculous! I've actually had infections in my toenail twice now complete with red streak, I soaked in salt water several times in a day, it was gone. I hope you heal up quickly, the foot is a tender place for a wound. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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